Influential and popular black vocal-harmony group of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. The four brothers (Herbert, b. April 2, 1912; April 12, 1989; Harry, b. August 9, 1913; June 28, 1982; Donald, b. April 29, 1915; November 13, 1999; John Jr., b. February 11, 1911; January 24, 1936), were all born in Piqua, Ohio. Their father was a concert singer-turned-barber who encouraged his young sons to harmonize. They were performing in vaudeville by the mid-1920s, and quickly gained fame for their vocal impressions of musical instruments. This led to a contract in 1930 with Brunswick...