The Four Freshmen

Bridging the gap between complex jazz harmony quartets and well-scrubbed, collegiate pop vocals, the Four Freshmen were one of the biggest jazz vocal ensembles of the 1950s. Also, through their direct influence on the young Brian Wilson (who has repeatedly called the Four Freshmen his primary inspiration), they were a key part of the development of 1960s sunshine pop. The group was formed by brothers Don and Ross Barbour in 1948 and signed to Capitol Records in 1950. The best-known lineup also included Bob Flanigan and Ken Errair. Their 1955 album VOICES IN MODERN is generally considered their artistic high point.