Fredianelli of ‘50s group Gaylords dies

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004 | 9 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

A co-founder of the 1950s pop vocal group the Gaylords died Sunday at the age of 73.

Ronald Fredianelli, who performed as Ronnie Gaylord, teamed with Bonaldo Bonaldi and Don Rea in the early 1950s. Bonaldi performed as Burt Holiday.

Their debut song, "Tell Me You're Mine," was a Top 10 hit in 1953. Other hits included "From the Vine Came the Grape" and "The Little Shoemaker."

Although the Gaylords formed in Detroit, Fredianelli and Bonaldi became a staple in Nevada showrooms, where they performed for decades as Gaylord and Holiday. Bonaldi and Rea live in Reno.

Fredianelli's death on Sunday came after a long battle with cancer. Bonaldi said they last performed as a duo four months ago in Michigan.

One of Fredianelli's sons, Anthony, is guitarist for the rock group Third Eye Blind.

Fredianelli, a Korean War veteran, was born June 12, 1930, in Detroit.

He is survived by his wife, Terry M.; three sons, Christopher Fredianelli and Anthony Fredianelli, both of Las Vegas, and Ronald Fredianelli of Reno; two daughters, Tiffany Fredianelli of Las Vegas and Melissa Fredianelli; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday in Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.