The Jordanaires were an American vocal quartet that formed as a gospel group in 1948. Over the years, they recorded both sacred and secular music for recording companies such as Capitol Records, RCA Victor, Columbia Records, Decca Records, Vocalion Records, Stop Records, and many other smaller independent labels. In the mid-1950s, they also began lending their vocal talents to other artists as background singers in recording sessions. They are widely known for having provided background vocals for Elvis Presley, in live appearances, recordings, and feature films from 1956 to 1972. The group worked in the recording studio, on stage, and on television with many country, gospel, and rock and roll artists. They also provided background vocals using the name the Merry Melody Singers and the Almanac Singers, sometimes using different personnel. Group history Early years In 1948, Monty and Bill Matthews left. Hawkins switched to baritone, and new lead Neal Matthews was recruited. Don Bruce came in as a new first tenor, but he was drafted the next year. The group narrowed to a quartet, with Gordon Stoker taking over as first tenor. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1949. They recorded for Capitol Records in the early 1950s, and began providing vocal accompaniment behind solo singers in Nashville, Tennessee. The quartet became well known in the Southern gospel genre, and what made them stand out from other quartets of that time was how they would bring spirituals (such as "Dry Bones") to a predominantly white audience. While continuing to turn out gospel albums of their own, the group became better known for the signature background harmonies they have provided on dozens of secular records. Patsy Cline The group appeared on all of Patsy Cline's Decca sessions from her first in November 1960 to her last in February 1963, during which time they backed her on songs such as: "A Poor Man's Roses (Or a Rich Man's Gold)" "Always" "Blue Moon of Kentucky" "Crazy" "Crazy Arms" "Faded Love" "Foolin' Around" "Half as Much" "Have You Ever Been Lonely (Have You Ever Been Blue)?" "Heartaches" "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)" "I Fall to Pieces" "Leavin' on Your Mind" "Love Letters in the Sand" "San Antonio Rose" "Seven Lonely Days" "She's Got You" "Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)" "South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" "Sweet Dreams" "That's My Desire" "The