Bring me a dream, Mr. Sandman. Make him the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. It is 1958. President Eisenhower is in office, and the modern form of rock & roll is beginning to emerge. Don’t tell the Chordettes that, though. The mostly a cappella performances of “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop” by the Sheboygan harmonizing girls—Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny—wowed the radio.

In this live TV performance, the Chordettes, who are frequently likened to a barbershop quartet, show off their skills. Do you recall all of the song’s “bum-bum-bums”? You’ll be astounded to learn that each member of the group sings a single “bum” in rapid succession. How did they accomplish that without a hitch?