When Hank Williams Jr. asks millions of viewers (in song) on ESPN's Monday Night Football Sept. 19 whether they're "ready for some football," he'll be backed by the versatile vocals of San Francisco a cappella veterans the House Jacks. But if you're not really into pigskin and prefer artsier inclinations, it's likely you've already heard this vocal quintet -- at the most critical moments of NBC's third-ranking show, a cappella competition The Sing-Off.
Yes, that "tension bed" audio when a winner's about to be announced, the show's cold open theme music -- and starting in September, the first 60 seconds of MNF -- are all House Jacks territory.
Many a cappella groups imitate instruments with vague "doo-wop" sounds. But the House Jacks, who've been around since 1991, are known for their uncanny ability to mimic instruments including drums, guitar, and brass. Young'uns just don't compare, especially considering the House Jacks have performed at the White House and Carnegie Hall, among other places.
Click on the wrench in the upper left-hand corner to see what else you can do.