Gary Shelton, known professionally as Troy Shondell, was born on 14 May 1939 in
Fort Wayne, Indiana. He began his musical journey at a young age, learning to
play the trumpet and piano under the tutelage of his father. By 14, he had
written his first pop song, "A Prayer and a Jukebox", which was later recorded
by Little Anthony & the Imperials. During his high school years, he released
several singles, including "Yours Till I Die" with Mercury Records. In 1961,
under the name Troy Shondell, he co-founded Goldcrest Records and released "This
Time", which became a significant hit, ...