Up With People

Musical entertainment touring group Up With People was founded in Tucson, AZ, in 1965 by one J. Blanton Belk in response to the growing number of protests and demonstrations spearheaded by the nation's youth. In its original incarnation, the nonprofit included a leadership curriculum and overseas study program in addition to a song-and-dance troupe that spotlighted the talents of performers aged 18-25. With its squeaky-clean image and wholesome, humanistic entertainment, Up With People proved popular at sporting events and other large gatherings -- they headlined no fewer than...