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The Skylarks were an American vocal quintet that gained prominence on TV variety shows and tours during the 1950s and 1960s, performing alongside stars such as Danny Kaye, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Carol Burnett. Originally formed as a quartet called the Velvetones in 1942 by four army servicemen stationed around the Panama Canal, the group consisted of Bob Sprague (first tenor), Harry Gedicke (second tenor), Harry Shuman (baritone), and George Becker (lead). After returning to Detroit post-war, Gilda Maiken joined as the lead singer. Their debut recording, "Stars Fell On Alabama," was made in 1946 under the name the Blue Moods. Following the breakup of Woody Herman's band, they met and recorded with others, leading to their name change to the Skylarks in 1947. Throughout their career, they performed, recorded, and appeared alongside various artists, achieving several chart-topping hits. By the 1950s, the group included original members Gilda Maiken and George Becker, along with Joe Hamilton, Earl Brown, and Jacki Gershwin (who was later replaced by Carol Lombard). The Skylarks ultimately disbanded in 1979, concluding their journey with a farewell appearance at the Hollywood Palladium.

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