Dec 2020 Vol. 5, No. 2

News Notes

Four Freshmen Music Foundation, Inc. – www.FourFreshmenMusicFoundation.org

Logo with Devanagari SangamYOU’VE MN font COME A LONG WAY FROM GREENCASTLE… you know a vocal music instructor who might like to know more about the Freshmen, the harmonies and the legacy please let us know. The FFMF can be reached via e-mail at the Dan de la Torre Bob Flanigan was the last to join the original 775-787-0623Four fine pianist. Bob had a beautiful tenor“contact voice us” and link atsang http://www.fourfreshmenmusicfoundation.org/ in . The music of the Four Freshmen and the last to leave. It took a little school and church programs as a boy. FreshmenA first is cousin wonderful to and important. We invite you to join us in celebrating the music and perpetuating the legacy of the Four Freshmen. convincing to get him on board, but once he took Ross and Don Barbour, in this family the generations hold of that high note, he never let go! His talent and often sang and played music together at gatherings and charisma were evident to anyone who saw him perform. enjoyed singing harmonies. His voice had a unique quality which topped the Bob was an excellent trombonist even in his youth. chords of the group so well and set them apart from When he was playing in the high school band, he often other vocal groups. Bob’s voice became one of the most moved up to play in the College band to fill out their recognizable aspects of the Four Freshmen signature trombone section. He was tall enough to blend in with sound. the older boys too! By the time the Four Freshmen were Whether he was stealing the show with his wacky hitting their stride, Bob’s trombone solos were almost antics or crooning softly on a favorite love song, he was as recognizable as his singing voice. HeTh eplayed original Four with Freshmen: always giving the audience a show to remember. Bob panache, strong and loud but always controlledDon Barbour, Ross and Barbour. was a larger than life character whose antagonistic jabs thoughtful. Hal Kratzsch, Bob Flanigan and bawdy jokes were as much a part of the stage show Bob served in the army during World War II in as were the beautiful ballads and smart jazz solos. His Germany. He didn’t want to be a soldier; he wanted ‘wise guy’ persona was the perfect foil for Ross’ straight to be in the army band. They needed a bass player, so man and they got plenty of laughs between songs. he signed up to play the bass, and then set off to learn The timing of the show was impeccable with plenty how to play it. ThoughFFMF he had never : THE played itVISION before, of running gags. Bob would let the audience know his by the time he left the army after playing all those USO trombone oil bottle was filled with booze! Then squirt Shows,Trudy he Feigumwas an excellentis chair ofbass the player board and of directorstrombonist! of the Four Freshmen Music Foundation. the horn and take a big squirt of it in his mouth. It By the time the group was in full swing, his trombone always got a laugh. Once, while touring with the Stan solosVision, became enthusiasm, nearly as iconic energy, as the vocal effort. harmoniesThat’s of what the Four Freshmen Music Foundation is made Kenton Band, some of the brass section players filled the group. his little bottle with something other than water. Boy, of! was he surprised when he took a mouth full! Bob often performed a song called “You Came a Long Way from St Louis.” It featured a big finish with four Growing up in Greencastle, When I attended my first Four Freshmen Society convention in 2000, I knew there was a way to hornsfill and a void always I sawwowed within the audience. the Four This Freshmen just egged community; a way to help ensure the legacy of this Indiana, a small town south him on. He would milk the crowd for more applause of Indianapolis, music was a andre takemarkable all the credit. music He and also theperformed talented “What men Now who developed it. Even more, I knew there was a way to big part of his young life. His Myhe Love?”lp students It was a jazzylearn arrangement about this showing great sound, off his a way to bring younger people into our midst. father, Lee Flanigan, was a bass playing as he sang along with his bass in a do- truck driver and his mother, do-doIn format.2015 Neil This Lantztook a graspedbit of brilliance. my vision Years later, and made it possible for me to pursue it. With aid and Nellie, was one of a dozen Vinceencouragement Johnson would performfrom stalwart with the Four Four FreshmenFreshmen enthusiasts who served on a Steering Committee sisters, all musically gifted. in aa similarnd others fashion who with gave his own needed bass andlegal brilliance. and financial guidance, the Four Freshmen Music Foundation Flanigan with trombone from the Maxine, Bob’s sister, was a album cover of “Togetherness” (FFMF) became reality last September(continued on 17.page 2) Within a matter of weeks, we incorporated in Indiana and obtained the needed 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. Generous contributions from Four Freshmen fans who believe in the FFMF’s mission are helping us launch in grand fashion.

Our fundraising goal is $100,000 this first year—vision, indeed! Already in the works are a Gala Reception in Louisville to honor our first major donors; a twice-a-year newsletter to spotlight where we’re going and what we’re doing along the way; a very special event in 2017 at Butler University (watch for news!); the appointment of a grant application development committee; development of master class/clinic curriculum; and so much more! Energy, enthusiasm, excitement and much effort abound!

I particularly want to recognize Wayne Corey and Dave Bentley who are going above and beyond measure to help move the FFMF from start up to fully functioning. Chaz Cone’s tech skills are superb—he gets the accolades for developing the FFMF’s website (www.fourfreshmenmusicfoundation.org).

Serving as chairman of the Four Freshmen Music Foundation is an honor, a privilege and a pleasure. It is also an enormous responsibility, made lighter by having equally dedicated people working hard right alongside me. Even better is that I know with certainty they share the same vision for this organization and the music we love. Every day is truly reFRESHing! A LONG WAY FROM GREENCASTLE… (continued from front)

Once, the famous trombonist Jack Teagarden, who is named Mary Scott. They were married in Las Vegas considered by many to be the one of the finest of all in 1963. By this time, each of the freshmen had a jazz trombonists, gave Bob a custom-made mouthpiece. residence in the Los Angeles area. Though the group Bob was so honored. It gave him special sense of pride was still traveling a lot, their wives didn’t travel with to know he was using the same kind of mouthpiece as them anymore, unless it was for fun. Family trips to one of his idols. exotic places were always welcome. Bob and Mary had Bob really enjoyed being part of the Jazz scene and four children and remained married until his death in made many close connections with other musicians 2011. His later life was spent at home in Las Vegas, throughout his career. In 1957, Bob made an album caring for Mary after she had a debilitating stroke. Bob playing trombone collaborating with guitar player, was also a loving and supportive grandfather to his 15 John Gray. This was a departure for Bob and an grandchildren. endeavor he was quite proud of. The album was called After leaving the group, Bob collaborated with a local “Togetherness” and featured many stellar jazz musicians music professor in Nevada (UNLV) and a music store playing on those tracks. owner. They began a program to collect, re-furbish and re-issue used band instruments to schools. Recycling the instruments and getting them to students who couldn’t afford to buy a new instrument. He wanted to make it possible for more young people to play instruments. He felt strongly that music was an important part of life. Bob traveled and performed as a Freshmen for nearly forty-three years. He kept the sound alive while bringing younger men into the group and showing them the way. But once he suffered his first heart attack in 1991 and had to be away from the group for several weeks, he began to realize that he could step aside. The plan was made for Greg Stegeman, who had already Ross and Bob are fooling around on the Ray Anthony show in 1956 Don been performing with the group, to take the top part Barbour, Ross Barbour, Bob Flanigan and Ken Albers and keep the sound going. At this time young Bob Ferreira joined the group, singing the fourth part and On stage, Bob was a consummate musician and playing drums. performer. He loved the music and he loved being Flanigan put his faith in the new configuration and was the center of attention. The tallest of the four, he had mentor to the group for many years after he stopped dashing good looks, a straight back and a bright smile. He captivated the crowd with his big personality, bringing the audience in on his jokes. Off stage, Bob was a family man. He married twice and managed to be father to six children, while keeping a hectic performance schedule. He married his first wife, Margaret Carpenter, Peggy for short, in 1949. They were married for about eleven years and had two children. Peggy didn’t often travel with him, staying put with the kids at her parent’s home most of the time. Eventually band life and distance took its toll on the marriage and they divorced.

After a few years as a bachelor, he met a lovely nurse Dave Bentley, Ken Albers and Bob Flanigan having fun at a party in 1978

(continued on page 3) A LONG WAY FROM GREENCASTLE… (continued from page 2) singing with them in 1992. In the years after he suffered two more heart attacks, eventually succumbing to congestive heart failure at age 84. Stepping out of the group must have been a difficult decision for him. And yet, he was wise to see that the group could continue; provided someone could take on the high part with gusto. We owe a huge debt to Bob Flanigan for having that wisdom. He helped the new configuration of the group to emerge into the world by using his knowledge and connections, to promote them and secure bookings. As Greg Stegeman took the lead part in the group, Bob traveled with them to introduce and endorse them. It is because of his iconic voice the group was able to reach the kind of popularity they had and because of his wisdom the Four Freshmen have been Ken Errair, Ross Barbour, Don Barbour and Bob Flanigan in 1950 able to sustain for seventy-two years and counting…

Want to know more about the early years of the group? Click on the Four Freshmen Music Foundation Webpage Legacy Article, “Here We Come, Ready or Not” or read “Now You Know” the book written by original member, Ross Barbour. It’s available through the Four Freshmen Society.

Send a meaningful gift to someone for the holidays! The Four Freshmen Music Foundation receives donations in memory of family members and Donate to the Four Freshmen Music Foundation on friends who loved the music of the Four Freshmen. behalf of a friend or loved one. Acknowledgement will Memorial donations have included: be sent telling them of your donation. IN MEMORIAM Bill Comstock Babs Frederich We are saddened by the recent passing of former Mary Morrison freshmen, Ray Brown. Ray was the first to play a keyboard with the group. He sang the second part, Jack Morrison performing with Bob Flanigan, Ross Barbour and Richard Jones Ken Albers in group #5. Ray was a friend to all who knew him. Tom Cotton Kim Lobsiger Norman Roessing Jack Hubbard The Four Freshmen Music Foundation board continues its work toward our mission despite disruption of Bruce Rouillard Covid-19 virus effects. On our website you can read John DeMuro about the grants awarded, the origins of the Four Freshmen, access past newsletters and learn about the Josie Spaniola expanding archives at Bowling Green State University in Hanna Sveen Ohio. FFMF CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

DECEMBER 2020

We must keep the music playing! May we take this because some of you challenge to heart as we continue through the pandemic are donating Four and ongoing shutdowns of live music performances. Freshmen recordings Do you have grandchildren or friends visiting over the and memorabilia to holidays? What better time to bring out your collection the Special Archives at of Four Freshmen CDs, LPs, videos - whatever you have Bowling Green State - for this somewhat captive audience? Tell them why University. Thank you this quartet and these unique harmonies are so special for remembering us to you. Encourage them to listen to the lyrics and point with your treasures! out the chord changes. Our 25-year-old grandson came BGSU personnel are last week. By the time he left he knew all the words to thrilled with these “I’m Gonna Go Fishin’…” sung by Brian Eichenberger. latest “finds” to add to Who can guess what will gain their attention? Best part, our growing collection. Trudy Feigum chairs the you’ll be contributing to the lasting Legacy of the Four Donating to the board of directors of FFMF Freshmen! Special Archives is During this slower time, you’re sorting through great way to ensure the Legacy of the Four Freshmen. boxes, trunks, closets, attics, and basements. I know

Take a few minutes to access We wish you a warm and healthy a special electronic Holiday holiday season, and an especially Greeting from the FFMF. It features recent FFMF grant Happy New Year! winners The Fresh Four. Hear Holiday Greetings from the FFMF by accessing our website, www.fourfreshmenmusicfoundation.org, in your browser. Click the link on the opening page. Enjoy! And please remember the FFMF with your end-of-year donations! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! And Consider giving Four Freshmen music many thanks for your ongoing tremendous as a gift this year! support!

Contact: [email protected] Kathy Feese, editor FOUR FRESHMEN MUSIC FOUNDATION –­ 41 PARISH ROAD – NEW CANAAN, CT 06840