The group was founded in 1961 by Tom Picardo with help from his friend Tim Hauser, who after attending Villanova founded The Manhattan Transfer, a successful jazz fusion ensemble. In 1962, Jim Croce and his later producer Tommy West, joined the new folk music group.  At the time, when the Spires performed off-campus or on recordings, they were known as The Coventry Lads.  The original Villanova Spires was composed of Jack Armstrong, Jack Blake, Jim Croce, Tim Hauser, Jim Quinn, Frank Romano, Ron Sisca, and John Sperger.

 

Jim Croce graduated from Villanova in 1965 and became an American Folk and Popular Rock singer in the 1960's and 1970's, producing 5 albums, 11 singles and two #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.  

 

Since the 60's, the music evolved throughout the years, and now the men of the Spires sing A Cappella. The group continues to produce a great sound and put on an exciting live show.