Chris Nunly!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning and happy Monday! Today we are flying into Chris Nunly and his time with his platinum selling band, “The Royal Guardsmen” back in the sixties!

When you hear the song “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron,” you’re not just hearing a catchy, offbeat classic; you’re hearing the legacy of Chris Nunly, the energetic voice and rhythm behind the Royal Guardsmen’s biggest hits. As the band’s drummer and one of its lead vocalists, Nunly helped propel the group to fame in the late 1960s with a blend of British Invasion-inspired rock and a unique twist of cartoon-fueled charm. At a time when the Beatles ruled the charts, the Royal Guardsmen found their niche with Snoopy, a flying beagle, and a catchy, unforgettable sound.

Chris Nunly was more than just the guy keeping the beat; he was a powerhouse performer whose harmonies and humor gave the Royal Guardsmen their personality. From “Return of the Red Baron” to “Snoopy’s Christmas,” Nunly’s voice became a key part of the group’s identity. The band’s music had a playful edge, but behind the scenes, Nunly was a driven and talented musician, often contributing to arrangements and vocal layers that made their songs pop. His stage presence was magnetic, and fans quickly gravitated toward his fun-loving, approachable vibe.

Fun fact: the Royal Guardsmen didn’t originally set out to write about a comic strip dog. Their breakout hit was first titled “Squeaky vs. the Black Knight” before being changed; under some legal tension from Charles Schulz’s team; to the now-iconic “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron.” Chris Nunly took the change in stride, and his enthusiastic vocals helped turn the quirky track into a platinum-selling success. The band even toured internationally, with Nunly often getting fan mail addressed to “the Snoopy guy,” despite not being Snoopy himself!

While the band eventually slowed its pace in the 1970s, Chris Nunly continued to play music, connect with fans, and celebrate the Guardsmen’s enduring legacy. The group reunited for special performances over the years, and Nunly remained a beloved member of the tight-knit team that brought so much joy to listeners. To this day, when the bells chime on “Snoopy’s Christmas,” fans of all ages remember the band; and Chris Nunly, as the sound of holiday cheer and rock ‘n’ roll fun.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Chris Nunly: A record executive told me, “Be nice to the people you meet on the way to the top, because you’ll see them again on your way back down.” It was good advice!

Thank you for tuning into this week’s newsletter, we’ll see you next week and we wish you a productive November!

-Giancarlo