Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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FRED, John

(b John Fred Gourrier, 8 May '41, Baton Rouge LA) Singer, bandleader. Cut first record late '58 with Fats Domino's band while still in high school: "Shirley' by "John Fred and the Playboys' reached no. 82 in pop chart. Other singles less successful, though using the Jordanaires and Mac Rebennack on some sessions. Attended university '60-3 (played basketball; his father Fred Gorrier had played baseball with the Detroit Tigers); new Playboy Band gained regional following with singles on N-Joy, Jewel labels '63-5; switched to Paula; seventh Paula single "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)' became no. 1 in USA, no. 3 UK, a bubblegum piece owing much to the Beatles' "Lucy In The Sky'. A pop-soul band covering material by James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, etc, Playboys toured Europe (with Traffic in Hamburg); did psychedelic LP Permanently Stated; had further hit "Hey, Hey, Bunny' in '68 and broke up. Fred reformed and made more singles '69-76 but no more hits. Later producing records as vice-president of RCS, Baton Rouge.