Ronnie Gaylord

Ronnie Gaylord (born Ronald L. 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. Among their many hits are "Tell Me You're Mine", "From the Vine Came the Grape", and "The Little Shoemaker".

Biography Early life Gaylord was born Ronald L. Fredianelli on June 12, 1930, in Detroit to Joseph and Florence (née Antico) Fredianelli. Gaylord was Italian on both sides: and his mother's parents were from Naples. They both attended the University of Detroit Mercy to study pre-law. 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. This was an Italian love song, "Per un Bacio d'Amore", with English lyrics written by the band and "an upbeat chorus".

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 was discharged from the military in 1958 and returned to the Gaylords, where he had been temporarily replaced by Billy Christ. 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". Rea, who had been an accompanying part of the Gaylords for several years, officially left the band in 1975. These appearances include The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Jukebox Jury, and The Ford Show. In 1985, they created Famiglia, described by Holiday as "an Italian Fiddler on the Roof", written by Gaylord. 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. "Oh, Am I Lonely?" (performed by Gaylord); Gaylord continued performing until the end; his last gig was in Michigan just four months before his death in January 2004. and three, Christopher (1967-2025), Anthony, and Tiffany, with his second wife, Terry (1942-2023), who he was with for 35 years. and previously played with heavy metal band Apocrypha and cover band Loveshack; Melissa, his eldest daughter, is a teacher.

Later years and death When not performing, Gaylord enjoyed painting, sketching, sculpting, and collecting cars.

Gaylord died on January 25, 2004, in his Las Vegas home, following an eight-year battle with cancer. He hid his diagnosis from everyone, including his wife Terry and partner Burt, for as long as he could so he could continue performing.