Lonely Guy / Jo Jo The Big Wheel
Overall (HWD) (sleeve): 7 × 7 in. (17.78 × 17.78 cm)
Autographed by original band member, James “Jimi” Pipkin (1939-2022), this promotional single features The Gallahads’ biggest hit “Lonely Guy.” The song was recorded in Los Angeles, California in 1959, and was released by both Del-Fi Records and Donna Records in 1960. That same year “Lonely Guy” appeared on Billboard’s bestseller list at number 111.
The Gallahads were a Doo-Wop vocal group, started by a teen friend group in 1952. DJ Steve Wray (b. unknown) outfitted the group with matching chunky white sweaters, which became their signature look. Impressed by their original music, Nite Owl Records worked with The Gallahads to cut their first single, and eventually sent a sample to Del-Fi Records. Although they achieved some commercial success with “Lonely Guy” for Del-Fi Records, The Gallahads drifted apart to serve, individually, as lead singers for other groups. The band was largely finished by 1962, but they did occasionally regroup for reunion shows.
7” phonograph record with white label. Side A text reads: “Del-Fi / Delphonic Sound / Maravilla Music, Inc. BMI – 2:02 / Sample Copy / 4137 / D0-260-235 / Not for Sale / Lonely Guy / (C. Markulis – J. Pipkin) / The Gallahads / Del-Fi Records, Inc. Hollywood, Calif.” At the top of side A is the autograph of “Jimi Pipkin” in black marker. Side B text reads: “Del-Fi / Delphonic Sound / Maravilla Music, Inc. BMI – 2:21 / Sample Copy / 4137 / D0-260-236 / Not for Sale / Jo Jo The Big Wheel / (B. Dixon – J. Pipkin – T. Smith – E. Rouse) / The Gallahads / Del-Fi Records, Inc. Hollywood, Calif.”
White album sleeve printed with blue ink. Features cartoon of three cheerleaders on both sides. Printed text, on both sides, reads: “Del-Fi / delphonic sound / Del-Fi Records, Inc. / Hollywood 28, California, U.S.A.” Back of sleeve is stamped with black ink that reads: “69¢”
