The Four Preps were a vocal quartet who came together at Hollywood High in the 1950s and won a talent contest that secured them a contract with Capitol Records in 1956.

They are best-known internationally for their 1958 hit composition Big Man, featuring the piano of their long-time arranger/conductor Lincoln Mayorga. Reaching No.3 in the US and hitting No.2 in the UK No.2, the track remains a landmark classic of the era. Prior to Big Man, the collective had enjoyed success in the US with the No.2 single 26 Miles (Santa Catalina) and went on to have hits in the 1960s, exploiting their deft vocal harmonies and notable songwriting talents.

Featuring A- and B-sides of their Capitol singles during these years, this 2CD compilation includes tracks from their albums The Four Preps, The Things We Did Last Summer and Dancing And Dreaming. It features 12 of their 13 career Top 100 entries which they achieved during these years, including their Top 20 hits Down By The Station and More Money For You And Me.

The Four Preps were one of the most unusual and distinctive groups of the post rock ’n’ roll era, and this substantial collection provides an enjoyable showcase for their talents.

REVIEWS

I enjoyed this collection very much and as usual the liner booklet contains much interesting and useful information. - Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune Issue 349)