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Bob Flanigan | Formed 'Freshmen,' 84

Bob Flanigan, 84, an original member of the four-part jazz vocal harmony group the Four Freshmen, has died in Las Vegas, a manager of the group said Monday.

Bob Flanigan, 84, an original member of the four-part jazz vocal harmony group the Four Freshmen, has died in Las Vegas, a manager of the group said Monday.

Mr. Flanigan died Sunday at home of congestive heart failure, with family nearby and trombonists playing songs, IVI Management agent Dina Roth said.

"Flanigan's voice was indestructible," said Ross Barbour, 82, a cousin who is the last surviving original member of the four-man group. "He could drive all day and all night without stopping between gigs, and when our voices were on the edge, Bob was still in full form."

Mr. Flanigan and cousins Ross and Don Barbour formed the group in 1948 with Hal Kratzsch while attending Butler University in Indiana. Mr. Flanigan played trombone and bass and sang lead parts.

The group produced more than 50 albums and 70 singles, and had six Grammy nominations over the years, Roth said. Their best-known recordings were "It's a Blue World" in 1952, "Mood Indigo" in 1954, "Day by Day" in 1955, and "Graduation Day" in 1956. The group was credited with being an early influence on Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson.

Mr. Flanigan retired in 1992, but Roth said he kept a hand in the changing cast of performers and management of the Four Freshmen.

- AP