Dick Clark called the Four Preps the Pat Boone of clean cut because of their clean cut image them along with Ricky Nelson and James Darren which they sang and play together in films and TV were squeaky clean cuts.the Beach Boys,Beatles and Frankie Valli/Four Seasons had an influence on the Four Preps plus Dave Somerville of the Diamonds of the 50s sang with the Four Preps.
In the late 60's early 70's had a dance band and played at Romfords Reception Lounge for a number of years. Band members; glen, piano & organ- Harry bass & vocals- Bill, sax, clarinet and anything thing else around, Dave, lead & rhythm guitar and drummer Geoff... Every night we sang a bunch of four Prep songs with Harry on lead.
Probably my favourite we performed was " More Money For You And Me".
Happy memories and thanks for the musical entertainment, both john1948five and uTube....
Back when it was simply pure talent and beautiful voices. I remember being a little girl when my Mom pulled out her 45 of this, and I've loved The Four Preps since. :) Well, along with the Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four, and the Ames Brothers. Thank you for bring back some great memories!
I saw them this week at the Candlelight Theatre in Clarmount, CA. They are wonderful and brought back so many good memories. Don't mss seeing them perform.
I did this song not long ago with my group.... in high school, guys who were 16, 17 years old. True story. Sometimes when you expose 'em to good, fun, real music they end up loving it. :)
I am 64 another from New Zealand (Wellington). The four Preps were (and still are) huge in New Zealand. I have one of their albums and it still gets a thrashing!
Yet another KIWI who loves the old songs of the "late 50s- mid 60s". Brings back memories of standing at the platform of the Auckland Railway Stn waiting to go to the Waiouru Military Camp to do our National Serrvice.
This song peaked at number 13 on Billboard in 1960.The Four Preps amassed eight gold singles and three gold albums. Its million-selling signature tunes include "26 Miles," "Big Man," "Lazy Summer Night," and "Down by the Station." It was a huge hit in New Zealand and I remember everyone was singing it when it came out. Great memories!
A bit of music trivia, folks. I have done extensive research on this and I can confirm it. This is the ONLY song in the history of music, all genre's of music, that contains the word.....PUFFERBELLIES.
I also miss the good old days. They sure don't make songs like this anymore.
If they don't have bad language or about sex, they don't sell. Take me back to the good old days any day. "Down by the Station" was always one of my favorites. It is a very fun song to sing along with.
Wonderful oldie! I remember my mother driving the family past the trainyards down by Battle Creek Park in St. Paul, hearing this on the radio and singing with it. Brings back such fond memories, happy times. I miss the old days. Thanks for posting!
Now I'm not a music historian, but to my knowledge this is the only song in the history of music that contains the word "pufferbellies". I'm thinking rock 'n roll hall of fame here.
First, thanks for so many wonderful memories. I grew up with you guys and they are certainly some of the happiest times of my life. I am hopeless in this technical age, can not even use a mobile phone so am asking you or other fans: Did the Four Preps ever bring out a version of Rock And Roll Heaven and if so, where do I geit it from. Cheers,
Hi Bruce Belland, First of all thanks for so many wonderful songs. Here in New Zealand we did not have TV in the 1950s, so it was an old valve radio. I was about six when I first heard Big Man and even to this day it evokes so many wonderful memories of a kinder time, when Mum stayed home and looked after the brood, while Dad went to work. We didn't have much but we were happy. Anyway Bruce, did you guys record Rock and Roll Heaven? If so, how do I get it?
@TrueAveril Sorry to be so slow to answer but I missed this when you posted it. Rock and Rock Heaven was released by The Righteous Brothers in 1973 or 74. As far as I know it wasn't covered by the Four Lads.
Just finally gave away my vinyl album - had nothing left to play it on - Four Preps on Campus - a treasure for 50 years no less - apparently life moves on ...........
Wow, this was great fun reading the comments and the text box on the right. This song sounds as fresh today as it did when i first heard it about 50 years ago. Ouch. It was of course particularly nice reading comments from Bruce B.
Correction. The melody is based on an old English folksong called "Pufferbellies" from the 1700's. Slim Gaillard wrote an adaptation in the 60's - NOTHING like the version that Glen Larson and I fashioned from the old P.D. melody for The Four Preps. Hope thaat clears up the confusion.
For anyone interested, the picture at 0:33 is a picture of Brian Wilson and schoolmates at a school assembly in 1960. Brian, of course, would in a short time go on to form the Beach Boys, who would become one of the most successful groups in rock 'n' roll history.
He always cited the Four Freshman, the Hi-Lows, and other individuals, such as Chuck Berry, as his inspirations.
I have never found one reference of his to the Four Preps. It's a mystery. Given his love of harmony...
I'm Bruce Belland, Lead Singer and Co-founder of the Four Preps. The Preps DO get credit for influencing and inspiring Brian in Timothy White's Classic book "The Nearest Faraway Place" pages 99/118/126.
It made me proud to read it.
Brian is a genius so I'll take any credit they want to give the Preps believe me.
Mr Belland, I'm about your age and there were so many great groups in the 60's and I can't think of any group that performed better than the Four Preps. I can't tell you how much joy your group brought to my generation. Your novelty songs were unbelievable, You did Dick and Dee Dee better than Dick and Dee Dee. It's great to see so many of the groups from the 60's still performing today and most of them sing as well as they did then. Real Talent, Real Music!
Bruce, It's a thrill for me to be able to send you a message. I love your music and I also love the performance videos you have posted on youtube. What a treasure for us to be able to see you on Sullivan's show. Could you tell me which one of the 4 you are, in one of the videos? Thanks, Andy
Dick Clark called the Four Preps the Pat Boone of clean cut because of their clean cut image them along with Ricky Nelson and James Darren which they sang and play together in films and TV were squeaky clean cuts.the Beach Boys,Beatles and Frankie Valli/Four Seasons had an influence on the Four Preps plus Dave Somerville of the Diamonds of the 50s sang with the Four Preps.
MrWalterlee011 2 weeks ago
What great harmony...... the music of the 50's 60's folk era just cant be beat..... great tunes ...
moparmtn 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
@pmoyer...He probably listened to them, but BrianWilson's always claimed the Four Freshmen as his big, vocal music influence.
Johnk662561 2 months ago
John1948Five...
Here is a modern version of "more money", different words from the original but still worth a look...
YouTubeU - uploaded by the4preps on Nov 18, 2009
1977: Billboard Music Awards - The Bee Gees introduce The Four Preps singing "More Money for You and Me"
Category:
Entertainment
Tags:
The Four Preps 1977 Billboard Music Awards Bee Gees More Money for You and Me
aussiebaron 3 months ago
@aussiebaron Thanks. Fun song.
John1948Five 3 months ago
In the late 60's early 70's had a dance band and played at Romfords Reception Lounge for a number of years. Band members; glen, piano & organ- Harry bass & vocals- Bill, sax, clarinet and anything thing else around, Dave, lead & rhythm guitar and drummer Geoff... Every night we sang a bunch of four Prep songs with Harry on lead.
Probably my favourite we performed was " More Money For You And Me".
Happy memories and thanks for the musical entertainment, both john1948five and uTube....
aussiebaron 3 months ago
@aussiebaron Thanks for the comment. I'm going to look around for "More Money For You And Me".
John1948Five 3 months ago
i'm 18, i'm a 90s kid... and I ADORE this kind of music... I love it. Thanks so much for uploading!
elvis8tweeter 5 months ago 5
@elvis8tweeter No problem. I love sharing the old songs and I'm glad you like it.
John1948Five 5 months ago
Awesome....
classic287 5 months ago
Back when it was simply pure talent and beautiful voices. I remember being a little girl when my Mom pulled out her 45 of this, and I've loved The Four Preps since. :) Well, along with the Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four, and the Ames Brothers. Thank you for bring back some great memories!
LadyAryun 5 months ago
Barney the Dinosaur bought me here. Seriously it did. I used to listen to this on Barney everyday.
jazzalex22 5 months ago
Didn't Brian Wilson listen to this group when he was a kid? He really expanded on the harmonies.
pmoyer50 6 months ago
I saw them this week at the Candlelight Theatre in Clarmount, CA. They are wonderful and brought back so many good memories. Don't mss seeing them perform.
volleyballmom9 6 months ago
back in my day, life was easy
deviatea 7 months ago
I did this song not long ago with my group.... in high school, guys who were 16, 17 years old. True story. Sometimes when you expose 'em to good, fun, real music they end up loving it. :)
keithcop 7 months ago
I am 64 another from New Zealand (Wellington). The four Preps were (and still are) huge in New Zealand. I have one of their albums and it still gets a thrashing!
rorigiles 8 months ago
Yet another KIWI who loves the old songs of the "late 50s- mid 60s". Brings back memories of standing at the platform of the Auckland Railway Stn waiting to go to the Waiouru Military Camp to do our National Serrvice.
lethe5032 9 months ago
Comment removed
lethe5032 9 months ago
Another New Zealander here..I remember this well, plus heaps of other similar songs from this era.....glad I was born in 1947!
ukfordfan 10 months ago
So much fun...thanks for the post!
CaryPH 1 year ago
This song peaked at number 13 on Billboard in 1960.The Four Preps amassed eight gold singles and three gold albums. Its million-selling signature tunes include "26 Miles," "Big Man," "Lazy Summer Night," and "Down by the Station." It was a huge hit in New Zealand and I remember everyone was singing it when it came out. Great memories!
rorigiles 1 year ago
A bit of music trivia, folks. I have done extensive research on this and I can confirm it. This is the ONLY song in the history of music, all genre's of music, that contains the word.....PUFFERBELLIES.
Love it, John. Thank you so much for the post.
Rikki0 1 year ago 2
I also miss the good old days. They sure don't make songs like this anymore.
If they don't have bad language or about sex, they don't sell. Take me back to the good old days any day. "Down by the Station" was always one of my favorites. It is a very fun song to sing along with.
twoodruff01 1 year ago
Wonderful oldie! I remember my mother driving the family past the trainyards down by Battle Creek Park in St. Paul, hearing this on the radio and singing with it. Brings back such fond memories, happy times. I miss the old days. Thanks for posting!
TheDragonseed5 1 year ago
Now I'm not a music historian, but to my knowledge this is the only song in the history of music that contains the word "pufferbellies". I'm thinking rock 'n roll hall of fame here.
Rikki0 1 year ago
Thanks for this!!! really enjoyed the song!
fleetkicker 1 year ago
Message to Bruce Belland, Hi Bruce.
First, thanks for so many wonderful memories. I grew up with you guys and they are certainly some of the happiest times of my life. I am hopeless in this technical age, can not even use a mobile phone so am asking you or other fans: Did the Four Preps ever bring out a version of Rock And Roll Heaven and if so, where do I geit it from. Cheers,
True Averil
TrueAveril 1 year ago
Half a century ago I was jiving to this ... no electronic gizmo, no autotune, just four brilliant singers with every word as clear as crystal.
Thanks a million John for loading these great old songs with the images to match !!
ArchieLindsay 1 year ago
@ArchieLindsay You're welcome Archie. Sharing these oldies is my joy.
John
John1948Five 1 year ago
Wow!! This brings so many memories....remembering listening to this when I was about 14.....found myself singing it with them again!!...Suzi
TheSuziclassof64 1 year ago
Great song!! I have always liked the college "preppie" look...
zoggy1950 1 year ago
What memories.... best era ever for music.... 50's 60's no other era compares....
moparmtn 1 year ago
love this group the four Prepes, and all the other oldies John has here for us to enjoy, great job John thanx-Tommy
tommy4rock 1 year ago 3
@tommy4rock You're welcome. When I find stuff I like I have to share it.
John1948Five 1 year ago
My older sisters loved this. Songs good to me, too. But I remember one from later that I would swear had the words,
"I love you, sir
Yes, I do, sir" and it was a girl(s) singing.
Or maybe I'm just confused. :-)
zaboolarooza 1 year ago
@zaboolarooza This is the song with (approximately) those lyrics - in the last verse.
Bruce Belland Lead Singer of the Four Preps.
TheFourPreps 1 year ago
@zaboolarooza
Well, I'll be dog. That sure was it. What year was this out? I'm guessing I was 7 or 8. :)
zaboolarooza 1 year ago
Hi Bruce Belland, First of all thanks for so many wonderful songs. Here in New Zealand we did not have TV in the 1950s, so it was an old valve radio. I was about six when I first heard Big Man and even to this day it evokes so many wonderful memories of a kinder time, when Mum stayed home and looked after the brood, while Dad went to work. We didn't have much but we were happy. Anyway Bruce, did you guys record Rock and Roll Heaven? If so, how do I get it?
Tks, TrueAveril
TrueAveril 1 year ago
@TrueAveril Sorry to be so slow to answer but I missed this when you posted it. Rock and Rock Heaven was released by The Righteous Brothers in 1973 or 74. As far as I know it wasn't covered by the Four Lads.
John1948Five 1 year ago
I think Pufferbelly is Aussie-slang for Locomotive.
sonicxthomasexpert 1 year ago
I rank this and Big Man among the very best records ever made...the Four Preps are among the very best vocal groups ever.
floundersrule 1 year ago
Just finally gave away my vinyl album - had nothing left to play it on - Four Preps on Campus - a treasure for 50 years no less - apparently life moves on ...........
indah007 2 years ago
@indah007
Good news!
All the Preps recordings are now available in CD format on iTunes and Amazon. You can download the whole album if you'd like.
Have fun and enjoy!
Bruce Belland
The Four Preps
the4preps 1 year ago 5
@the4preps Thanks Bruce.
John1948Five 1 year ago
A great song from the guys who gave us '26 Miles' & 'Big Man'.Thanks for this one partner!
AnthonysDen 2 years ago
Great oldie,I remember it well
rockdoowop5060 2 years ago
They don't make 'em like that any more!
2Tylerdevil 2 years ago
my favourite song play this on a 78 and turn it up full blast like girl without a top too
mrblindfreddy9999 2 years ago
I loved these guys. Their songs were so pure, clear and all american! Thanks guys for some of the best rock ever produced!
JustAGuyNamedSteve1 2 years ago
VERY VERY GOOD,UAO,UAO,
yanfrom1987 2 years ago
my favourite all time song from australia
mrblindfreddy9999 2 years ago
Wow, this was great fun reading the comments and the text box on the right. This song sounds as fresh today as it did when i first heard it about 50 years ago. Ouch. It was of course particularly nice reading comments from Bruce B.
coyotesong 2 years ago
have the four preps been playing tainted love? if yes, could someone upload it?Please!
linu0015 2 years ago
this song was written by the legend Slim Galliard
3rdStoneFromTheSun 2 years ago
Correction. The melody is based on an old English folksong called "Pufferbellies" from the 1700's. Slim Gaillard wrote an adaptation in the 60's - NOTHING like the version that Glen Larson and I fashioned from the old P.D. melody for The Four Preps. Hope thaat clears up the confusion.
bruce belland - Co-writer
The Four Preps
TheFourPreps 2 years ago
Thanks Bruce. I remember singing Pufferbellies in grade school in the 50s.
Down by the station early in the morning
See the little pufferbellies all in a row.
See the station master pull a little handlle.
Tug Tug - Toot Toot
Off they go!
Thanks for the memories!
John1948Five 2 years ago
@John1948Five: Me, too. I remember the song from grade school, then the Four Preps came out with this version. Very cute! Thanks for posting!
justmusicandme 2 years ago
justmusicandme... I just knew I'd find you here.... absolutely love this song!!!!
AGibsonJ 2 years ago
@AGibsonJ : You didn't think I would miss this train, did you? LOL!
justmusicandme 2 years ago
@justmusicandme, just don't let Lettermen1, know we've been over here ...the Prep's are very addicting!
AGibsonJ 2 years ago
I love the last 2 verses of the song: The philandering singer got his comeuppance, while life went on around him.
smwca123 2 years ago
Fantastic song!! Great group!
ricknelson69 2 years ago
i heard this song on the radio and went looking for it. I love it. but your link doesnt work. ???
chevtough 2 years ago
Awesome song!! I remember hearing it on station KOMA when I was a kid doing my homework with the radio next to me. Thanks for posting it.
cruiser1947 2 years ago
this was one of very first records as a little girl
rainydaywoman1957 2 years ago
Very nicely done, John'48! Most enjoyable!
(cool lil' Four Preps tune. real nice sound to it)
Thanx!
-- -Wally
WallyPlumstead 2 years ago
Thanks for the video, the information, but most of all, the music.
KnightVow 2 years ago
Excellent video! Very well done. I love this song and the group!
boo1650 2 years ago
For anyone interested, the picture at 0:33 is a picture of Brian Wilson and schoolmates at a school assembly in 1960. Brian, of course, would in a short time go on to form the Beach Boys, who would become one of the most successful groups in rock 'n' roll history.
He always cited the Four Freshman, the Hi-Lows, and other individuals, such as Chuck Berry, as his inspirations.
I have never found one reference of his to the Four Preps. It's a mystery. Given his love of harmony...
oceanstreat 2 years ago
Finally catching up with youtube people.
I'm Bruce Belland, Lead Singer and Co-founder of the Four Preps. The Preps DO get credit for influencing and inspiring Brian in Timothy White's Classic book "The Nearest Faraway Place" pages 99/118/126.
It made me proud to read it.
Brian is a genius so I'll take any credit they want to give the Preps believe me.
But it IS nice to see our band get acknowledged.
bb
TheFourPreps 2 years ago
This was one of my favorite songs back in the day. You were a big part of my teens years.
John1948Five 2 years ago
Bruce one of the best sounds in music history.
It is good to be in touch with the founder member.
Best wishes
John from Liverpool,England.
jahoppy 2 years ago
Mr Belland, I'm about your age and there were so many great groups in the 60's and I can't think of any group that performed better than the Four Preps. I can't tell you how much joy your group brought to my generation. Your novelty songs were unbelievable, You did Dick and Dee Dee better than Dick and Dee Dee. It's great to see so many of the groups from the 60's still performing today and most of them sing as well as they did then. Real Talent, Real Music!
cbparts1 2 years ago
Bruce, It's a thrill for me to be able to send you a message. I love your music and I also love the performance videos you have posted on youtube. What a treasure for us to be able to see you on Sullivan's show. Could you tell me which one of the 4 you are, in one of the videos? Thanks, Andy
68enxy 2 years ago
@TheFourPreps Me again; THAT'S the Beach Boys bio I'd seen that pic from.. Thanks!
lensman55 1 year ago
I miss this type of music
omiolo 3 years ago 2