Gene Puerling - Legacy of a Genius

Gene Puerling...What a Beautiful Mind !... The best vocal group arranger of all times...In this compilation of videos, pictures and interviews I attempted to show a little bit of the two groups Gene had during his life: The Hi-Lo's & The Singers Unlimited...How can a man create such two different concepts ? The two groups were quintessential in vocal group history and no current group can avoid thei influence...Gene Puerling said it all !

[@gregstegeman7102]

I was a member of The Four Freshmen for 12 years ('89-2001) and Gene often described the Freshmen as being a major influence but he obviously took it to another level. I had the honor of being in his home in San Anselmo, CA a couple of times too. I have everything both groups ever recorded and their work will never be surpassed.

[@jorgestramusic]

Greg Stegeman Thank you so much Greg what an honor !...The Four Freshman are another big pillar of vocal group history.... All the best to you, I hope you enjoyed my tribute Gene.

[@gregstegeman7102]

Thank YOU, Jorge for your kind comments and especially thank you for this wonderful tribute to Gene. Great photos and editing and also one of the few things I've never heard: the commercial for Air New Zealand. Gorgeous! I am grateful for your work!!

[@SlackjawJones-yk8zh]

I would have seen you in NYC late 1992 at...was it Fat Tuesdays? Great show!

[@gregstegeman7102]

@@SlackjawJones-yk8zh Thanks! Yes we played Fat Tuesdays a couple of times. Loved it each time.

[@williamb4335]

Amazing!! Gene puerling was amazing RIP

[@robertm2000]

"Portrait of a Genius" .....WHAT an understatement!!! Gene Puerling is one of the all time great arrangers and singers!

[@Anonymous-md4ec]

And Gene's influence on Take 6 extends the legacy.

[@jorgestramusic]

Indeed Noreen... They have acknowledged that in many occasions !

[@dbookin]

Both groups should be required listening for all vocal music majors.

[@bruceellisbenson4402]

The Singers Unlimited were simply beyond compare.

[@jorgestramusic]

Bruce Ellis Benson indeed Bruce !!!

[@eugenesedita]

Bruce Ellis Benson, without the Hi-Lo's the Singers Unlimited would not have existed.

[@Wolfsky9]

We'll not hear this kind of vocalizing ever, again. RIP,, Gene P. & Len D. ------Wolfsky9

[@jorgestramusic]

Indeed Wolfsky9 !

[@EricLehner]

Harmony is healing. What a beautiful era in Music.

[@peteryeoman8813]

What a wonderful tribute to a truly inspirational group of people who we will never hear the like of again.

[@leftynotliberal]

Gene was on my paper route as a kid. I got him to sign an album for me. Wish I would have milked him for some singing lessons. :D

[@jorgestramusic]

Tell me more Chris please!

[@leftynotliberal]

@@jorgestramusic Not a lot to tell. I was 11. I had a vague idea who he was, and my folks had a Hi-Los LP, so I brought it up and got it signed. Had a nice house on the hill with an amazing view. I didn't really appreciate that type of music until later.

[@jorgestramusic]

@@leftynotliberal Thanks Chris, that's nice enough, I met Gene in San Anselmo in 1997...What a moment...Francis Drake Mall, Easy St. Cafe... He signed me a copy of his "Fool on The Hill" arrangement for The Singers Unlimited, that moment will remain in my heart till I die.

[@msmith53]

Thx for this! The fact that pop music has deteriorated in the last several years is evidence of our general intelligence.

[@Wolfsky9]

I grew up in the 50's, & my Dad loved this Hi Lo's. -----------They were awesome. ----------Wolfsky9

[@eugenesedita]

My buddies in the late 60s and early 70s from Astoria Queens , The Companions used to sing many of the exact transcriptions by ear of the Hi-Lo's breaks and songs. I loved to hear them as did hundreds of others that hung on the streets in those days. I'll never forget them: The Companions.

[@bixsingsthemusicoflife2047]

Absolutely should be required for all vocal students. This is great arranging and great singing, far above most singers abilities, but it would train everyone at a much higher level.

[@Wolfsky9]

What timeless music ! Forever, Thank-you, Gene, Bonnie, Len & Don! ----Wolfsky9

[@TinyMaths]

Well I first listened to barbershop probably around 2006 when I heard a radio program talking about the history and featuring various groups. I fell in love with Take 6 around 1998; I never really considered who their influences were. Having come across the source now, all I can say is 'breathtaking'.

[@Anonymous-md4ec]

As a vocal duo member from age 3 (my sister and I sang together as early as I can recall, we sang) and discovering harmony at age 7, I learned the joy of a vocal blend and ear training. My father said when we were 2 & 3, we used to sing on the streetcars. I could feel the buzz of the blend. Grew up singing in Chicago area so was familiar with The J's with Jamie. Wasn't long until I discovered The Hi Lo's, Swingles and later Singers Unlimited. Just love vocal groups. Great video. There is another vocal group Committed that credits Take 6, which means Gene Puerling legacy.

[@SolarMumuns]

Anonymous You might want to check out Jacob Collier's acapella stuff. His take on In the Bleak Midwinter is quite sth. His Fascinating Rhythm is great too.

[@Wolfsky9]

I have long considered the day I took a chance & bought my 1st " Singers" album, one of THE luckiest days of my life. What incredible music. What voices . And I too, was in love, with Bonnie .

[@alexforest1]

Sublime ✨

[@DannyFong]

Thanks for the sharing this fantastic video Jorge! I will be back to watch this many time throughout the years :)

[@jorgestramusic]

Danny Fong A Cappella Thank you Danny !...A must see for Puerling Fans all over the world !

[@sebaugustop16L]

Amazing!!!!!

[@msmith53]

I was a huge fan of the Freshmen and the Hi-Lo’s in high school. Awesome talents and creative geniuses!

[@Guitaropenmind]

What a great compilation,thanks Jorge! Gene is the man.

[@jorgestramusic]

***** Simply the best Michel !

[@worldstage1]

Thanks Jorge, from another Four Freshmen alum....cut my teeth on the 4F & only dreamed of being a vocal arranger in the same league as Gene Puerling....genius!!!

[@jorgestramusic]

+worldstage1 Thank you so much my friend !...We all went to The Puerling University !

[@sliderossian]

Any kid wants to learn vocal arranging's brightest moments, just do a bunch of 4-part takedowns from the Hi-Los recordings ... My Romance is a great place to start.

[@nathanwest2021]

I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I’m a vocal music education major in college and seeing this means so much to me. You made an impact with this comment and hopefully you’ll impact someone again :)

En el minuto 7 comienza la magia. La musica de Air New Zealand es BRUTAL.

[@pcallas66]

It's just my opinion but I think these guys are the best vocal group that I ever heard in my lifetime. The Hi Los are just a once in a lifetime phenomenon. I think they were naturals and although there are plenty gifted singers that can duplicate this just fine, I don't think it came as naturally as it did to Gene Puerling. I could be wrong, but it's just my perspective. The vocals are so well inner woven together that the tenor parts are extremely difficult to pick out. Thank you for posting this.

[@GlauciaCarvalho]

Maravilhoso Jorge! Definitivamente Gene é um gênio!

[@Wolfsky9]

HOW could any guy NOT fall in love with Bonnie ??------------What a voice & what a beauty. ------------timeless.

[@Anonymous-md4ec]

Forgot to say that I knew the Four Freshmen when Ken Albers and Bill Comstock were with them and saw them in Denver in 1964 at Elitch's Gardens. Bill Comstock had been a member of a great vocal group of musicians, The Standouts, and my then husband Bob Jackson and I hung out with them a bit. Of course, I had heard of them as well. Three members of The Standouts are still living.

Este vídeo es un placer y una obra de arte. Gracias Jorge.

[@jorgestramusic]

Qué bueno que te gustó Víctor, muchas gracias.

[@davidlincolnbrooks]

Now this is scary, over-the-edge genius...

[@davidmas3900]

Thanks for posting!

[@user-jx3jp3gb4x]

my musical hero of all time,,, besides Robert Schumann

[@jorgeluyando3418]

Siempre amare su trabajo,grandioso!

[@spartybob1]

I had the Js with Jamie LP

[@CARLOSGARCIA-pg3cf]

Espectacular

[@conradjones6622]

For about ten seconds there I thought I was listening to a Singers Unlimited song I'd never heard before - which would be impossible - and then I realised it was an Air New Zealand advert. Where an earth did you get it from, and are there any more? I wish you'd let it play to the end, I can hear the harmonies continuing but the music is fading out - come back! It's pure Singers Unlimited and for devotees like myself even a few seconds of new material is priceless. In a way, those little advertising jingles encapsulated the SU sound even more perfectly than songs, being a condensation of their genius and innocence, the very essence of the '60s, more than the Stones, or the Beach Boys or the Beatles. Please post some more, if you have them, or tell me where I can get them. By the way, I liked your Black Forest Voices album - any more planned?

[@jorgestramusic]

+Conrad Jones Dear Conrad: I'm surprised by your devotion to The Singers Unlimited and the genius of Gene Puerling, I totally understand your surprise to the very few seconds of "new" music of TSU...I was in shock whe I heard this as well as I'VE BEEN CRAVING FOR NEW MUSIC BY THEM !.... Please send me your email or find me on facebook if you like: facebook.com/jorge.estrada1

[@JUANMANUELALEMANFERNANDEZ]

Crema cremísima jolin!!!!!! Siiiiiiiii......

[@eugenesedita]

Incredibly together in every way. How do they do that?

[@jorgestramusic]

Right?

[@eugenesedita]

And Bonnie, so darn beautiful and easy to look at too.

[@Wolfsky9]

I know---just truly know, had I ever met her, I'd have fallen hopelessly, madly, in love with Bonnie. Every photo of her from those years is glorious--her beauty looks to be so natural--with that incredible smile & voice ----how could any man not fall for her ???-----Bonnie, your voice was angelic, & , you were so--so, BEAUTIFUL !----Wolfsky9, 69 y/o Now

[@nathanwest2021]

Is there a clean version of the Air New Zealand jingle 7:01, I'm currently obsessed with it and I want to transcribe it.

[@MrOutsideInside]

Thanks for sharing this. Whats the name of the song that starts around 08:23?

[@jorgestramusic]

Anders !... That's Gene's own tune "One More Time Chuck Corea" and is featured on the A Capella III.

[@Jason-fm2lj]

What movie is the Hertz commercial from? Does anybody know?

[@jorgestramusic]

Jason Scala "Good Neighbor Sam"