An American icon. A time when a generation was divided by a fine line between PEACE and WAR. A war that took place halfway across this world. A war called Vietnam. A whole new generation bloomed. It was time for PEACE.

In 1968, Bruce Shay and the 1910 Fruitgum Company sold over 1 million records, and MUSIC WORLD MAGAZINE has had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Shay. After spending some time with Shay, I have found out that Shay is a down to earth individual for a person to climb the charts in 1968 to earn a GOLD RECORD for "Simon Says", which sold over 1.8 million copies. Bruce Shay and the 1910 Fruitgum Company earned 2 more GOLD RECORDS to reach a total of 3. Their 2nd GOLD RECORD was "1-2-3 Redlight", and finally, the 3rd was "Indian Giver".

Bruce Shay has appeared on television shows such as Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and twice on the AMERICAN BANDSTAND with Dick Clark. Shay admitted to being a teen idol in the late 60's. He was featured in popular teen magazines such as TIGER, TEEN BEAT, and CASH BOX, from which Shay has recieved fan mail during those early years.

Bruce Shay has been performing with the HIGH 5 BAND. He's getting ready to ROCK. Shay wants another GOLD RECORD, and by judging his performance, it's just a matter of time. If you ever hear about Bruce Shay playing somewhere, I reccommend that you check out this performance, because Shay will have you up on your feet for some high energy dancing.

*New Jersey musician Gene Wargacki emailed with a reminder that contrary to Rick Allen's article, Bruce ( real name Bruce Plashay ) did not sing or play on the "Simon Says" single & that before he joined the Fruitgum Co., he was in a New Jersey group called the Fanatics. Thanks, Gene!

2002 UPDATE! Bruce Shay is still performing in Tampa and has recently started appearing with the group Identity Crisis!