Hughie - The Early Years

A biography prepared by H. Dennis Garrity jr.

A man by the name of Hugh Francis Garrity married a woman named Lucille Lynch. They lived on South 8th street in Newark, New Jersey. Their only child was born April 21, 1938 and was named Hugh Dennis Garrity.

At the age of 5 years, his first piano lesson began his life long experience in the world of musicianship. Ten years of training brought him to attend a private school in Newark, NJ known as Arts High. As a teen he experienced emotional extremes due to family difficulties. Music was his first learned world of escape.

He kept himself busy with various bands and other activities. He always had a hobby or interest that he would experience to its fullest and then move on to the next. Once he told me that he was a YoYo champion with his prize Duncan of black and diamond sparkles. When I bought my first YoYo, he proved it. Instantly, he made that thing beg for mercy with "around the world" and "walk the dog" and my favorite, "rock the cradle"

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He became very popular and well liked throughout school.

Attending the type of school that had a piano in every home room, Hughie was a natural entertainer. His daily musical antics were a welcome addition to all the other students. He had a special knack when it came to flirting with the girls. He also was a very good on the dance floor as he was voted best dancer for the popularity poll in his high school yearbook.

Hughie organized a dance band and they performed during his High School years. When He graduated in 1956, he was on his way to stardom.

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This web site and information contained within is fact and based on my own memories and stories as told by family, friends and fans.

All photos used as part of this web site may be used by permission only.

please email Hugh Dennis Garrity jr. for inquiries.