John Fred Gourrier joined his first band while still in school in Baton Rouge. At just fifteen, he recorded “Shirley” at Cosimo Matassa’s famed New Orleans studio, backed by members of Fats Domino’s band. The single charted at #82, and its success brought Fred to New York City to appear on Alan Freed’s radio show. In a now-legendary decision, he declined an appearance on Dick Clark’s program so he could play in his high school basketball game—an early glimpse of the down-to-earth personality he was known for. Performing as John Fred & His Playboys, the group refined its R&B sound, building toward the style that would define their biggest breakthrough.

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That breakthrough arrived in 1968 with “Judy in Disguise (With Glasses),” a playful parody and partial homage to the Beatles’ psychedelic era, specifically “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The record became an instant hit, selling more than five million copies and knocking the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye” out of the #1 spot, where it stayed for two weeks. The success was so sudden that Fred later joked he had gone to bed a local Louisiana musician and woke up an international celebrity. Their follow-up, “Hey, Hey, Bunny,” reached #57 on the Billboard chart, but the band never returned to the Top 100. After years of legal disputes, Fred eventually secured full rights to “Judy in Disguise” and its royalties—something he had to fight for long after the spotlight faded.

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Despite being best known for one massive hit, Fred remained musically active and influential. He released several albums, toured extensively, and became a respected figure in Louisiana’s music scene. He also hosted a long-running radio show in Baton Rouge, where his humor, deep musical knowledge, and storytelling made him a local favorite. Beyond performing, he wrote, produced, and recorded commercial jingles for companies such as Greyhound Bus Lines, Decker Hot Dogs, and Ban Deodorant. He also penned “Baseball at the Box,” the beloved anthem for Louisiana State University’s baseball team.

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A dedicated advocate for Louisiana culture, Fred spent his later years mentoring young musicians, producing regional acts, and remaining an active presence at community and sporting events. His legacy endures as one of Louisiana’s most colorful and distinctive voices—a musician who left an indelible mark with a song that still sparks smiles generations later.