Straight No Chaser isn’t your typical music group. Not only is the ensemble made up of talented vocalists – but they also sprinkle humor, style, and lots of entertainment into their a capella performances.
During one of Straight No Chaser’s concerts, the crowd was treated to a unique rendition of two well-known songs, which they beautifully blended together. It’s a mixture of “I’m Yours” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” that has the internet falling head over heels.
Straight No Chaser is a successful vocal group with a worldwide fan base, multiple albums, and tens of millions of views on their YouTube channel.
With all their achievements, it’s hard to believe they originally formed when they were college students at Indiana University in 1996. Since their school was lacking an a cappella group – the ten singers united to create one that was different than the rest. It wasn’t long before they gained popularity by entertaining audiences with their music and showmanship.
On their Facebook page, it explains:
“Straight No Chaser forged a unique style based on a combination of musical brilliance balanced with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.”
The members of Straight No Chaser graduated in 1999 and began their own careers and life paths. Then in 2006, everything changed.
A 1998 performance was uploaded to YouTube, which featured the members singing a comical and clever rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The video quickly went viral and caught the eye of Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO, Craig Kallman.
Kallman contacted the group members expressing interest in reuniting Straight No Chaser for an album…and the rest is history.
Straight No Chaser has a long list of musical influences that includes The Beatles, Billy Joel, Cold Play, Sam Cooke, Boyz ll Men, Fiona Apple, and many, many more.
The group used their talents to combine two very heartfelt and famous songs, “I’m Yours” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” A version appeared on their 2010 album, With a Twist, but they also performed the song live as well.
In the video below, all ten members are up on stage dressed in classic suits. The song begins with a mixture of the two melodies, created only with the use of vocals.
Moments in, the performance morphs into Jason Mraz’s love track “I’m Yours,” with singer Mike taking the lead. Straight No Chaser’s passion shines through both in their voices and also in their faces.
About two minutes into the performance, the song switches over to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” sounding similar to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of the classic.
The shifts between songs are done flawlessly by Straight No Chaser and the combination is simply divine! By no surprise, the crowd roars with applause at the end of the performance, which has gathered millions of views online as well.
Numerous viewers have left positive comments on YouTube. One wrote:
“These guys are so incredibly talented! Love it! & this is probably my favorite rendition of this particular medley ever!”
Another person commented:
“I could listen to this all day. Love the way you guys sing.”
It’s a performance that’s brightening days and lifting spirits. A woman shared:
“This song makes me forget all my troubles for about 3:47”
Watch the video below to enjoy Straight No Chaser’s incredible medley for yourself!
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