At around 13 years old Don started playing piano, and went on to become an accomplished pianist/keyboardist. He joined the Gaylord’s in 1949. A musical trio on the Mercury label, that performed throughout the country, and landed gold records and top 10’s on the Billboard charts in the late 50s: The Little Shoemaker, Tell Me Your Mine, From The Vine Came The Grape. Along with Don Rea the original members were Burt *Holiday* Bonaldi, Ronnie *Gaylord* Fredianelli, and Billy Christ. These four men went on to be lifelong friends, and “brothers.”

In 1950 Don entered the army, and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville Missouri. He played in the Army band, and went on to achieve the rank of sergeant before leaving his service.

In the 60s The Gaylord’s became the musical comedy team of Gaylord & Holiday. Don was their keyboard player, musical director, conductor, and arranger. They made numerous appearances on The Colgate Comedy Hour, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, The Flip Wilson Show, and Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In. They worked with other major headliners throughout the country, including Duke Ellington who called the Gaylords “purveyors of tonal zest.”

In the early 80’s Don became entertainment director at Circus Circus in Reno, where he booked and contracted the musicians who played for the live circus acts.