Beloved '60s Rocker, With No. 1 Hit Song, Turns 82

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

David Costell, the lead guitarist and studio bassist for the iconic 1960s pop-rock band Gary Lewis & The Playboys, turns 82 years old today. Costell was a key contributor to the band's success, playing on their hit songs like "This Diamond Ring" which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. After leaving the band in 1966, Costell went on to work as a sound engineer for major artists in the '60s and '70s.

Why it matters

Costell's career with Gary Lewis & The Playboys exemplifies the enduring popularity of 1960s rock and pop music. As one of the few American acts to find success during the British Invasion, the band's hits helped define the classic American pop sound of the era.

The details

David Costell was born on March 15, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He joined Gary Lewis & The Playboys in 1964, serving as the lead guitarist and studio bassist. Costell played on the band's debut album "This Diamond Ring" in 1965, which featured popular hits like "Everybody Loves a Clown," "She's Just My Style," and the title track "This Diamond Ring" which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. After leaving the band in 1966, Costell went on to work as a sound engineer for diverse artists like Larry Graham, Phil Collins, and the Southerland Brothers.

• David Costell was born on March 15, 1944.
• Costell joined Gary Lewis & The Playboys in 1964.
• Costell played on the band's debut album "This Diamond Ring" in 1965.
• Costell left Gary Lewis & The Playboys in 1966.
• Costell celebrates his 82nd birthday on March 15, 2026.

What they’re saying