The New Christy Minstrels

The New Christy Minstrels were formed from nine soloists who banded together to create a uniquely lush take on folk music. Discovered at the height of the folk revival by Andy Williams in 1962, the outfit’s accessible harmonics made them a popular guest on television shows in the early '60s, where they sang crossover hits like "Green Green" and "Today." An ever-changing lineup included many future stars, including Kim Carnes, Gene Clark, and a pre-First Edition Kenny Rogers; many founding members, including founder Randy Sparks, remained in the band as late as the early 2000s. The New Main Street Singers of Christopher Guest’s popular 2003 mockumentary A Mighty Wind were a reverent send-up of the New Christy Minstrels (with their revolving membership and "neuftet" sound) .