The Four Preps was a popular … Read Full Bio ↴From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
The Four Preps was a popular music quartet most popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The group originally consisted of Bruce Belland (born 22 October 1936, Chicago, Illinois), Ed Cobb, Marv Ingram, (originally named "Marvin Inabnett") and Glen Larson (born 1937), who later become one of the most prolific creators and producers in the history of American television.
They had a minor chart hit that year with "Dreamy Eyes" and between 1956 and 1964 reached the top 100 charts with 13 different songs. The following year they appeared with Lindsay Crosby on the top-rated television special, The Edsel Show.
Their biggest hit was "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)," which was written by Belland and Larson and reached #2.
For a short period, Don Clarke replaced Marv Ingram while Marv finished college at UCLA, but he rejoined the group in 1960.
In 1960 they also recorded a parody single, "More Money for You and Me," which included single parody verses of several popular songs by The Fleetwoods, The Hollywood Argyles, The Platters, The Four Freshmen, The Kingston Trio and Dion and the Belmonts. The title parody, sung to the tune of "Tom Dooley," went like this:
Hang down the Kingston Trio,
Hang 'em from a tall oak tree;
Eliminate the Kingston Trio;
More money for you and me.
In 1966, David Somerville, formerly of The Diamonds, joined the group replacing Cobb. Belland and Somerville continued occasionally to perform as a duo after the breakup.
Belland continued writing songs for other singers, as well as writing television show scripts, eventually becoming a network executive. Cobb became a record producer and sound engineer. Larson became one of the most influential television producers in history, creating Battlestar Galactica and Knight Rider.
In the 1980s, Belland, Cobb, Somerville, and Jim Pike (formerly of The Lettermen) eventually formed a new "Four Preps" group, and went on to perform. J
Yester, Belland, and Somerville continued performing as a trio, using their last names, doing songs that were associated with The Four Preps, The Diamonds, and The Association.
Belland's daughters, Tracey Bryn Belland and Melissa Brooke Belland, followed in their father's footsteps as singers, forming a group named Voice of the Beehive
Lazy Summer Night
The Four Preps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's not a moving thing in sight
It's all so quiet
No riot
Why, even in the thicket
Mr. Cricket's slowing down
It's such a lazy summer night
For fancy dreamin'
And schemin'
To just relax and run away from town
Hey, take a look at all those other cars
They're parked here just like ours
To count the stars above
It seems we're not alone
I guess I should have known
Romance runs high
The last two weeks in July
It's such a lazy summer night
Tonight the fireflies will light
The way for lovers
For lovers like us
To love
It's such a lazy summer night
The Four Preps describe the atmosphere of a lazy summer night in these lyrics. They paint a picture of a peaceful and quiet night where nothing is stirring. They even go as far as to say that Mr. Cricket, an insect known for making loud and persistent sounds, has slowed down. Inspiration Point, a location where one can see inspiring and breathtaking views, is highlighted as an ideal spot for dreaming and scheming. They encourage listeners to relax and escape from their busy lives by running away from town.
The lyrics also suggest that this particular night holds the promise of romance. The singers observe other people parked in their cars, just like they are, and looking up at the stars. They realize they are not alone in their search for a romantic experience. July is noted as a month when people are especially prone to experience romance. The presence of fireflies is also highlighted, as they are known for their association with love and light. The song ultimately encourages listeners to allow themselves to fall in love and fully embrace the magic of a lazy summer night.
Line by Line Meaning
It's such a lazy summer night
The night is so serene and peaceful
There's not a moving thing in sight
There is no motion or activity around
It's all so quiet
Everything is intensely still and hushed
No riot
There is no commotion or uproar
Why, even in the thicket
In the bushes or shrubs nearby
Mr. Cricket's slowing down
Even the sound of the crickets has lost intensity
And inspiration point is right
A great spot for creativity and imagination
For fancy dreamin'
To indulge in elaborate fantasies
And schemin'
To devise cunning plans
To just relax and run away from town
The perfect opportunity to unwind and escape urban life
Hey, take a look at all those other cars
Observing the other vehicles nearby
They're parked here just like ours
All the cars are stationary in the same way
To count the stars above
To gaze at the sky and locate stars
It seems we're not alone
There are others around
I guess I should have known
Perhaps the presence of others shouldn't be surprising
Romance runs high
The emotions of love are heightened
The last two weeks in July
This period of summer has a particular romantic significance
Tonight the fireflies will light
The glow of the insects will illuminate the area
The way for lovers
Creating a pathway for those in love
For lovers like us
For people in a romantic relationship
To love
To express affection for one another
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HAROLD SPINA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenbynum4793
This song gives me goosebumps
@frendoman4327
great memories... simple, easy and free... life in America, thank God
@protoville4251
A gem from start to finish.
@jonathanstrauss2083
This killer classic deserves 200,000 views minimum .
@sauquoit13456
On this day in 1958 {August 31st} Ricky Nelson performed live in front of an audience for the first time; it was at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Twenty-seven days earlier his "Poor Little Fool" peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100. Opening for Ricky were the Four Preps; who at the time were on the Top 100 themselves with "Lazy Summer Night", which reached #21. R.I.P. Mr. Nelson, aka Eric Hilliard Nelson, {1940 - 1985}.
@carolemorrison9870
LOVE this!!!!!
@stephenbynum4793
Lazy Summer Night By The Four Preps
@TheLimePopsicle
This and "She Was Five And He Was The Ten" are the prettiest in my opinion.
@1vintagegranny9
Just beautiful.
@patentpumps
Great harmony! Love the Four Preps.