Harvard University a cappella group Harvard Din & Tonics scored a viral hit on YouTube with their fun cover of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana”. While the whole troupe is certainly very good at what they do, it was in particular the first soloist Elio Kennedy-Yoon who audiences couldn’t stop raving about. Kennedy-Yoon, who is also the group’s producer, was looking dapper in a flawless dinner suit and just wait ‘til you hear his vocals.
Kennedy-Yoon took the lead vocal for the first minute of the song, and his charisma and lithe tenor had fans all stirred up in the comments. The singers then performed a musical section as a group. Next, it was Andrew Courtney’s turn to step up to perform as a soloist, and then he and Kennedy-Yoon went back and forth on the lead vocal in a cheeky and lighthearted performance.
The group performed their quirky take on “Copacabana” at the Dins Turn 45: A Mid-Lime Crisis Jam at the Sanders Theater on April 13, 2024. The cover attracted 1.7 million views on YouTube, which made it by far the most popular Harvard Din & Tonics performance to date. Many commenters also referenced coming to the video from TikTok, so clearly it had blown up on multiple social media platforms.
Fans were mighty impressed with the performance and added comments such as “The first soloist’s voice is phenomenal! What a gem. Amazing performance – no idea who they are but they killed it” and “Elio’s voice is amazing! This song was made for him, I swear. Also, his dancing is so adorable.” Harvard Din & Tonics have scored several popular clips on YouTube, with another hit being their take on “The Girl from Ipanema,” on which Carolyn Hao performed a gorgeous lead vocal.
Harvard Din & Tonics have only fairly recently gone viral online, but The Music Man readers might be interested to know that they actually have quite the storied history. Harvard University’s first barbershop and jazz vocal group began performing under the name Dunster Dunces in 1946. In 1979, a new a cappella group was formed under the Harvard Din & Tonics name for the first time, and continued the tradition and repertoire founded by the Dunster Dunces. Harvard Din & Tonics have since recorded 15 studio albums. Their repertoire is based around American jazz standards from the 1920s up until the 1940s, and their live show is known for its integration of a fun and humorous vibe.
If you would like to hear more from this talented a cappella group, you can subscribe to their YouTube Channel for more incredible music. Follow them on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.