About Barbershop Music
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What is barbershop music?Barbershop harmony is a style of a cappella vocal music characterized by four-part, close-harmony singing. The four voice parts—lead (melody), tenor (high harmony), baritone (middle harmony), and bass (low harmony)—blend to create rich, ringing chords, often featuring "barbershop seventh" harmonies. Known for its smooth, balanced sound and expressive phrasing, barbershop music is commonly performed by quartets or choruses and has roots in African American musical traditions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
What is the history of barbershop music?Barbershop music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rooted in African American musical traditions of harmonizing popular songs. Informal singing in barbershops and social gatherings helped shape its signature close-harmony style. Early recordings by African American quartets influenced its development, but the genre became widely popularized by white performers in the early 20th century. In 1938, the Barbershop Harmony Society was founded to preserve and promote the style, followed by organizations for women and international groups. Today, barbershop music continues as a vibrant tradition in quartets and choruses worldwide.
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