Barbershop MusicMusic Appreciation Midterm Project

By: James Nelson

Barbershop music is a vocal harmony, usually sung a-capella (with no

instrument accompaniment). It is normally sung in a quartet that includes a lead singer who sings

the melody, a tenor who harmonizes the melody. The bass that sings the lowest notes, and the baritone that completes the chord.

Barbershop music is performed by men and women, but is more commonly sung by men.

Songs have understandable lyrics and simple melodies that resolve mostly around the circle of fifths.

What is Barbershop Music ?

During the second half of the 19th century, barbershops were

community centers, where men would gather to socialize. The Barbershop music originated from African American men singing and harmonizing together while waiting for their turn in the barbershop.

White minstrel singers adopted this style of singing, and developed early standards such as “Shine on Harvest Moon”. From 1900 to 1919 Barbershop music was very popular, but lost its popularity in the 1920’s.

Barbershop music regained its popularity in the 1940’s, and is still sung today by many people worldwide.

History

BHS (Barbershop Harmony Society) is one of the first organizations

with the goal of preserving Barbershop music as and art form. It was founded in 1938 by Owen C. Cash and Rupert I. Hall. In 2012, just under 25,000 men were members of the BHS. The BHS library contains over 100,000 titles.

SAI (Sweet Adeline’s International) is a women’s organization of barbershop singers.

It was established by Edna Mae Anderson in 1945.

National Organizations

Most barbershop songs are about love or nostalgic feelings.

Traditional songs include: “Down by the Old Mill Stream” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” “The Story of the Rose” “Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie” “Sweet, Sweet Roses of Morn” “You Tell Me Your Dream”.

Other Popular Barbershop Songs: “Come Fly With Me” “Hello Ma Baby” “Shine on Harvest Moon” “In the Good Old Summer Time” “Sweet Georgia Brown” “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby”.

Typical Barbershop Songs

Da Vinci's Notebook - disbanded quartet known for their humorous

songs The Haydn Quartet – popular quartet in the early 20th century The Buffalo Bills – quartet that was formed in Buffalo, New York, they

were popular during the 50s The Dapper Dans of Disneyland The Singing Senators - a quartet of U.S. Senators Nightlife - the 1996 International Champion Quartet of the

S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Inc. from Los Angeles Ringmasters – the 2012 International Champion Quartet of the

S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A

Notable Quartets