The Four Freshmen Appreciation Society was formed in October of 1987 by Edd Townsend in order to celebrate, promote, and perpetuate the unique FRESHMEN SOUND created by The Four Freshmen in 1948. The Society is a self-sustaining organization providing a medium for members to keep abreast of the activities of The Freshmen and to share in the celebration of their great music.

Edd created the society because it was so frustrating for him and hundreds of other Freshfans to hear of their performances in concert or on television after the fact. After several meetings with Bob Flanigan he received approval to establish FFAS (Four Freshmen Appreciation Society) and publish a bimonthly newsletter. Thus, Edd created and titled the publication FRESH NEWS. The first issue of the newsletter was published in January of 1988, and by the end of that month 150 Freshmen fans became dues-paying members of the society. Edd originated several promotional concepts for the Four Freshmen, which included the establishing of Society State Representatives, as well as a promotional representative from each country in the world. The society has grown to more than 2500 members as subscribers (as of June 2008) from all over the world.

Although the society is not sponsored by The Four Freshmen, the President/ Manager of the organization has been selected by Bob Flanigan. The President, in turn, appoints officers and a Board of Trustees. The Board must have at least three members and shall oversee and maintain vigilance of the organization's operations. All officers and trustees serve voluntarily without compensation and enjoy no special privileges. Officers or trustees can be relieved of their duties by a simple majority vote of dues-paying members.

Yearly dues are kept to a minimum. No refunds can be made. Membership is open to all ages and is not limited because of race, color, sex, political affiliation, religion, or country of residence. If you enjoy Four Freshmen music and are willing to help us promote that UNIQUE SOUND whenever and wherever possible, WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO JOIN US!

Back in July of 1992 the official name was changed to The Four Freshmen Society to better reflect the all encompassing mission of the organization. We provide a vital link between The Four Freshmen (including past and present members of this national treasure) and the broadcast media and the public at large.

FFS members believe that the SOUND OF THE FOUR FRESHMEN will enhance musical tastes for the whole of society, including the new generation. The society is dedicated to reaching a wider audience so that the past, present, and future contributions of The Four Freshmen will continue to influence vocal/instrumental jazz well into the 21st century.

The Four Freshmen are Musicians Who Sing. Many people in the United States (and the world) do not realize that this group is comprised of extremely talented instrumentalists. All members over the years have been very skillful in their own right. This capability is the root of the distinctive sound they have created. The Freshmen have always been innovators. They were the first male quartet to use the lead voice on top of the chord and to spread four voices over an area that five singers would normally cover, creating an "open" harmony that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

The annual payment of dues to the FFS will be adjusted from time to time to reflect the direct costs of operation for producing the newsletter and all other costs normally pertaining to operating a fan club - printing of stationery, certificates, mailing labels, shipping containers, postage, telephone, etc. You can become involved as much as you'd like. Many important duties are offered to members on a voluntary basis. Please let the FFS President/CEO , Dick Baldwin, know if you'd like to be active!

You'll enjoy FFS Membership!


US: Outside U.S.
Single Couple
1st Year $30 $30 $30
Renewals $20 $20

FFS President/CEO
Richard E. Baldwin

48 Heathwood Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone (716) 632-3648
FFS Membership Dir.
Chaz Cone

6900 Hunters Knoll NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone (770) 394-2663
Fresh News is now published by:
Dr. Charles H. Trafford

% E.S.D., Inc.
315 South Maple Ave.
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 837-4900


Send any email to: -- membership@fourfreshmen.com





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