This 1959 single saw The Stargazers embrace the cool jazz sound that was gaining traction in the late 1950s, moving away from their earlier, more upbeat vocal group style.
- "South of the Border" was released in November 1959 on the Vocalion label. The single featured a B-side, "What Now My Love," also arranged in a cool jazz style. It was recorded during a period when the group was seeking to update their sound for a changing musical landscape.
- The group's arrangement on "South of the Border" featured a prominent horn section alongside their signature vocal harmonies. This release came after a period of relative quiet for the group, aiming to recapture chart success. The single did not reach the major charts, marking a transitional phase for the band.
- The single was produced by a label producer, who encouraged the group to experiment with contemporary jazz arrangements. The Stargazers' move towards cool jazz on this single was an attempt to stay relevant amidst the rise of rock and roll. This recording was one of their last releases on the Vocalion label before moving to another company.
The Stargazers were a popular British vocal group that achieved success in the 1940s and 1950s with their close harmony style. After a period of fluctuating popularity, they returned to the charts in the late 1950s with a more mature sound.
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