Representative Albums: "Don't Tell Me You Do," "Rockapella," "Comfort & Joy"
Representative Songs: "Zombie Jamboree," "A Change in My Life," "Where in the World Is Carmen"
Biography
Rockapella successfully modernized the art of a cappella performing, texturing their rich five-part vocals with elements of rock, jazz, R&B and doo-wop. The group was formed during the mid-'80s by Brown University students Sean Altman (tenor) and Elliott Kerman (baritone), who met while members of the school's male a cappella ensemble the High Jinks. They soon formed a spin-off streetcorner group dubbed the Lunchtime Specials, gradually evolving into Rockapella -- although other members came and went, both Altman and Kerman stayed on throughout the lean years, eventually joined by tenor Scott Leonard and bass Barry Carl. In 1990 the group appeared on the PBS special Spike Lee and Company: Do It A Cappella, leading to an invitation to become the house band on the network's educational series Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, where they remained for five seasons. Although no American record deal was immediately forthcoming, Rockapella soon signed to the Japanese label For Life, issuing their debut LP To NY in 1992. Two more albums, From NY and Bash!, appeared that same year, and in 1993 vocal percussionist Jeff Thacher joined the lineup in time to record 1994's Vocobeat. The Christmas release Out Cold was issued just months later, and in 1995 Rockapella issued their first American collection, Primer. In the wake of 1996's Lucky Seven, Altman left the lineup and was replaced by Kevin Wright; the retooled roster issued Don't Tell Me You Do in early 1999. The seasonal effort Christmas Album was issued in fall 2000, and the concert release Live was issued in early 2001. For their fifth album, 2002's Smilin', Rockapella welcomed guest vocals from singer George Baldi. That same year, the vocal group released the holiday effort Comfort and Joy. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
The original group members consisted of Brown University alumni Elliott Kerman, David Stix, Sean Altman, and Steve Keyes. Stix left the group early on and was replaced with Charlie Evett, who was replaced after a short time by Barry Carl. After having performed on New York City street corners for passers-by the group met a producer who found them a spot on the television show Spike & Co.: Do It A Cappella, hosted by Spike Lee. It was this show that put them in the national spotlight. The text "All sounds provided by the voices and appendages of Rockapella," the central idea of the group, appears on the group's North American label debut, Don't Tell Me You Do.
Keyes departed from the group in 1991; with new high tenor Scott Leonard, the group became the house band of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? that same year. The theme song utilized a vocal percussionist; Jeff Thatcher would join as permanent vocal percussionist in 1993. After the show ended in 1996, Altman left the following year, and was replaced by Kevin Wright; this lineup appeared in the commercials for Folger's. Barry Carl and Elliott were later replaced by George Baldi III and John K. Brown, respectively. Kevin Wright announced in August 2009 that he will be leaving the group after the 2009 holiday season to spend more time with his family.[1]
None of the original members of the band remain in the group as of 2004. Founding members Sean Altman, Steve Keyes, Charlie Evett, and non-Rockapella-related baritone Kevin Weist now comprise an a cappella group called The GrooveBarbers. They can be seen on a nationwide television ad for Astelin nasal spray as 'The Astelins'. Founding member Elliott Kerman is working independently on jazz music compilations.
* Steve Keyes, Sean Altman, Elliott Kerman, and Barry Carl have done several concerts together after all had left Rockapella, billing themselves as "XRP". Charlie Evett has joined XRP on stage for a song at at least one of those concerts.
NBCThe Today Show promos for the earliest version of the program's "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" segment. The song was re-recorded later in different styles by other musicians.
Scott Leonard ·Jeff Thacher ·Kevin Wright ·George Baldi III ·John K. Brown
David Stix · Charlie Evett · Steve Keyes ·Sean Altman · Barry Carl · Elliott Kerman
