Though the Hi-Lo's never had any significant impact on the charts, their influence was profound indeed, and later pop harmony groups such as the Beach Boys are much in their debt. Founded by Gene Puerling, who as their arranger must be given credit for the sound they pioneered, the Hi-Lo's versions of standards such as "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "Tenderly" and "Stormy Weather" are definitely immortal. Contemporary listeners are fortunate indeed that these early recordings are now being re-released in CD format. All twenty-three of these accompanied songs were compiled from their years at Columbia (1956-61), and the track list includes "My Sugar Is So Refined," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Deep Purple," (the latter was also recorded by the Ravens). "Sugar" opens with a classical flute melody and then explodes into a brassy blast of ear candy; "Sweet Chariot" has the swing feel of a Western musical hoedown.

Listen to Tenderly in RealAudio.