Who's behind the notes? Discover Pentatonix: The Complete Biography
Certainly, here are some interesting facts about Pentatonix:
Formation: Pentatonix, often abbreviated as PTX, was formed in Arlington, Texas, in 2011. The group initially consisted of five members: Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan, and Kevin Olusola.
A Cappella Sensation: Pentatonix gained widespread recognition after winning the third season of NBC's "The Sing-Off" in 2011. Their unique a cappella style, which involves creating music without instruments, set them apart from other groups.
Name Inspiration: The group's name, "Pentatonix," is derived from the musical term "pentatonic scale," which consists of five notes per octave. This name reflects their initial five-member lineup and their musical focus.
YouTube Breakthrough: Pentatonix achieved significant fame through their YouTube channel, where they posted a cappella covers of popular songs. Their creative arrangements and impressive vocal harmonies garnered them millions of views and subscribers.
Evolution of Members: Avi Kaplan, the original bass vocalist, left the group in 2017 to pursue a solo career. Matt Sallee replaced him as the bass vocalist. This change marked a significant transition for the group's sound.
Grammy Success: Pentatonix has won multiple Grammy Awards. Their 2015 album "That's Christmas to Me" earned them a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for the title track.
Innovative Sound: Beyond traditional a cappella, Pentatonix incorporates beatboxing, vocal percussion, and vocal synthesizers into their performances. Kevin Olusola is known for his exceptional beatboxing skills.
Original Music: While initially known for their covers, Pentatonix has also released numerous original songs. Their music spans various genres, including pop, R&B, and electronic.
Record-Breaking Albums: The group's Christmas albums, including "That's Christmas to Me" and "A Pentatonix Christmas," have been highly successful, even reaching the top spots on the Billboard charts.
Broad Entertainment Endeavors: Pentatonix has expanded beyond music, with appearances in films and television shows. They appeared in the movie "Pitch Perfect 2" and had a cameo in the TV series "Bones."
Diverse Collaborations: The group has collaborated with several renowned artists, including Dolly Parton, Lindsey Stirling, and Tori Kelly. Their collaboration with Dolly Parton on a cover of "Jolene" received widespread acclaim.
Online Presence: Pentatonix maintains a strong online presence, with millions of subscribers on YouTube and followers on social media platforms. Their fanbase, known as "Pentaholics," is dedicated and enthusiastic.
World Tours: Pentatonix has embarked on multiple successful world tours, showcasing their a cappella talents to audiences around the globe.
Charitable Initiatives: The group has been involved in various charitable activities and has used their platform to raise awareness and funds for different causes.
Awards and Accolades: In addition to Grammy Awards, Pentatonix has received several other honors, including Streamy Awards, YouTube Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
Pentatonix's journey from a Texas-based a cappella group to a global sensation showcases their exceptional talent, innovation, and impact on the music industry.