The Four Freshmen is a group of singers that were formed in the 1950’s. Their improvisational, free flowing form of singing was revolutionary to the main stream music scene of their era.
They helped influence so many a great band that I thought that I would pay them homage on this site!
I was talking to an older man the other day and during our conversation, he mentioned this band. He told me that if I liked the vocal structure of the early Manhattan Transfer or the Beach Boy’s, then I should at least familiarize myself with them to help me in my continuing musical evolution. Ok then, I will take him up on it. Boy that old guy knows his music!
The Four Freshman were not your typical barbershop quartet! Their style of singing was so tightly intertwined that it was just plain genius, then comes revolutionary! They took the old saying of milking something for all it’s worth to an entirely different level.
You can see their direct influence on this one song that the Beach Boys play, but I can’t for the life of me remember it right now! Ahhhh! The song was a slow tempo and A Capella at first, but the vocal chord structure and tonal quality just makes my knees buckle every time I hear it! It’s one of those songs that can change your life, musically speaking. Yes I’ve tried Google/Youtube thank you!
See can see the Four Freshmen’s singing technique in Manhattan Transfer sound as well. I was first exposed to Manhattan Transfer by my old singing teacher at SJC in my home town of Brantford. The way that they could jump from one style to another in a heart beat was amazing! The sound dynamics from PPP right on up to FFF can hit you like a fast moving train. Their songwriting ability creates a song that will stick in your head for hours after hearing it for the very first time. They seemed to do this quite effortlessly … and they got this from the Four Freshmen without a doubt.
The Four Freshmen pioneered a revolutionary new style of close-harmony vocals that set the stage for bands like the Beach Boys, Spanky & Our Gang, the Hi-Lo’s, the Manhattan Transfer and countless others
So now go out there and check out the Four Freshmen for yourself and see if my way of thinking about these guys are right or not. Please write back because I’d love to hear you views. Oh ya, plus your get bonus points for helping me figure out that one Beach Boys song … I hate when that happens, especially in public ahhhhhhhhhh!
Keep on Jammin’
Oh, that makes me feel so old! Cool song – thanks for the memories 🙂
You’re bang on about the influence on the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson is on record as saying that the Four Freshman were one of his favourite groups when he was growing up and that when he put together vocal harmonies it was their sound he was looking for.
Was the Beach Boys song ‘God Only Knows’?
Ya, I like the tune as well Heather!
As for the age thing … it’s just a number. Besides, I’d kill to be like you at 22 again!!!!
Thanx for the vote of confidence Kenny!
In my mind I can hear the influence that they had on their sound for sure. Do you think other people think the same way?
Very nice, I enjoyed it. You can hear a lot of their influence in Beach Boys and many others.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Windyridge!
When I first started to investigate this topic, I wasn’t sure if I was on the right track, but I guess I was.
Keep on Jammin’