Buzz
In barbershop singing, the second tenor, also known as the “lead,” carries the melody while the first tenor harmonizes above. The bass provides the deep foundation, and the baritone fills the middle. And, of course, it’s all done a cappella.
Although barbershop music is often seen as an American tradition, its origins trace back to England. In the 1600s, before the days of Muzak, barbers would keep a cittern—an instrument resembling a lute—handy for customers to play as they waited for a shave or haircut. Sometimes, creative customers would use items like candlesticks filled with coins to add percussion. This resulted in what was known as “barber’s music.”
Fast forward to the 1830s in America, where the local barbershop became a popular hangout for regular folks who couldn't afford to join elite social clubs or didn’t frequent saloons (which still carried some stigma). The barber, often on his feet for hours, would sometimes break into song, and customers would join in with harmonies in a call-and-response style. By 1890, the availability of printed sheet music and pianos in most middle-class homes helped barbershop singing gain widespread popularity as a trend.
How did the iconic oversized mustaches, striped jackets, and straw hats become associated with barbershop quartets? It all began with Vaudeville. Barbershop groups often performed in front of the curtain to entertain the audience while other acts were preparing. To ensure visibility from the back rows, they wore distinctive costumes.
