Mike and Louise Edwards

Mike and Louise Edwards

Gary at 2 years old

Gary (Lynn) Edwards  was born in the small town of Corbin, Kentucky on February 9, 1941. The Edwards family lived on Mitchell Street across from the Corbin Hospital. Gary's Mother was Margaret "Louise" Dooley (1919 - 1989) and his Father was Micha "Mike" Saufley Edwards (1902 – 1991).  Gary has one sister "Barbara Jean" who is 3 years younger! 

Gary passed away on December 26, 2018 after suffering health issues for several years.  See his obituary, click here  

1951 - Gary is circled 

As a young boy, Gary  attended all 12 years of school at Saint Camillus Academy in Corbin, Kentucky. He was a shy boy and lived a very average, normal life, interested in all of the things young boys have an interest in, but Gary always had a unique talent for music and the ability to really sing a song, even as a youngster. Gary, though very shy, would perform anytime he was given the opportunity. He did have voice lessons with Sister Gregoria at Saint Camillus Academy and he sang in the choir while in high school. When Gary was a young boy, his Father took him to luncheons at various clubs and restaurants such as the Kiwanis Club, the Moose Lodge, and The Steak House. In fact, Gary looked for an audience  "anywhere" and "everywhere", which would allow him to perform!  It is believed that these singing opportunities are where Gary developed a strong interest and powerful love for music and entertainment. We ask him what kind of songs he did at these venues, He responded: "I sang popular songs of that time. The first song I ever sang was "I Believe". I also liked Tony Bennett's "Rags to Riches", "Cold Cold Heart", Eddie Fisher's, "Oh My Papa" and my favorite singer, of course, Elvis. Songs like "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You", "Hound Dog", "Love Me Tender", "It's Now or Never" or pretty much any Elvis song".  

Gary at 7 years old

I mentioned earlier about Gary being quiet and shy.  He remembers being so shy, that very early in life, he would cringe when his family had visitors at home because his Mother would always want him to sing. She was very proud of Gary and Barbara Jean!  However, Gary eventually overcame the shyness and began to appreciate the fame, applause, and recognition!  One factor that helped Gary overcome the shyness was working as a bellman at Cumberland Falls State Park during the summers while in college.  Every summer he met and talked with hundreds of people from all over the world.