Ronnie Gaylord

{{short description|American singer, songwriter, pantomimer and comedian}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Ronnie Gaylord

| image = The Gaylords 1960.JPG

| alt = Two men in suits and bowties smile and pose, with Ronnie Gaylord leaning above Burt Holiday. There is a small yellow box in the bottom corner identifying them as The Gaylords.

| caption = Gaylord (top) and partner Burt Holiday in 1960

| birth_name = Ronald L. Fredianelli

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|06|12}}

| birth_place = Detroit, Michigan, USA

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2004|01|25|1930|06|12}}

| death_place = Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

| other_names = Ronnie Vincent

| occupation =

| years_active = 1950s—2004

| known_for = The Gaylords
Gaylord and Holiday

| notable_works =

}}

Ronnie Gaylord (born Ronald Fredianelli; June 12, 1930, Detroit—January 25, 2004, Las Vegas) was an Italian-American musician, songwriter, pantomimer, and comedian best known as a member of the band The Gaylords and the music/comedy duo Gaylord and Holiday.{{cite news|author=|date=1954-02-21|title=Old Italian song put Gaylords at the top|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/402177415/|work=Dayton Daily News|location=Dayton, OH|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} Among their many hits are "Tell Me You're Mine", "From the Vine Came the Grape", and "The Little Shoemaker".{{cite news|last=Farnan|first=Jackie|date=1976-06-10|title=Good blend of music, comedy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/136946660/|work=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, NY|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} He adopted the stage name Ronnie Gaylord in the 1950s after going by Ronnie Vincent for a brief period.{{cite news|author=|date=1953-12-12|title=Vocal group on TV show|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/98370605/|work=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, MI|access-date=2022-01-01|via=newspapers.com}}

Biography

=Early life=

Gaylord was born Ronald L. "Ronnie" Fredianelli on June 12, 1930, in Detroit to Joseph and Florence (née Antico) Fredianelli.{{cite news|last=Hartman|first=Forrest|date=2004-01-27|title=Nevada showroom singer dies at 73|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/149876213/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite web|url=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?dbid=60872&h=394600&indiv=try&o_vc=Record:OtherRecord&rhSource=9093|title=Florence Fredianelli in the Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952|date=1932|publisher=Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics|via=ancestry.com|access-date=2022-01-01}}{{cite book|last=Betts|first=Graham|title=Motown Encyclopedia|url={{Google books|RG_LAwAAQBAJ|page=42|plainurl=yes}}|page=42}} His mother died of pulmonary tuberculosis in 1932; his father remarried Frances (née Graziana) in 1937.{{cite news|author=|date=2000-02-04|title=Fredianelli|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/100087068/|work=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, MI|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite web|url=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=9093&h=1177859&ssrc=pt&tid=179965783&pid=192341965836&usePUB=true|title=Mr Joseph Fredianelli in the Michigan, U.S., Marriage Records, 1867-1952|date=1937|publisher=Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics|via=ancestry.com|access-date=2022-01-01}} Gaylord is Italian on both sides:{{cite news|last=Shane|first=Maxine F.|date=1971-04-02|title=Reno-based comedy act may get major tv break|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/150665130/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} his father was born in Boveglio{{cite web|url=https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/268512490:2238|title=Joseph Anthony Fredianelli in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947|date=1940|publisher=U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947|via=ancestry.com|access-date=2022-01-01}} and his mother's parents were from Naples.

Gaylord grew up in the same east side Detroit neighborhood as Bonaldo Bonaldi (later known as Burt Holiday), purportedly his cousin,{{cite news|last=Kleiner|first=Dick|date=1953-06-24|title=The Marquee|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/623619373/|work=The Pomona Progress Bulletin|location=Pomona, CA|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} and they both attended the University of Detroit Mercy to study pre-law.{{cite news|last=Blum|first=Walter|date=1963-12-22|title=The whacky songs of two paisanos|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/458713459/|work=The San Francisco Examiner|location=San Francisco, CA|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} In 1947, while still students, Bonaldi and Gaylord (then still known as Fredianelli) formed a musical group called the Gay Lords with classmate Don Rea. They performed on campus and in clubs around Detroit; a newspaper misprinted their name from the Gay Lords to the Gaylords, which they took on.{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Perry|date=1987-10-06|title=Night Sounds|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/758424278/|work=Oakland Tribune|location=Oakland, CA|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} Gaylord finished two years of law school before quitting to tour with the band.{{cite news|last=Barnard|first=Ken|date=1962-12-07|title=What's in a name? Not the Gaylords|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/98638657/|work=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, MI|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}

=Career=

The first hit by the Gaylords was "Tell Me You're Mine" which hit #2 on the music charts upon its release in 1952. The record sold more than 1.2 million copies and was a gold record.{{cite news|author=|date=1964-02-07|title=Gaylord & Holiday provide 'perfect blend' at Harvey's|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/151446792|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} This was an Italian love song, "Per un Bacio d'Amore", with English lyrics written by the band and "an upbeat chorus". Singing popular Italian songs in English, and popular English songs in Italian, continued to be a part of the Gaylords' style throughout their career.{{cite news|author=|date=1961-06-16|title=Six acts featured at Wagon Wheel, Tahoe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/149781060/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}

Not long after, Gaylord was drafted into the Korean War; he finished basic at Camp Atterbury and was subsequently assigned to the Special Services. He sang with the military band, did a number of singing commercials, and continued to produce music as a solo artist for Mercury Records. His hit song "Cuddle Me" was in the Billboard Top 20 Singles between March and May 1954.{{cite book|last=McAleer|first=Dave|title=The Book of Hit Singles: Top 20 Charts from 1954 to the Present Day|url={{Google books|Li2Aili31pcC|plainurl=yes}}}} He guest starred on the Army-sponsored radio show Club 31 and, in addition to "Cuddle Me", recorded "Coquette" and "Tell Me You Love Me Tonight".{{cite news|last=Freers|first=Jackie|date=1953-06-24|title=Pvt. Ronnie Gaylord waxes hits on passes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/311419077/|work=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, IN|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news|last=Green|first=Ann|date=1953-06-29|title=Entirely Personal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/129005573/|work=The Republic|location=Columbus, IN|access-date=2022-01-01|via=newspapers.com}}

He was discharged from the military in 1958 and returned to the Gaylords, where he had been temporarily replaced by Billy Christ. After a brief split between Gaylord and Holiday, they reunited and began rebuilding the band to its success before the war. The following year, Bonaldi and Gaylord moved to Nevada together to work on the lounge circuit, a gig that was quite popular at the time.{{cite news|last=Spencer|first=Harry|date=2004-01-30|title=Memory|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/149885221|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} In the 1960s, they began billing as both a music and comedy duo. Their sets variously included poking fun at the city (when they were traveling); taking up stereotypical Italian personas and putting them in improbable situations; and impressions of other musicians, including The Mills Brothers, Elvis Presley, and Sonny and Cher.{{cite news|author=|date=1961-06-02|title=Six groups featured at Wagon Wheel|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/149731396/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news|last=Morgan|first=Cynthia L.|date=1975-08-09|title=Comedy duo drawing on area humor|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/676727050/|work=The Kansas City Times|location=Kansas City, MO|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} Gaylord wrote "I'll Trade You Laughter For Love" for fellow lounge circuit performer Don Rickles, who eventually used the song as his "theme song". In 1966, they performed at Frank Sinatra's wedding to Mia Farrow.{{cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/jan/14/lords-of-las-vegas-with-more-than-50-years-of-expe/|title=Lords of Las Vegas: With more than 50 years of experience, Gaylords have seen it all|date=2003-01-14|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=2022-01-01}} Rea, who had been an accompanying part of the Gaylords for several years, officially left the band in 1975.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Gaylord appeared on a number of variety shows while the genre was at its peak, most of the time with Holiday but at times on his own.{{cite news|last=Masullo|first=Robert|date=1986-06-23|title=Movie project, tape put spotlight on Gaylords|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/622539807/|work=The Sacramento Bee|location=Sacramento, CA|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} These appearances include The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Hollywood Palace, Moving Wheels, The Johnny Carson Show, Headline Hunters, Melodies and Money, The Flip Wilson Show,{{cite news|last=Kohn|first=Martin F.|date=1999-05-18|title='Sunshine Boys' really live the part|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/100057564/|work=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, MI|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} Jukebox Jury,{{cite news|author=|date=1954-03-13|title=TV Magie|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/580405059/|work=Valley Times|location=North Hollywood, CA|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} and The Ford Show. In 1965, the two were working on a pilot for their own TV show, but it never came to fruition.{{cite news|author=|date=1965-11-12|title=Gaylord and Holiday at Harvey's Pavilion|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/148258385|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}

In 1985, they created Famiglia, described by Holiday as "an Italian Fiddler on the Roof", written by Gaylord. The film was eventually converted into a musical for stage.{{cite web|url=http://www2.sharonherald.com/localnews/recentnews/9807/ln072398i.html|title=Gaylord's autobiographical show is really a musical 'Famiglia' affair|date=1998-07-23|publisher=The Herald|last=Pinchot|first=Joe|access-date=2021-12-31}} It follows the lives of a three-generation Italian family, starring Gaylord as the middle generation; Holiday as his father; and Gaylord's son Tony as his son. His wife Terry and son Ron Jr. also appear.

In addition to playing guitar, violin, bass, banjo, and mandolin, Gaylord was a talented songwriter who wrote a number of hits, including "Cuddle Me" (performed by Gaylord);{{cite book|author= Library of Congress. Copyright Office|title=Catalog of Copyright Entries|url={{Google books|hTUhAQAAIAAJ|page=92|plainurl=yes}}|page=92}} "Oh, Am I Lonely?" (performed by Gaylord); "I'll Trade You Laughter For Love" (performed by Don Rickles); "I Will Never Pass This Way Again" (performed by Glen Campbell), and "Wondering!" (performed by The Gaylords).{{cite news|last=Trulock|first=Harold|date=1953-10-22|title=Mariners set sail with 'Mama'|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/311445174|work=The Indianapolis News|location=Indianapolis, IN|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}

Gaylord continued performing until the end; his last gig was in Michigan just four months before his death in January 2004.

=Personal life=

Gaylord stayed in the Las Vegas/Reno area from the time he and Holiday moved there in 1959 until his death. He had two children, Ronald Jr. (1956-2022) and Melissa, with his first wife, Teena,{{cite news|author=|title=Popular singer trains at camp|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/95909209/|work=The Franklin Evening Star|location=Franklin, IN|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news|author=|title=A membership luncheon|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/79040219/|work=Nevada State Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} and three, Christopher (1967-2025), Anthony, and Tiffany, with his second wife, Terry (1942-2023), who he was with for 35 years.

Four of five children are or were involved in show business. Tony was the guitarist for Third Eye Blind until 2010{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/third-eye-blind-ordered-pay-650001/|title=Third Eye Blind Ordered to Pay $448K to Former Guitarist|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|date=2013-10-22|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2021-12-31}} and previously played with heavy metal band Apocrypha and cover band Loveshack; Tiffany sang at Texas Station with Loveshack and at MGM Grand Las Vegas with Venus; Ron Jr. filled his father's role in Gaylord and Holiday;{{cite news|last=Jackson|first=Dana|date=2006-11-05|title=The Gaylords do music, comedy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/363456571/|work=Detroit Free Press|location=Detroit, MI|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}} and Chris is a musician.{{cite web|url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2008/jul/10/sparkle-dim-and-fade-black/|title=SPARKLE … DIM … AND FADE TO BLACK|last=Seabaugh|date=2012-01-07|publisher=Las Vegas Weekly|access-date=2021-01-01}} Chris died of cancer in April 2025; Melissa, his eldest daughter, is a teacher.{{cite news|author=|date=2000-05-28|title=Runners-up|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/149403460/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2022-01-01|via=newspapers.com}} He was also survived by his grandchildren Jaime Fredianelli-Lessig{{cite news|author=|date=2002-04-21|title=Marriage licenses|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/150317906/|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|location=Reno, NV|access-date=2022-01-01|via=newspapers.com}} and Joseph Fredianelli, and great-grandchildren Jared Phillips and Kaylee Lessig.

When not performing, Gaylord enjoyed painting, sketching, sculpting, and collecting cars.{{cite news|last=Wasserman|first=Jack|date=1963-06-26|title=Reporter's notebook|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/491919494/|work=The Vancouver Sun|location=Vancouver, BC|access-date=2021-12-31|via=newspapers.com}}

Gaylord died on January 25, 2004, in his Las Vegas home following an eight-year battle with cancer.{{cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jan/28/fredianelli-founder-of-gaylords-dies/|title=Fredianelli, founder of Gaylords, dies|last1=Rawlyk|first1=Heather|last2=Koch|first2=Ed|date=2004-01-28|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=2021-12-31}} He hid his diagnosis from everyone, including his wife Terry and partner Burt, for as long as he could so he could continue performing.