Life comes at you fast.
Randy Stine, Tyler Trepp, Seggie Isho, Michael Luginbill, Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Charlie Mechling, Steve Morgan, and Jasper Smith had no plans of being famous.
It was in 2006 when original member Randy Stine uploaded the 1998 performance of “The 12 Days of Christmas” on YouTube. All he wanted was to reminisce his college days with the boys. The glory days.
That particular video was viewed by Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman.
He was blown away by the talent and chemistry of this a cappella group that he sought them out then signed them.
The guys never expected any of it to happen.
Here they are singing Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” to a sold out crowd.
Eliza C said it best,
“there’s just something so breathtaking about gentlemen making amazing music so naturally and with no fake alterations. what you see is what you get. and it’s outstanding.”
Listen to the smoothness!
We’re all so used to bands, and DJs and lots of computers taking over talent making Straight No Chaser so refreshing to watch and listen to.
This is pure talent.
The original group was formed in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
They were made up of Dan Ponce, Randy Stine, Charlie Mechling, Steve Morgan, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Walter Chase, Mike Itkoff, and Patrick Hachey.
Together up until 1999, SNC eventually needed new members as this was a collegiate group up until Atlantic Records came knocking.
And the audience is loving this rendition! Smiles and singing re caught on camera as the gentlemen on stage serenade the crowd with those fantastic voices. Talk about blending!
Another viewer lavished SNC with praises saying,
“As having followed these guys from their early “12-days of Christmas” youtube days, It never ceases to amaze me at how well these voices blend. Harmonies that will make you melt, coupled with zealous passion behind every note they sing. You will never hear voices so infinitely tuned and musically complete as Straight No Chaser. One does not only hear it, they feel it. It is true consummation of talent and musical genius.”
Now that’s a real fan!
This is a song from 1961 but it sounds so fresh.
And I’m willing to bet they still sound as awesome as this today, if not even better.
Just like fine wine.
Now when 2020 happened, SNC went into quarantine just like all of us.
Tour dates had to be postponed but the boys felt that moving forward with a holiday album would keep everyone sane and happy.
“We recorded this album from home, during the early days of the pandemic, where leaving the house was a luxury and singing holiday music helped bring a sense of calm and a sense of hope.”
Isho shared.
Pretty sure that worked! The boys bring nothing but smiles and this performance just proved to all you first time listeners that they are the real deal.
Singing A Capella requires real talent and confidence.
Like a strong drink minus the chaser.
HEar the men for yourself in the video below.
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