The Four Preps

The Four Preps were a popular American vocal group that blended smooth harmonies with light-hearted humor. Known for hits like “26 Miles (Santa Catalina)” and “Big Man,” the group became a staple of the late 1950s and early 1960s pop scene. Their clean-cut image, catchy songs, and occasional forays into musical comedy earned them a loyal following.

Though their chart success slowed by the mid-1960s, the group’s influence continued through film appearances, solo work, and reunions that kept their music alive across generations.

The Four Preps – Artist Profile
Origin	Los Angeles, California, USA
Formed	1956
Genres	Pop, Vocal Harmony, Novelty
Label	Capitol Records
Original Members	Bruce Belland (lead tenor) Ed Cobb (bass) Marv Ingram (high tenor) Glen Larson (baritone)
Notable Hits	“26 Miles (Santa Catalina)” – #2 US “Big Man” – #3 US, #2 UK “Down by the Station” – #13 US “More Money for You and Me” – #17 US
Film Appearance	Gidget (1959)
Disbanded	1969
Revived Lineups	1980s–present, led by Bruce Belland
Deceased Members	Ed Cobb (1999) Marv Ingram (1999) Glen Larson (2014)

High School Origins and Early Success

The Four Preps formed at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles in the mid-1950s. The original members—Bruce Belland, Ed Cobb, Marv Ingram, and Glen Larson—were classmates who entered a school talent show in 1956. Their performance caught the attention of a Capitol Records executive, leading to a recording contract.

Later that year, their debut single “Dreamy Eyes” charted modestly, peaking at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was enough to get the group noticed and set the stage for bigger success.

Breakthrough with “26 Miles (Santa Catalina)”

In January 1958, the Four Preps released “26 Miles (Santa Catalina),” a cheerful tune inspired by a trip to the island of Santa Catalina. Written by Belland and Larson, the song resonated with teenagers and adults alike.

It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #6 on the R&B chart. The single sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc, cementing the group’s place in pop history.

Around this time, the group shared the stage with teen idol Ricky Nelson, performing at a high school event—a moment that further boosted their popularity.

More Hits and a Comic Twist

Following “26 Miles,” the group released a string of successful singles:

• “Big Man” (1958) – #3 US, #2 UK

• “Lazy Summer Night” (1958) – #21 US

• “Down by the Station” (1959) – #13 US

• “Got a Girl” (1960) – #24 US

• “More Money for You and Me” (1961) – #17 US

Their music often blended straightforward pop with gentle humor. “More Money for You and Me” was a parody medley that poked fun at contemporary hits, showcasing the group’s comedic talent.

Film and Television Appearances

The Four Preps made an appearance in the 1959 surf film Gidget, helping to popularize the beach party aesthetic. They also made numerous appearances on television, including shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, and Dick Clark.

These performances helped them appeal to a broad audience, from teens to middle-aged viewers, and kept them visible throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Final Charting Single and Changing Times

In 1964, the group released “A Letter to the Beatles,” a novelty song parodying Beatlemania. While it earned attention, it only reached #85 on the charts and was banned by Capitol’s UK division.

This marked the end of their commercial peak. Marv Ingram left the group in 1966 and was replaced by David Somerville of The Diamonds. The group officially disbanded in 1969, though Belland and Somerville continued performing as a duo.

Solo Careers and Songwriting Success

After the breakup, members pursued individual careers.

Bruce Belland

Belland wrote songs for artists like Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello and later became a TV scriptwriter and network executive.

Ed Cobb

Cobb became a successful producer and songwriter. He wrote and produced:

• “Dirty Water” – The Standells (1966)

• “Every Little Bit Hurts” – Brenda Holloway (1964)

• “Tainted Love” – Gloria Jones (1964)

“Tainted Love” would later become a global hit in 1982 when covered by British band Soft Cell.

Reunions and Later Lineups

In the 1980s, a revived version of The Four Preps featured Belland, Cobb, Somerville, and Jim Pike of The Lettermen. Later, Jim Yester of The Association joined the group, replacing Pike.

Following the deaths of Ingram and Cobb in 1999, Belland continued performing with new members. Glen Larson, who later became a successful TV producer behind shows like Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica, passed away in 2014 from esophageal cancer.

Today, Bruce Belland remains the only original member, keeping the legacy of The Four Preps alive. The current lineup includes:

• Bruce Belland

• Bob Duncan (formerly of The Crew Cuts and The Diamonds)

• Joe Dickey (also with The Crew Cuts)

• Skip Taylor

They continue to perform at nostalgia shows and cruise concerts, bringing their timeless harmonies to new generations.

Discography Highlights