A BIT ABOUT BARBERSHOP
Barbershop harmony, as codified during the barbershop revival era (1940s-present), is a style of a cappella, or unaccompanied vocal music characterized by consonant four-part chords for every melody note in a predominantly homophonic texture. Each of the four parts has its own role: generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord. The melody is not usually sung by the tenor or bass, except for an infrequent note or two to avoid awkward voice leading, in tags or codas, or when some appropriate embellishing effect can be created.
There is evidence to suggest that barbershop singing originated not in the USA, as is popularly believed, but in the late 16th century. In 1597 'The Thomas Morley Guide To Practical Music Making' said "You sing, you know not what, it would seem you come lately from a barbershop." This is, however, rather scant and tenuous evidence and we have to accept that a cappella singing really took off in the States in the early 20th century when barbershop took on a life of its own, mainly with black quartets.
It is true to say that the style originated in barbershops when customers awaiting the barber's tender ministrations used to sing and harmonize the popular melodies of the day. From there the many quartets and choruses of today have taken their roots. Many popular singers started their careers in barbershop, including Louis Armstrong, Jellyroll Morton, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Andy Williams. Another well-known name who is still a barbershop singer is actor Dick Van Dyke.
