Cologne, Germany

Eclectic German pop collective de Bläck Fööss formed in 1970 in the city of Cologne. The group's name, which translates to "barefoot" in the bandmembers' native Kölsch dialect, stemmed from their penchant for hitting the stage in bare feet during their formative years. Renowned for their a cappella breakdowns, carnival tunes, and unpredictable renderings of classic jazz, rock, reggae, and blues tunes, de Bläck Fööss have amassed an impressive arsenal of recordings, a practice that continues to this day. ~ James Christopher Monger