The Arbors were a 1960s vocal group known for their smooth harmonies and sophisticated arrangements. Formed by two sets of brothers—Tom and Scott Herrick, and Ed and Fred Farran—the group emerged from the University of Michigan’s glee club scene. While their musical style leaned toward soft pop and baroque rock, it contrasted sharply with the louder, edgier sounds of the British Invasion and psychedelic rock.
Despite the changing musical trends, The Arbors carved out a niche. They are best remembered for their 1969 Top 20 hit, a richly reimagined version of “The Letter.” Though their chart success was limited, they remained active into the 1990s, evolving into a successful commercial jingle group. Their story blends artistry, perseverance, and a deep commitment to vocal craft.
| Group Name | The Arbors |
|---|---|
| Members | Tom Herrick, Scott Herrick, Ed Farran, Fred Farran |
| Origin | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Genre | Soft rock, baroque pop, vocal harmony |
| Years Active | 1964–1990s |
| Labels | Mercury, Carney, Date, Columbia |
| Biggest Hit | “The Letter” (#20, 1969) |
| Notable Songs | “Graduation Day”, “I Can’t Quit Her”, “Symphony for Susan” |
| Post-Music Career | Commercial jingles, TV and radio advertising |
Formation and Early Days
The Arbors were formed in 1964 when Tom and Scott Herrick teamed up with identical twins Ed and Fred Farran at the University of Michigan. All four shared a love for classic harmony, heavily influenced by groups like The Four Freshmen and The Hi-Lo’s. They named their group after the college town of Ann Arbor.
The quartet started by performing on campus and local venues. Their clean-cut image and emphasis on harmony set them apart from the emerging garage rock and Motown scenes of the mid-60s.
Recording Career and Chart Success
After moving to New York, The Arbors landed their first record deal with Mercury Records in 1965. Their initial single failed to chart, but they pressed on and switched labels.
Their next release, “A Symphony for Susan,” was issued on Carney Records. It gained traction and was re-released nationally by Date Records (a Columbia subsidiary). The song eventually reached #51 on the Billboard Hot 100.
They followed this success with “Graduation Day” (#59) and “I Can’t Quit Her” (#67), the latter creatively blending Blood, Sweat & Tears’ arrangement with a coda from Simon & Garfunkel’s “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her.”
Their biggest success came in 1969 with a lush, orchestrated version of “The Letter,” previously a raw garage-rock hit for The Box Tops. The Arbors’ version peaked at #20, showcasing their ability to reinterpret contemporary hits through rich vocal harmonies.
Albums and Artistic Style
The Arbors released three albums:
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A Symphony for Susan (1967) – included their early singles and original songs.
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The Arbors (1969) – featured their Top 40 hit “The Letter” along with covers of Bob Dylan, The Doors, and The Beatles.
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I Can’t Quit Her (Compilation) – released in the 1970s, including their best-known tracks.
Their style was often described as “baroque pop” due to the layered vocal textures, orchestral touches, and theatrical arrangements. This made them stand out—but also made commercial success difficult in the era of fuzz guitars and protest lyrics.
Jingles and Commercial Work
After their final album, The Arbors turned their talents to advertising. They became a sought-after group for television and radio commercials. Their voices could be heard in jingles for Chevrolet, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and others. This phase of their career lasted over 30 years.
They also continued performing in select club venues, cruise ships, and private events throughout the 1980s and early 90s.
Personal Stories and Legacy
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Ed Farran passed away in 2003 from kidney failure.
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Fred Farran died in 2011 from pneumonia.
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Scott Herrick passed in 2018 in Mexico after suffering a stroke.
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Tom Herrick, the last surviving member, transitioned into a successful real estate career and remains active in his community.
The Arbors were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting vocal excellence. Their recordings continue to be rediscovered by fans of harmony and soft pop.
Discography Highlights
Billboard Hot 100 Hits:
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The Letter – #20 (1969)
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Graduation Day – #59 (1966)
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I Can’t Quit Her – #67 (1967)
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A Symphony for Susan – #51 (1966)
Other Notable Songs:
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“Dreamer Girl”
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“Hey Joe”
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“You Are the Music”
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“Valley of the Dolls”
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“Touch Me”
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“A Day in the Life of a Fool”
Conclusion
The Arbors didn’t chase trends. Instead, they focused on what they did best—harmonizing with beauty and precision. While they never reached superstardom, their version of “The Letter” and their work in the commercial industry left a lasting impression. Their story is a reminder that there’s more than one way to build a lasting music career—and that true harmony never goes out of style.