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Friday, August 26, 2011

Ross Barbour of The Four Freshmen has died

Mr. Barbour died at 82 on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at his home in Simi Valley, CA. He was the last of the founding members of the Four Freshmen. The Four Freshmen had a fresh approach to close harmony, influencing the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, the Lettermen, the Manhattan Transfer and other groups. Their sound was characterized by long, lush chords — Mr. Barbour called them “purple chords” — and an improvisational style that made four voices seem like five or six. Each of the singers also played at least one instrument.

WikipediaSearch Amazon.com for the Four Freshmen

The Four Freshmen - Capitol Collectors SeriesComplete 1950-1954Four Freshmen - Greatest HitsThe Four Freshmen - Live From Las VegasLive From Las Vegas (Audio CD)Great Gentlemen Of Song / Spotlight On The Four FreshmenIn SessionNow You Know: The Story of the Four Freshmen