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Highly successful, and still highly-regarded, pop-folk group. Initially organized in Aspen, Colorado, in 1958, at the Limelite Hotel, hence the name, the group originally consisted of Alex Hassilev and Glenn Yarbrough, who were joined by the late Dr. Louis Gottlieb when they went to the West Coast about a year later.
Discovered on the small club circuit by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, they made their first album for his label in 1959. However, it was when they signed with RCA Victor the following year that their national careers really took off. Widespread success rapidly followed, with many appearances on TV, as well as commercials for Folger's Coffee and Coca-Cola.
More albums artists than singles artists, their many hit albums with RCA included "Tonight: In Person," "The Slightly Fabulous Limeliters," "Sing Out," "Our Men in San Francisco," and "Through Children's Eyes." They were involved in a plane crash in 1963, and while none of them were seriously hurt, it understandably dampened their enthusiasm for touring. Yarbrough left to pursue a solo career at around that time, to be replaced by Ernie Sheldon. After continuing for a couple more years, the Limeliters initially broke up in 1965 in order to pursue other interests, but re-formed in 1973 and have been performing together ever since.
With Gottlieb's death in 1994 and Yarbrough's semi-retirement necessitating personnel changes, Alex Hassilev is the only original member left, but is transitioning towards retirement status. He still makes special appearances, though.
The Limeliters, who continue to tour and periodically record for the Folk Era label, are now made up of Gaylan Taylor, Andy Corwin & Mack Bailey.
