David Costell of the iconic ’60s pop-rock band, Gary Lewis and The Playboys turns 82 years old today.
Costello was born on March 15, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he first developed a passion for music. He began his professional music career in the 1960s as part of the original Gary Lewis & The Playboys lineup. Beginning in 1964, Costell served as the lead guitarist and studio bassist for the group, contributing to their rapid rise to fame before departing in 1966.
In 1965, he was featured on the band’s debut album, This Diamond Ring, which produced popular hits such as, “Everybody Loves a Clown,” “She’s Just My Style” and “Save Your Heart for Me.” “Count Me In,” the album’s second single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard charts, while the title track, “This Diamond Ring” held the No. 1 spot for two consecutive weeks.
1965: 60’s rock band “The Rip Chords” are backed up by Gary Lewis and the Playboys in the beach film “A Swingin’ Summer” in 1965 in Los Angeles. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
(Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The group’s popularity made them one of the few American acts to persevere through the British Invasion that took over in the mid-’60s, alongside other prominent domestic groups like the Beach Boys and the Byrds. Besides his No. 1 hit, Costell helped place 11 other tracks on the U.S. Top 40 charts, cementing his value to the band’s commercial legacy.
Aside from his guitar work with Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Costell also worked as a sound engineer for diverse artists and groups like Larry Graham, Phil Collins, the Southerland Brothers and members of the Wrecking Crew. His dedicated contributions to the music scene of the ’60s and ’70s mark him as a foundational figure in the evolution of the classic American pop sound.
Related: Iconic ’80s Songwriter, With 3 No. 1 Hits, Turns 70
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.