Mannheim Steamroller

Founded by Chip Davis and Jackson Berkey in 1974, Mannheim Steamroller is a neo-classical new-age ensemble that combines traditional and modern instrumentation and production techniques. They introduced their brand of "18th-century classic rock" on their series of Fresh Aire albums and popular Christmas collections.

Mannheim's first foray into Christmas music was a synth-heavy interpretation of the traditional carol "Deck The Halls," from their first holiday album, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (1984). Their Christmas releases brought them their biggest commercial successes, with Christmas and its follow-up, A Fresh Aire Christmas, each selling more than 6 million copies in the US.

Davis and Berkey met while touring with the Norman Luboff Choir. Davis shared his ideas for an innovative music style but didn't have the necessary skills to pull off the piano parts. But Berkey, a classically trained pianist, did and the pair started working on what would become Fresh Aire. Berkey's wife, Almeda, also contributed keyboard work on Mannheim albums during Berkey's tenure with the group.