Straight No Chaser (SNC) is the name of two related but separate a cappella men's singing groups. The Indiana University group is composed of 10 to 12 undergraduate men whose lineup changes every year. The professional group, known simply as Straight No Chaser, is composed of former members, mostly original members, of the college group. In 2006, a 1998 video of "The 12 Days of Christmas," gained widespread popularity and subsequently led to a five-album record deal with Atlantic Records in 2008. The YouTube video has been viewed almost 14 million times[1].
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The collegiate group was formed in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Together the 10 students -- Dan Ponce (the founder), Randy Stine, Charlie Mechling, Steve Morgan, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Walter Chase, Mike Itkoff, Patrick Hachey, and Kevin Caroll, became Straight No Chaser. Their name was inspired by the title track of Thelonious Monk's 1967 album, Straight, No Chaser, and is a conscious evocation of the popular American slang phrase often employed in the requesting of a drink.
SNC’s debut was at a 36-hour dance marathon.[2] The original members performed at Chicago's Wrigley Field, Comiskey Park and Navy Pier, opened for Lou Rawls and even toured the country, playing such venues as Carnegie Hall.[3] The original 10 remained together from 1996 until 1999 when new students were selected to replace the graduating members. As of 2010, approximately 60 students have been members of Straight No Chaser.[2]
In April 2006, a 1998 recording of "The 12 Days of Christmas" was posted to YouTube. The video was an adaptation of Richard C. Gregory's 1967 comic arrangement of the song for his Williston Caterwaulers, but SNC added their own touches, including songs like “I Have a Little Dreidel” and Toto’s “Africa”.[3] It has received more than 13 million views. After viewing the video himself, Craig Kallman, CEO of Atlantic Records, called Randy Stine, who posted the video, and asked if the group would consider reuniting to record a new album.
In July 2008, eight of the original 1996-1999 SNC members—Dan Ponce, Randy Stine, Charlie Mechling, Steve Morgan, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Walter Chase, and Mike Itkoff—along with 2000-2003 SNC members Mike Luginbill and Ryan Ahlwardt—recorded a Christmas album, Holiday Spirits, in Bloomington, Indiana. After appearances on TNT's Christmas in Washington, Fox's Fox & Friends, and NBC's The Today Show on December 22, 2008, Holiday Spirits became the #1 selling album on both the iTunes and Amazon.com charts.
On August 18, 2009, SNC announced that Michael Itkoff and Steve Morgan had decided to step down from the group to spend more time with their families. SNC replaced them with Seggie Isho, originally from Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Tyler Trepp, originally from Urbandale, Iowa. Both Isho and Trepp were members of the collegiate SNC group at Indiana University: Isho 2003-2005, and Trepp 2003-2007.
SNC taped a live concert special in New York City during summer 2009 that was aired on that city's PBS stations during the December 2009 pledge drive as a Christmas special, and again in March 2010, excluding the Christmas songs but including six not-seen-before pop songs.
On August 31, 2009, Straight No Chaser released an EP of six songs, titled Six Pack, continuing the band's tradition of album titles that engage the symbolism of bartending themes. On November 3, 2009, they released their second Christmas album, Christmas Cheers co-produced with Deke Sharon, and they released their first non-Christmas album, With a Twist, in April 2010. The album includes a song featuring Barry Manilow.
After a 40-show stint at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, the group's founder Dan Ponce retired from the group to return to his TV career in Chicago.[4] He was replaced by Don Nottingham, who sang with the group at Indiana University from 1999 until 2000.[5]
Their 2010 fall tour is a 75-city tour of the United States, Canada, and the UK and features their recently released box-set titled All I Want For Christmas, which features their two holiday albums and a DVD of their PBS special, Live In New York.
In 2011, Straight No Chaser took a break from their extensive touring to return to Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City for a 52-show Summer Residency with a show, Back to the Shore: Songs Through the Decades and More.[6]
In 1999, Indiana University SNC won the CARA awards for both Best Male Collegiate Album (Last Call) and Best Male Collegiate Song ("Ghost Train" on Last Call),[7] and Michael Itkoff was nominated as Best Male Collegiate Soloist.[8] In 2000, SNC was nominated for Best Male Collegiate Song ("Without Your Love" on Live at Alumni Hall).[9]
In 1998, Indiana University SNC placed second in the finals of the (now defunct) National Championships of College A Cappella.[10]
In 1998, Indiana University SNC placed first in the Midwest Region quarterfinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.[11] In 2000, SNC was recognized as having the Best Arrangement in the ICCA Midwest Region quarterfinals.[11] In 2005, SNC placed first in the ICCA divisionals and was also selected for Best Choreography at the division level. They went on to place first in the Midwest Regional Finals, and competed in the ICCA finals at the Lincoln Center in New York.[11]
In 2009, Atlantic Records SNC won the CARA award for Best Holiday Album (Holiday Spirits)[12] and was nominated for Best Holiday Song ("Carol Of The Bells" on Holiday Spirits).[13]
| Title | Album details | Chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| US [14] |
||
| Holiday Spirits |
|
46 |
| Christmas Cheers |
|
38 |
| With a Twist |
|
29 |
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Six Pack (EP) |
|
|
Indiana University SNC albums
|
|
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Straight No Chaser | 1998 |
| Last Call | 1998 |
| Live at Alumni Hall | 1999 |
| Indiana | 2000 |
| Thank You | 2001 – 2002 |
| Another Round | 2005 – 2006 |
| Facebook Stalkin' Single | 2006 – 2007 |
| Live @ the Musical Arts Center DVD | 2006 |
| Black Label | 2008 |
Disambiguation
Indiana University College Group
Atlantic Recording Artists