Gerry Granahan wasn’t a household name, but he was a creative force behind the scenes in 1950s and 60s pop music. As both a performer and producer, he shaped early rock and roll with energy, humor, and innovation. Known to many by his alias Dicky Doo, Granahan’s clever workaround to a contractual bind led to a Top 40 hit, “Click Clack.” That moment launched a long, varied career that included songwriting, hit-making, and high-level production roles.
Let’s explore the story of Gerry Granahan—how he made his mark in music under different names, and how his influence continues to be recognized.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings
Gerald Granahan was born on April 20, 1932, in Pittston, Pennsylvania. As a teenager, he developed a passion for radio, working as a disc jockey and announcer for WPTS, a local AM station. His love for music, especially rock and roll, was evident in both his voice and style. He idolized Elvis Presley and often tried to emulate him.
Granahan’s vocal resemblance to Elvis later became both a blessing and a barrier in his career—it caught attention but also drew comparisons that were hard to shake.
Breaking Into Music
By the mid-1950s, Granahan was recording demo tracks for other artists, including those meant for Elvis Presley. He released singles on Atlantic Records under the stage name Jerry Grant, though they failed to chart. Later, he issued another single on Mark Records, which also struggled commercially.
But in 1958, he struck gold. Granahan moved to Sunbeam Records, a small label founded by music publisher Tommy Volando. There, he recorded the playful novelty song “No Chemise Please.” It became his first hit, climbing to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though his next four singles didn’t chart, Granahan had found his creative spark.
The Birth of “Dicky Doo and the Don’ts”
Granahan’s breakthrough came in late 1957 when he and drummer Dave Alldred (of the Rhythm Orchids) co-wrote the song “Click Clack.” Believing it was a hit, he shopped the song to Dick Clark, host of American Bandstand, and to Tony Mammarella, co-founder of the new Swan Records label.
But there was a catch. Granahan already had contracts with Atlantic and Sunbeam, so he couldn’t release the song under his real name. The solution? Invent a fictional group: Dicky Doo and the Don’ts.
In February 1958, Swan released “Click Clack,” credited to the new act. The track became a success, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. To support the act’s public image, Granahan recruited a group of musicians:
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Harvey Davis (bass)
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Al Ways (saxophone)
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Ray Gangi (guitar)
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Dave Alldred (drums)
These members helped make the Don’ts appear like a real touring band, even though it was mostly a studio creation.
Continued Recording and Label Work
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Following the success of “Click Clack,” Dicky Doo and the Don’ts signed with United Artists, where they stayed through the mid-1960s. Several singles followed, including:
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“Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu”
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“Leave Me Alone (Let Me Cry)”
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“Flip Top Box”
While none reached the same height as “Click Clack,” the band maintained visibility in the growing teen pop market.
Meanwhile, Granahan’s career as a record producer blossomed. He worked with acts such as:
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The Angels (known for “My Boyfriend’s Back”)
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Jay and the Americans
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The Fireflies
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Patty Duke
He later became Vice President of Dot Records and Paramount Records, helping shape label strategy during the peak of the 1960s pop boom.
Legacy and Recognition
Granahan’s contributions spanned far beyond his own hits. His keen ear and ability to produce catchy, radio-friendly music made him a valuable player in the music business. As a performer, he created clever pop songs with mass appeal. As a producer, he built hits for others behind the scenes.
In 2012, Gerry Granahan was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his impact as both an artist and industry leader. Even in later years, he occasionally performed under the Dicky Doo and the Don’ts name.
His use of a fictional band to sidestep contracts and still achieve commercial success stands out as one of the most creative business maneuvers in 1950s music history.
Notable Songs by Gerry Granahan / Dicky Doo and the Don’ts
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“Click Clack”
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“No Chemise Please”
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“Flip Top Box”
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“Leave Me Alone (Let Me Cry)”
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“Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu”
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“Come Back to Me”
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“Wild Party”
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“Teardrops Will Fall”
Final Thoughts
Gerry Granahan blended charm, talent, and smart business sense in a way that helped him navigate the challenges of the early music industry. His voice might’ve reminded listeners of Elvis, but his career path was uniquely his own. Whether behind the mic or behind the mixing board, Granahan’s influence reached far beyond one hit.
Even if you’ve never heard the name Gerry Granahan, chances are you’ve felt his impact. He proved that behind every great song, there’s often an even greater story.