1938 was a Very Good Year

GOLDEN MEMORIES

Origins

1938 WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

Who really started the society for the preservation of barbershop quartet singing? This friendly debate continues among society historians and others. In 1938 men singing together in barbershops had not completely died but, perhaps, just relocated. The truth is there were actually several different groups in Tulsa (as well as throughout the country) who gathered and sang close harmony for pleasure. The Tulsans, a large city-wide classical and glee club chorus, was a popular outlet of the day. Many Tulsa barbershoppers came from this group.

The family unit was very musical with pianos in most homes and singing (harmonizing), still a popular pastime. Many could still remember first hand, enjoying the old vaudeville quartets and the professionals such as the Peerless Quartet from the turn of the century.
The love of close harmony existed even though it was no longer the popular music of the day.

Here in the 90's there are those who yearn to "bring back" the old songs such as the 50's/60's rock and roll, the 70's disco movement, and even the 80's pop. One shudders to imagine today's lovers longing to hear "that good old RAP" they grew up with. But by comparison, the urge of preserving close harmony singing in the late 1930's was the same. Some say it was an accident, some say it was fate. Either way (or perhaps both) the movement we now enjoy as the Society for The Preservation Of Encouragement of Barber Shop Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) can be credited to a meeting in Tulsa organized by Owen Clifton Cash.

Cash was really only interested in getting a few guys together to sing. There was no grand plan, no grand scheme. He and acquaintance Rupert Hall had met in Kansas City by chance and discussed forming a group. On his return, Cash drafted an invitation and mailed it to the 14 singers they knew might show up and encouraged them to bring guests

Table of
Contents

Sections:
How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions Choruses Administration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognition In Conclusion