Hughie - At the Hop

A biography prepared by H. Dennis Garrity jr.

The color photo was taken Feb.1956. Looks like the boys are headed out to the Prom. More likely they were performing at their own Prom.

The "Hugh Garrity Trio" had evolved into "Hugh Garrity and his Trio" during the summer of 1956. By adding a fourth member they now had a drummer to complete their sound.

.

Hugh Garrity and his Trio played in Many New Jersey Clubs such as the EL Morocco (Newark), The Flamingo lounge (Newark) and Casino in the Park (Jersey City)

The band was successful, however, due to unknown reasons soon led to the transformation into the next group of band members known as the "Hollywood Playboys". As to the events that led to the formation of the original members, I am uncertain. It is probable that Nick Macioci and Hughie Garrity had mutually agreed to form the band after being acquainted with each other while frequenting the many popular clubs in the northern New Jersey area or by being introduced by Frankie Valli & Tommy DeVito of the "Four Lovers".

An early Promotional photo of the "The Hollywood Playboys" shows Nick Macioci, pictured with guitar, Hugh Garrity on piano, Loui Leona on sax, ( ____ ) on drums. In early 1959 The Hollywood Playboys released their first 45rpm single on Rita records (Rita-118) titled "You Can't Fool Me Baby" written by Nick Macioci and Vocals by Nick Massey - b/w "I'm Lonely" written by Nick and Vocals by Nick & Hughie.

In 1958 Nick Massey and Hughie Garrity joined Frankie Valli and Tommy DeVito as the "Four Lovers" and toured to Las Vegas. The tour was brief and Nick & Hughie may have been asked to play as temporary members with the hope of forming the next band.

This photo shows Frankie Valli on drums, Nick on rhythm guitar, Hughie on bass, and Tommy DeVito playing lead guitar. I believe this photo was taken at Harrah's Club. They might have performed together for several months. Afterwards, Hughie and Nickie continued to stay in the New Jersey / New York area and launched, "The Hollywood Playboys". Later, in early 1961, Nick Macioci returned as Nick Massi to the "Four Lovers" which soon transformed into "The Four Seasons" with the addition of Bob Gaudio. 

The Story The Early Years Hollywood Playboys

next page

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.