The Skylarks

American vocal quintet that became a staple on TV variety shows and tours during the fifties and the sixties alongside stars such as Danny Kaye, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Carol Burnett. The group was originally formed as a quartet called the Velvetones in 1942 by four army servicemen stationed around the Panama Canal and consisted of Bob Sprague (first tenor), Harry Gedicke (second tenor), Harry Shuman (baritone) and George Becker (lead). On returning to Detroit after the war, Gilda Maiken joined as lead singer. Their debut recording, "Stars Fell On Alabama", was made in 1946 with orchestra leader [a239399] under their new name of the Blue Moods. After Woody Herman's band broke up, they met and recorded with Bing Crosby who changed their name to the Skylarks in 1947. Other artists they've performed, recorded and appeared alongside include Jimmy Dorsey, Russ Morgan And His Orchestra, Dinah Shore, [a299950], [a52833], [a31615] and Sonny & Cher, scoring a few chart number ones along the way. By the 50's the group consisted of originals Gilda Maiken and George Becker, with Joe Hamilton, Earl Brown, and Jacki Gershwin (later replaced by Carol Lombard) before they finally broke up in 1979 with a farewell appearance at the Hollywood Palladium.