By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

During the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Congressional DC Fly-In on April 26–27, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready joined his NAIC colleagues in advocating for federal reforms that would reinforce state-based insurance regulation and strengthen policyholder protections. Topics discussed with members of Congress included long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), and returning authority to the states to oversee Medicare Advantage marketing.
“Coordinating with the federal government plays an essential role in our department’s work to protect consumers and keep insurance markets stable and secure in Oklahoma. I greatly enjoyed speaking with members of our federal delegation about issues that impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to continuing to work together on their behalf,” said Commissioner Mulready.
The NAIC’s annual Congressional Fly-In offers chief state insurance regulators and senior staff the opportunity to meet with their congressional delegation, discuss efforts to assist constituents, brief lawmakers on regulatory developments in insurance, and advocate for state and NAIC priorities.
If you have insurance questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

The stock markets were not a happy hunting ground for investors in 2022. It brought losses to the investors. Clouds of tension and unrest float around, and investors are heavily concerned. The question that dangles in the open ground of the stock market:

-What’s going to happen in the year 2023?

Yes, the concerns bear substance because the Federal Reserve tightened interest rates. At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine war casts dark shadows and points towards an economic recession at the offing.

Therefore we discuss some of the major stock market predictions that can make you aware as an investor.

What’s Going To Happen In The Stock Market In The Year 2023?

Investments have always been subject to market risk, and therefore the study of the stock markets needs to be taken care of all the time if you are an investor. Afterall, you have to be judicious with your investment to avoid losses. So here we try to put a picture to answer the question of what will happen in the stock markets in the year 2023.

1. Bear Market By The End Of The Year 

The question around the investor’s mind is what will the broader markets do in the year 2023?

Based on the previous trends and the pundits of Wall Streets’ opinion, one can expect a bearish movement of the markets this particular year.

The federal reserves lowered the interest rates to pump blood into the economy. But the events will have their repercussions. Therefore, it is normal that the markets may be weak this year. So you have to be highly aware of the investments.

2. Recession At The End Of The Year 

According to the pundits on the economy in the USA, the economy might dip into recession in the year 2023. The long-term maturing bonds will yield a lower yield than the short-term ones. You can take the help of a trusted broker to ask for investments. Check out the link, stocks trading Sweden, to understand things in detail.

With a recession, the chance of getting returns on investment becomes extremely slim, as simple as it is. Therefore as a new investor, you have to keep your eyes open to the changes that are expected to take place and then take the measures adequately.

3. Healthcare Sector Will Be The Top-Performing Sector 

We say how helpless the world looked during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the countries with the best medical infrastructure thoroughly failed to manage healthcare.

In 2023, the socks of healthcare companies have a high chance of performing upto expectations. Therefore, as an investor, you can invest in these stocks to get a good return in the short and long run.

4. Gold Mining Stocks Can Emerge To Be One Of The Frontrunners 

In terms of the industry, gold stocks can reclaim from the gloom. They can come out strongly in the stock markets. There are several potential tailwinds for precious metal and mining stock this year. High inflation and other factors led to the potential downfall.

The gold stocks can perform and even exceed the expectation of the investors as they might see a bullish rise in the markets. Therefore you can look for gold to gain positivity from the markets.

5. Energy Stock May Struggle

While there are high opportunities for gold, there is a path of thorns for the energy sector in 2023.

If recession materializes in the USA, the demand for energy commodities would steadily decline in the USA market. This is what the experts project from the markets. Therefore you need to be aware before investing in energy stocks as things might take a lot of work in the coming days.

6. A Large Company May Suffer Doom

The automobile world is viewing large market changes with the arrival of EVs. Most tech giants started to look futuristic toward making EvS. But for Toyota Motors and other giants, the clouds of uncertainties still outweigh consensus heavily.

Investors need to understand that these large automobile companies are not immune to supply chain- inflationary and demand-based headwinds. Therefore, the chance of

Story by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

Nerve pain is a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly seniors. The Northwest Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic (NRNC), located in the shared medical building Edgewater Medical Center is rapidly building more local facilities to address the nerve pain seniors experience.
The NRNC celebrated its first anniversary on March 23 with a community coffee sponsored by the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber, followed by a ribbon cutting and open house. This Northwest NRNC was the first opened in the greater Oklahoma City area, followed by clinics in South Oklahoma City and recently Norman.
The clinic’s mission is to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through innovative nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief so that patients reclaim their joy, mobility, and freedom. The Nerve Renewal clinic treats all types of neuropathic pain. This includes diabetic, chemotherapy induced, autoimmune, injury sustained, and surgically related to name a few.
The three clinics and the new one to be opened in June in Midwest City are making therapy more accessible to patients who may have difficulty traveling long distances due to persistent nerve pain. Patients do not need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment. The clinics offer Electroanalgesia (EA) treatments, which have been approved by Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA and have been shown in studies to provide long-term pain reduction for up to 80 percent of patients without surgery or medication.
NRNC CEO Tim Bales, 60, said the Northwest clinic staff has provided 6,500 treatments in the year it has been open. “The number of Oklahomans our ability to help with their nerve pain has been way above our expectations,” Bales said. “Our staff care about their patients and are good at their jobs. We proudly introduce Stacey Wilson today, who recently brought her adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification (AGNP-C) background to our Northwest clinic.”
EA treatments involve a series of 16 to 24 injections of a pharmaceutical-grade nutrient blend combined with EA to relieve most symptoms. The high-frequency energy used in the therapy blocks the pain signal in the injured part of the body, providing lasting relief with no recovery needed. The treatments mimic nerve signaling and help the circulation in the patient’s extremities to further promote nerve healing.
The EA treatments reduce edema, inflammation, and analgesia, facilitating metabolism in the neuropathic extremity. Additionally, it stimulates peripheral nerves to relieve pain while increasing local blood circulation to provide symptomatic relief of chronic pain. EA therapy is covered by major insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA.
“This therapy is one of the oldest medical treatments available,” said Stacey Wilson, AGNP-C. “Ben Franklin used an electrical device to treat frozen shoulder symptoms, and it spares your organs in helping the patient become more mobile.” A certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner is an APRN specializing in treating adults and geriatric populations with more than 500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
“My background is in Medical Oncology so I’ve caused quite a bit of chemotherapy induced neuropathy through necessary cancer treatments,” Wilson said in an interview. “I am very excited to join Nerve Renewal so I can help relieve neuropathic pain and provide needed comfort to increase the quality of life for my patients. Electric currents are the oldest documented form of medical treatment going back to ancient times. The medical term is Electroanalgesia and with advanced computer technology we are able to capitalize on the electrical properties of the body and successfully treat neuropathic pain. It is my pleasure to work with such a dedicated team at Nerve Renewal and I look forward to heading up the new Midwest City clinic soon.”
The clinics provide non-invasive treatments for neuropathy and nerve pain, relieving pain or tingling in the feet and hands. The three clinics treat peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, phantom limb syndrome, and post-surgical nerve pain conditions.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that often results from damage to nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the patient’s hands and feet, affecting walking or digestion. Peripheral neuropathy is typically caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or trauma to the nerve endings, with sufferers describing the symptoms as stabbing pain or burning sensations.
The 16 Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber members attending welcomed the Northwest Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic with their traditional ribbon cutting for their newest member after everyone gathered and introduced themselves. Several members emphasized how the Chamber is proactive in helping small businesses in the area with services and growing.
In addition to the northwest location, the clinics are at 9821 S May Ave., Suite B, in OKC and 4019 N Flood Ave. in Norman. The newest is being prepared for a June opening in Midwest City at 8121 National Drive in the M.D. Medical Tower, a shared medical building. With the expansion of clinics in the greater Oklahoma City area, more patients can access this innovative treatment and renew their quality of life.
Visit our website at: https://nerverenewalnow.com/

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

In late February, more than 300 senior citizens gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Senior Day, an annual event where seniors can meet their elected representatives and discuss issues affecting the aging population in the state. This event is a crucial platform for seniors to have their voices heard, and this year’s gathering was no exception.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell was among the elected representatives who addressed the seniors gathered in the House Chambers. He emphasized the need for quality opportunities for seniors to socialize and pointed to Oklahoma’s many state parks as the ideal place. Pinnell’s comments highlight the importance of promoting social connections and community engagement among seniors, which can significantly benefit their health and well-being.
Additionally, Pinnell spoke about the unique nature of Oklahoma’s tourism industry, which he described as more organic than many other states. He cited Oklahoma’s rich history and heritage, including its Native American culture and the famous Chisholm Trail and Route 66, as major tourist draws. Pinnell’s remarks underscore the importance of promoting and preserving Oklahoma’s cultural heritage for tourism and the benefit of the state’s residents, including seniors.
The Southern Oklahoma Development Association Ombudsman Supervisor and Systems Advocate Rebekah Williams served as the emcee for the House Chambers proceedings in her duties with its Area Agency on Aging. Several times in an hour and a half of addressing senior needs, she expressed the importance of getting back to the important agenda since COVID-19 had interrupted the annual event for three years. “What an amazing sight to see beautiful Oklahoma seniors in the House Chambers, Williams said. “It was wonderful for all of us to be together again, a true blessing to my soul.”
Another elected representative who addressed the seniors at Senior Day was Speaker of the House Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka, who is the longest-serving speaker in state history, now in his fourth term. He spoke about current bills being discussed in the state House and Senate and other issues facing Oklahoma. McCall’s comments highlight the significance of the legislative process in addressing the concerns of seniors and other constituents.
Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, discussed two bills she was working to have enacted into law related to elder care. The first, House Bill 2753, would create the Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Registry, a searchable database requested by the Oklahoma Silver-Haired Legislature. This registry would include the names and identifiable information of people convicted of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Miller noted that the bill was supported by the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, the Oklahoma State Council on Aging, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Oklahoma.
Miller also discussed House Bill 2747, which would create the Office of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Resource Coordination within the State Department of Health. This office would provide statewide coordination, service system development, and information on education, support, and other available services for people with Alzheimer’s or loved ones with the disease. Miller worked with the Alzheimer’s Association to create the bill, which she said marks the start of implementing the State Plan on Alzheimer’s created in 2008.
HB2747 would also establish the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementia Research Fund and the Dementia Caregiver Support Group & Education Program Development Fund to distribute grants as approved by awards committees.
“Oklahoma has had a state plan on Alzheimer’s for 15 years, and while progress has been made to address the programmatic and policy needs, there’s more work to be done,” Miller said. “Government must protect our vulnerable citizens, and sadly that sometimes includes our seniors who are at risk of being taken advantage of or suffer from memory loss.”
Newly appointed in January, Deborah Shropshire, M.D., Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ executive director addressed the department’s State Plan on Aging. As the first woman OKDHS director, she told the seniors of her commitment to ensuring senior citizens can age well in Oklahoma.
Several speakers said senior issues have been a significant focal point during the early stages of the legislative session, and recent bills regarding seniors have been focused on the quality of care in senior centers. The new legislation is trying to ensure that as many seniors as possible are proud of the facilities they live in.
“It was important that seniors visited their legislators in their offices and met their staff to make specific recommendations for improving services at long-term care facilities,” said Trish Emig, president of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association. “This included nursing homes, assisted living and similar adult care homes and seeking more funding and support for other vital services for Oklahoma seniors.”

Story and photos by John Smith, The Haurun Club

Irish History has now been agreed to be corrected by Armagh Councillors.
On 11 March 1998, Brian and Jason Bolger were convicted of Murder at a local pub in Essex.
The Bolger family relied upon unreliable lawyers, and then, in 2004, Darren Bolger and his mother, Carol decided to investigate the Murder case themselves as amateur detectives.
Darren received the constant infiltration by British Intelligence officers, (females) and female children of military leaders (Admiral of the Fleet) and senior police officers (West Midlands Police) in order to understand what the Bolger family knew of the case.
Whilst their research uncovered some extreme police corruption and malfeasance, Carol went on to research her own family and history of Northern Ireland (Johnston Family) and the Bolger’s of Ireland.
Ms. Johnson (married name – Bolger) discovered that her 3 x Great grandfather was a famous Master Mason from Armagh who had designed and built the Rollo Gillespie Monument at the Square in Comber 1844, and has also researched her three son’s heritage, which begins in Co. Wexford and Dublin where, the Bolger’s (Boulger’s) were landowners throughout the 1900’, then also becoming, media entrepreneurs and historical promoters of what are now, considered and generalised as, the IRA.
Mr. Smith acting for the family, communicated with, Ards and North Down Council, both in conversation and by Freedom of Information Request after covid-19 had stopped communication. He received documents and verbal advice from the council as follows,
In March 2019, a notice of motion was agreed by Alderman Muir and Alderman Menagh that this recommendation be adopted, upon a meeting held whereby, Alderman Girvan and Councillor McAlpine of Ards and North Down Council, also agree to have, Mr Johnston’s name, correct date of the build placed on a new plaque at a future ceremony attended by the community, with Ms Johnson and her children, of the Bolger family, giving a speech at the ceremony.
This information might not have been known, had it not been for Ms. Johnson and her research, during a period in which, she was (along with her son – Darren) unravelling her other two son’s conviction for Murder, in Essex (1998), named by Essex Police as – Operation Westminster.
Operation Westminster is a ‘true crime’ trilogy, planned for feature film and documentary, where there is now an equally interesting ‘historical story’ of the family, both Paternal and Maternal sides in Ireland, leading to the injustices they have suffered at the hand of the British Establishment and Justice System.
This may take us to an earlier point of series or film and or documentary interest with a drama, which begins in Ireland, one side from Dublin and the other from Armagh; unknown to each other and only linked, 150 years later, upon research, initiated from a Murder in Essex (1998).
For further information on the Bolger family and how this story ties in with the Monument at the Square in Comber, please visit:
https://darrenthomasbolger.com/

Story by H.R. Holman

The event schedule for the Oklahoma Senior Games has been released, there are twenty-nine games for anyone fifty years and older. This year the games will be held from September through October, statewide. Games range from 3 on 3 Basketball, Track and Field events, Swimming, Cornhole, Tennis, Pickleball, Ballroom and Line dancing, Golf and Fitness Competition and other events.
The Games will be held at various locations; Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon, Muskogee, Norman, Shawnee, Bixby, Perry, El Reno, Catoosa, Lawton, and Owasso. Age divisions for all singles competition will be determined by the athlete’s age as of December 31, 2023. Age divisions for all doubles and mixed doubles competition will be determined by the following age categories and will apply to both men and women for all individual, doubles and relay competitions. Brackets are divided by age in five-year increments, 50-54, 55-59 and so on. This makes it good because an athlete 75 is not competing with athlete 50. For complete information visit OKSENIORGAMES.COM.
There will be three new events this year in the OSG lineup they are Ballroom Dance, 8 Ball Pool and Disc Golf. In the past, 8 Ball has been an annual request, OSG has finally found the perfect facility, Deep Pockets Bar and Bistro in Tulsa and will be held September 9th. Ballroom Dance is always a spectator favorite, the event will be held in Tulsa at Elks Lodge 946 on Saturday, September 16. Disc Golf is also new this year, this competition will be held in Bethany at Eldon Lyon Park and will be held on September 16th.
According to Kathleen Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Senior Game, “While the games do not begin until September, now is the time to prepare for competition. Practicing to compete in an event is an all year-round endeavor. Events like the Fitness Challenge can be practiced at home every day. You may have to travel further than your own neighborhood to practice but the rewards of fitness, fun, and friends are all waiting there.”
Join the games on the field, court, or course. Registration will open on Monday, March 27th. For a complete list of events, how to register and more information, go to https://okseniorgames.com/ or call 405-821-1500.
For more information about Oklahoma Senior Games go to the website at:
https://okseniorgames.com/news/ or www.facebook.com/SeniorGamesinOklahoma

Anna Jackson

(Right) Anna Jackson of Sand Springs turned 100 today and celebrated with family and friends. Anna has been a member of the Trinity Baptist Church quilt group for 40 years! She loved to eat anything from the garden in her younger days, but now loves anything chocolate! Happy Birthday, Anna!

Evelyn Napier

(Left) Evelyn Napier of Tulsa celebrated her 100th Birthday today with a precision honor guard from Bixby High School. There have been many memorable changes during Evelyn’s lifetime – especially seeing flights to the moon. Her words of wisdom to us are: Don’t Drink or Smoke. Happy Birthday wishes to Evelyn!

Lou Ella Revel

(Right) Lou Revel of Oklahoma City was 100 last July and we recently celebrated her as a Centenarian of Oklahoma! She attended Sooner State Beauty College in Oklahoma City and had a career as a beautician, continuing to fix hair in her home until she was 90 years young. Her words of wisdom to us are: Keep Moving. Love Jesus. Work Hard.

Hattie Mann

(Right) Hattie Mann of Okmulgee celebrates her 100th birthday! She worked as an accounting clerk in California, then moved to Las Vegas and back to Okmulgee. She is a long-time member of the Okmulgee City-Wide Prayer Band. Hattie loves tacos! Her favorite song is Precious Lord and she shares these words of wisdom with us – Seek the Lord.

By Marilyn Olson

Mature adults are leaders. We have seen a few things, and we have learned a few things. We are hardworking individuals who have learned leadership over a lifetime of refining career skills. Our brains are “time wise.”
Most of the 370,000 everyday leaders over 55 living in greater Oklahoma City are grateful for an opportunity to give time, experience, and finances. Mature adults generously offer these resources to the community without which there would be a void. The individuals, businesses, organizations and faith communities who see the value and incorporate that experience will benefit and will also become wise.
There are many examples of this mature, everyday leadership among the VillagesOKC membership, from pastors and former executives to engineers and journalists. All these individuals bring with them an eagerness to remain active and to give back to their community. VillagesOKC offers the opportunity for older adults to use the skills they’ve acquired over a lifetime or to learn new ways to grow and contribute.
The incredible wit and wisdom of people over 50 can reveal secrets and insights for living a meaningful life – simply not possible without experience. Their thoughtful perspectives offer a treasure trove of life lessons about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive in the midst of great challenges.
Leaders over 50 became leaders because they have utilized their learning to continue growing. Often this growth has led to a paradigm shift opening more doors of opportunity. This quality gives hope and causes others to say “she is inspiring”; “he is such a delight to be with,” or I hope I can be as sharp and interesting a person as he is.”
When people are happy and confident, others enjoy their company and follow their leadership in the community or organization. To think that organizations, businesses and faith communities would ignore those over 50 when they could be the beneficiary of experience, talent and generosity.
Fortunately, Oklahoma City is the kind of community which values the irreplaceable talent and wisdom of mature adults in every sector of the community. It simply makes sense to begin changing the conversation about aging and include these generous and wise adults as an integral part and a key partner.
The community benefits when recognizing leaders are leaders at any age. VillagesOKC is a plan for aging that connects a community leading the way to fill the gaps.

OKPOP Foundation Names Blake Shelton as Honorary Chair for Fundraising Campaign

Country music superstar and beloved television personality Blake Shelton has partnered with the OKPOP Foundation to be an Honorary Campaign Chairperson and the face of the Foundation’s fundraising campaign to complete the OKPOP Museum. Through this partnership, Shelton will bring awareness about the project and encourage others to help raise the $30 million needed to complete the exhibit design, construction, and installation for a late 2024 opening date.
“Music is my livelihood, and Oklahoma is my home—my heart. So, when I heard more about OKPOP’s mission to inspire and empower young Oklahoma musicians or artists like me, I knew I had to get involved,” said Shelton. “OKPOP is telling the stories of Oklahomans who have impacted and continue to influence pop culture in such a cool, innovative way, folks from all over the county are going to love it.”
Executive Director of the OKPOP Museum, Jeff Moore, and Simmons Bank Senior Vice President of Business Development, D. Scott Petty, the OKPOP Foundation Chair, are thrilled to have Blake Shelton as the OKPOP Foundation’s honorary campaign chair.
“Blake is such a great fit for what this museum represents,” said Jeff Moore, executive director of OKPOP Museum. “A kid with talent and passion from Ada, Oklahoma who goes on to make his dreams come true. Those are the stories we are telling, and those are the kids we want to help pursue their own dreams of making music or films or writing the next big novel. We want them to visit the museum and leave knowing the sky’s the limit.”
Shelton will be lending his name to the project, while also encouraging industry peers and fellow Oklahomans to get involved.
“Blake Shelton’s willingness to publicly embrace the OKPOP Foundation mission—to share Oklahoman’s stories—highlights the importance and global impact,” said Scott Petty, OKPOP Foundation Chair. “His involvement will be the catalyst for everything the foundation has been doing behind the scenes and will ultimately bring this project to fruition.”
OKPOP is in the final stages of exhibit design and is aiming for a late-2024 opening date. The OKPOP Foundation is the OKPOP Museum’s fundraising arm, working in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society. The Foundation’s role is to identify potential funding sources through state and federal allocations, local and national prospective donors, foundations, corporations, grants, and founding memberships to help the OKPOP Museum realize its mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Oklahoma’s pop culture history.
Along with D. Scott Petty of Simmons Bank, board members for the OKPOP Foundation include Philip Kaiser (Flywheel Events), Tom Evans (Encompass Financial Services), Stuart Hudson (EdibleOKC), Brian Paschal (Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation), Cassie Reese Tipton (CEC), Donna Sharpe (Sharpe House), Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, John Hickey (Hall Estill), Judy Eason McIntyre (retired Senator), Molly Jarvis (Cherokee Nation Businesses), Adrian Bradley (A&D Sports Management), Amanda Lowe (United States District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma), Jane Mudgett (Speaker, Author, and Coach), and Phil McDonald (AWAL/Sony Music). Ex-Officio members include Abby Kurin (OKPOP Foundation), Jeff Moore, Meg Charron, and Mary Barnes (OKPOP/Oklahoma Historical Society).

By Nick Thomas

Don’t expect any vocal surprises if you ever attend a concert featuring Gary Lewis & the Playboys.
“I’m a real stickler for absolute originality,” said Lewis from his home in Rochester, New York. “The fans want to hear the songs just like they remember them from the radio, they don’t want to hear new arrangements, so we keep it very original when playing live.”
Fans can also expect to enjoy most of Lewis’s big hits from the 60s including, “This Diamond Ring,” “Everybody Loves a Clown,” and “Green Grass.” In March, Gary and the boys with be performing in several Florida cities (see www.garylewisandtheplayboys.com for their 2023 touring schedule).
“We had seven Top 10 songs in a row in the space of two years, so I was very blessed to have such amazing success so quickly,” noted Lewis.
“This Diamond Ring,” the group’s first record, reached the number 1 spot in the U.S. in February 1965 and Lewis remembers excitedly watching it climb the charts over six weeks. But the upbeat version released was very different from the original.
“I first heard it in producer Snuffy Garrett’s office at Liberty Records when he played a demo, a very different slow version,” recalled Lewis. “At the time, I just wanted to get a song recorded and said I loved it. But then Leon Russell made a new arrangement – the version that was released – and it became this huge hit.”
Lewis credits his mother for supporting his early music passion, offering financial help and advice, unbeknownst to his father.

“Before our first hit, we were doing a lot of auditions as Gary & the Playboys because my mom didn’t want me getting work just because I had a famous father,” said Lewis. “When Diamond Ring began climbing the charts, she said I should put Lewis in the band’s name. I did, but still not everyone realized I had a very famous entertainment father and so we were thrilled to get work based solely on our talent.”
His dad, of course, was comedian Jerry Lewis who had no idea his son had a hit record until Gary presented him with a gift. “When I got the first gold record for Diamond Ring, I signed it to him and I went down to Paramount Studios where he was filming and I walked in and said ’Dad, this is for you.’ He was very surprised and, I think, quite proud.”
Much has been written over the years of the strained relationship between Jerry Lewis and his children.
“I was always able to separate my career from what he and I were,” said Lewis. ”It bothered me that we never got along too well, but that’s just the way it was and I’m over it.”
When he performs today, Lewis’s songs not only have the same arrangements as the originals, but a similar sound despite being performed by all-new Playboys.
“Over the years there have been many sets of Playboys, but today’s group has been with me since 2004 and has that same great original sound,” he says. We don’t do a huge number of shows a year now, but I still love it and seeing the fans, new and old, who still love our music.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.