The number is a reference to the names on the Vietnam Memorial wall. The Brothers in Harmony took the place by storm when they placed high with this song and “Goodnight, Saigon” in International competition. Continue reading 50,000 Names
Contest Ballads
After the Ball
This classic features a new verse and contains deceptively strong sentiment. Take your audiences back in time with this timeless tale. Continue reading After the Ball
All Aboard For Slumberland
Did you ever want to dress up like a toy? Sing this sweet ballad in a set with the barbershop classic “The Little Boy.” This package is guaranteed not to put your audiences to sleep.
All Alone (Berlin)
One of the best barbershop ballads of all time, this song was written in 1924 by the great Irving Berlin.
All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart
A melancholy, powerful ballad, this song mourns a lost love. Can this love be saved. Continue reading All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart
All the Way
This wonderfully intense ballad is great for contest. Flipside first sang it in most heartfelt fashion. Now top women’s groups such as MAXX Factor and Gem City have taken this song to a new level. Continue reading All the Way
Among My Souvenirs
This tearful ballad is full of evocative, heart-wrenching images. Lost love was never so lovely.
Are You Lonesome Tonight
This song from The King works well for both princes and princesses. Give your audiences the royal treatment by singing them this heartfelt ballad. This piece is a real winner that expresses both sadness and hope. Continue reading Are You Lonesome Tonight
Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
These two love songs from different eras are exactly the same musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is published by the BHS. Continue reading Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
B-I-R-D-I-E
A parody of “M-O-T-H-E-R,” this tune will leave your audiences flying high.
Bewitched
Did you ever fall in love with the wrong person? You know he or she is just not right for you—perhaps not for anyone—but there you are, hooked. Stuck in the magic spell. Well, maybe it will help you to sing about it. Sinatra did. . . .
Bill
Ladies, do you love your man for, well, no certain reason, but you love him just the same? This song tells your story.
Blues in the Night
On just about everyone’s list of top 10 popular songs of all time, this song gets right to the heart of the downside of love. Do check out this most powerful, and contestable, piece.
Broadway Rose
Here is an old-fashioned fallen-woman ballad. This one is sweet and understanding.
Broken Hearted
An intense ballad of lost love, this piece is really a winner. The Society publishes the men’s version.
Candlelight and Gold
Barbershopper Gary Markette wrote this song to honor his late wife, Sarah. Gary’s images are purely lovely and would certainly fit other longtime love affairs as well, so do give this song a look.
Climb Ev’ry Mountain
Songs do not come any more powerful than this classic. International quartet champion Musical Island Boys did a bang-up job on it in competition.
Crying in the Rain
Sung by the Everly Brothers, this poignant song of lost love makes a fine tempo ballad for contest or show. This one will sure take your audiences back. . . .
LEARNING TRACKS AVAILABLE:
- James Estes | http://jamestracks.com
Curtain Falls, The
Hey, if this heartfelt closer about show biz is good enough for Bobby Darin, it should be a hit for your group too. Continue reading Curtain Falls, The
Daddy, You’ve Been a Mother to Me
We sing lots of songs about Mother, but here is one to honor the sacrifices made by Dad. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Desperado
Yes, this is the Eagles’ big hit, and it can even be sung in contest. So “come to your senses” and give this heartfelt tale a try.
Don’t Cry, Little Girl, Don’t Cry
A classic ballad in solid style, this song of comfort comes straight from the heart.
Doris
Written by barbershopper Ken Carter for his late wife, this song is short, sweet, sad and most heartfelt.
Dream Come True, A
Cleveland barbershopper Al Voigt composed this ode to friends of old.
Feed the Birds
One of the loveliest pieces you will ever hear, this song has a message that reaches well beyond the avian kingdom. It pairs very well with the “Mary Poppins Medley.”
Forever and a Day
Barry Manilow co-composed and performs this ballad, a powerful declaration of love. This tune would fit most weddings very well but works fine for almost all occasions.
Four Walls
This ballad about loneliness sure is a sad one. Four walls, that is all the singer has to keep him company.
God Bless the Child
The rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears revived this 1941 Billie Holiday song in 1968. This tempo, bluesy ballad is as moving as they come. And here is a blessing for you: The piece is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Going Home
A timeless song that has been redone to be contestable, this piece is purely wonderful. Do check out this gentle, deep journey.
Gone
A strong ballad about lost love, this song is “a fool’s lament.” Your group will be able to put plenty of emotion into this one.
Goodbye, Rose
An old-fashioned ballad about a love in limbo, this song ends with a note of sweet hope.
Goodnight Saigon
Written and performed by Billy Joel, this song is as intense as it gets. The Brothers in Harmony pretty much blew the place’s doors off in the chorus contest at the Philadelphia International.
Heart of a Girl, The
What a sweet love ballad this is. The world is indeed a wonderful place “when the heart of a girl beats for you.”
I Didn’t Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier
With a powerful anti-war sentiment, this song beautifully equates motherhood with solving disputes peacefully. The Sweet Adelines champion San Diego Chorus sang this moving tune.
I Only Have Eyes for You
This popular classic is now available in two versions. One has the shimmering feel of the rock ‘n’ roll hit, while the other is a contestable tempo ballad as sung by Metropolis. The latter can be sung either straight or, as the quartet did it, humorously. Continue reading I Only Have Eyes for You
I Will Never Pass This Way Again
Truer words were never spoken, eh? Even when times are tough—as they are right now, in July of 2020—we need to do what good we can every day. This song was arranged for Harmony Inc. queen quartet Aged to Perfection, but there is a men’s version as well.
I Wish I Had Died in My Cradle
This is clearly a maudlin, overstated love ballad. The punch line that follows the title: “before I grew up to love you.” Ouch. . . .
I Wish That I’d Been Satisfied with Mary
A bittersweet ballad of a love thrown away, this song tells of a man who gained wisdom too late.
I Wish You Were Jealous of Me
This is an old-time ballad of one-way love. It is no fun to live on that one-way street.
I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
This is a truly wonderful new take on old love ballad. Feelings of regret can be powerful, indeed. Continue reading I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
I’m Always Chasing Rainbows
The late Mike Senter first arranged this plaintive piece, and Tom has put his stamp on it to make it even more singable and moving.
I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
This is the classic song of a loser at love. You can pine away with this old-time tune.
I’m Nobody’s Baby
This tempo ballad just drips loneliness. Songs like this can sometimes effect a real healing when a listener who is in the same boat realizes that he or she is not alone.
If I Can Dream
If you are not familiar with this song, do yourself a favor and find a clip of Elvis Presley singing it. This plaintive plea drives and drives and drives, as 2014 international champ Musical Island Boys showed us so well. In 2017 this song became a LABBS “polecat” number, sung by all of these British ladies.
If I Find Another Boy like You
This angry love ballad is a cautionary tale for all other women who might be so foolish as to fall for her ex. Brr!
If I Had My Life to Live Over
Two different verses put fresh, and very different, spins on Lou Perry’s lovely chorus. Both the sadder slant and the renewal-of-vows version make a familiar piece into something new.
If I Loved You
Songs don’t get much more beautiful and poignant than this one. From the musical Carousel, this piece tells a tale that is, well . . . not so theoretical after all.
In My Album of Memories
This heartfelt ballad was written by barbershop patriarch Hal Purdy. Hal started the famous Purdy Corral, an institution at International conventions for years.
In the Evening by the Moonlight
This is a surprisingly strong contestable version of the old ballad. Do give it a look and listen.
In the Heart of the City That Has No Heart
An old-fashioned song of sadness about a fallen woman, this piece is most gentle and understanding.
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
Different verses set up happy and sad versions. This classic deserves another visit from you.
It’s a Man, Every Time, It’s a Man
Here is a ballad blaming men for all of women’s love troubles. Who ever heard of such a thing. . . .
It’s Magic
Metropolis hams this tune up, but it can be sung straight just fine. Profess your love with this soaring song.
Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight
A little child prays for her Daddy, who is off to war. This song will bring a tear to your eye. Continue reading Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight
Just a Letter From Ohio
Regional ballad, similar to “Farm In Old Missouri”.
Little Baby on My Shoulder
This lovely tune was written by barbershopper Peggy Hill. Though a mother pleads with her infant son not to grow older, he of course does and eventually marries. Then he begs his child, “Don’t grow older.” Give this heartfelt, well-written song a try.
Little Black Me
This powerful ballad, which has an anti-racist message, takes some nerve to sing. And it has been sung in contest, to great effect.
Little Boy in Blue, A
A sad ballad of a young soldier’s death, this song harkens back to his childhood very powerfully.
Little Boy, The
A most moving ballad, this was perhaps the signature song for the Interstate Rivals, the international champion quartet in 1987. The intense women’s version is The Little Girl.
Little Lady Make Believe
This is a beautifully tender song for a parent to sing to a daughter dressing up in Mommy’s old clothes. The picture the lyrics paint is vivid and loving, and sure to warm every heart.
Little Old Lady
A really sweet ballad with an old-fashioned feel, this song paints a picture of a lovable lady bustling around town doing a little of this and a little of that.
Little Pal
This classic barbershop ballad speaks of a wayward father saying goodbye to his son. Hope springs eternal. . . .
Lost in the Stars
This is a contestable version of a most powerful song. Judges in the Performance category have assured me that this song does not really function a religious number, but rather as a lament about feeling quite alone. The arrangement is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony, who sang it most dramatically in International competition.
Love’s Old Sweet Song
This classic ballad creates a vivid mood of love. Yes, it is “just a song at twilight.”
Mandy Lee
This classic barbershop ballad tells of a sweet, gentle love. And ain’t it grand. . . .
Mary, You’re a Little Bit Old Fashioned
A classic barbershop ballad if ever there was one, this tune is gentle and loving.
May You Always
A modernish tempo ballad, this tune is suitable for contest. It conveys a sweet sentiment with powerful, creative lyrics and images. Have a look and a listen. . . .
Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
Everyone knows and loves this classic ballad from the turn of the last century. Will your dreams come true?
Midnight Rose
A new setup for a favorite ballad, this verse and tag turn Ed Waesche’s classic arrangement from a song about a painted lady of the night into a tale of a faithless wife. This chart is no longer exclusive to Rhythmix.
Missouri Love Song
Hey, this is not a small song celebrating the love of only one person. No, this is about loving the whole state of Missouri. Can you say, Show Me?
Mood Indigo
An all-time-great popular classic, this swingy tempo ballad is sure to please your audiences—and even the judges. Get down with this evocative, dark-blue tune. {Corny joke: What did the dark-blue cow do? It mooed indigo.)
Moonlight and Roses
A pretty tune of loving memories, this song combines happy and sad most wonderfully.
Moonlight Brings Memories / Moonlight and Roses
A poignant ballad medley of two pop standards, this song expresses bittersweet most effectively.
Mother, I’m Dreaming of You
This old-fashioned ballad about Mom is well, really dreamy. . . .
Music Man Ballad Medley
Check out this fine mix of Sincere, It’s You and Lida Rose. These love songs from the timeless musical comedy are sure to to transport your audiences back 100 years to River City, Iowa.
My Foolish Heart
Here is a wonderful ballad about falling in love despite having been burned many times in the past. Power Play sang this hopeful, powerful tune. Just about everyone in your audiences will be able to identify with these powerful feelings!
My Romance/It’s You
A truly gorgeous contest ballad medley, this piece is a clear winner. The interweaving of these two songs is really something special.
My Sally
Sally in our alley is not just any girl. No, it is your beloved mother, says this vintage song.
My Uncultivated Irish Genus Rosa
Can you guess which classic barbershop tune this is a parody of? All sorts of mischief is created by substituting fancy words for the normal ones. Do give this uniquely strange piece a try.
My Wild Irish Rose
No one doesn’t like this classic ballad. This particular arrangement is just that little bit different.
Nancy Lee
This is a simple, old-fashioned song about a sweetheart. And sweet it is. . . .
Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
No One Knows
This song of loneliness was beautifully written back in 1908. The composer really knew what he was doing, writing the melody such that a major ninth chord, a most melancholy sound, was required on “knows.” See what you think of this tune for your quartet or chorus.
Now Is the Hour
Bank Street competed with this moving piece, which David Leeder turned into a poignant World War I song by writing a new verse. Now a second version is available, one in which the Musical Island Boys celebrated the Maori connection with the song and won gold doing so.
Oh! What a Pal Was Mary
A most powerful ballad, this piece is truly a gem. If you are looking to put all the feeling you have into, this is the one.
Old Black Joe
This old song requires some boldness to perform and is just fine for contest. Mayhem! did a fine job on it. Does it fit your quartet or chorus?
Old Cape Cod
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song. Continue reading Old Cape Cod
Old Folks
The Four Renegades and Suntones used to sing Buzz Haeger’s version of this tune about a beloved old fellow. The song always reminds me of my grandfather William Thomas “Dandy” Gentry (1896-1987). Some people who have only an eighth-grade education are pretty darn smart. . . .
Old Spinning Wheel, The
A most evocative, nostalgic ballad, this song paints a beautiful picture of days gone by. Not surprisingly, this song is really not about a spinning wheel, but love.
Once Upon a Time
A new twist on an old favorite, this ballad is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. We cannot really recapture the past, can we?
Only a Voice on the Air
This would be a great ballad in a show-biz/Broadway set. The story is that success in show biz does not necessarily equal a happy life.
Pal of My Dreams
A truly marvelous ballad, this song was debuted by Power Play. Hey, the lovely tag alone makes it worth singing. This is the only song I have arranged that sounds as though Lou Perry could have done it.
Pals of the Little Red School
A moving ballad about missing childhood friends, this song is wonderfully nostalgic.
Pennies from Heaven
Yes, it does work in contest. There are not many prettier ballads than this one around. Even more fun is that it can be sung as a swinging uptune too.
Rock-A-Bye Baby
Power Play sang this sweet lullaby to fine effect. There is more substance to it than you would think, so give this song a try.
Roses Bring Dreams of You
A solid but not simplistic ballad, this song was wonderfully rendered by Power Play. The lovely tag has been featured in The HARMONIZER.
Roses of Picardy
A strong, haunting ballad, this song was popular during the First World War. Its story of lovers separated by distance but close together in their hearts is timeless, indeed.
Second Star to the Right
A beautiful ballad from the animated film Peter Pan, this song was debuted at the 2009 Anaheim International contest by The Alliance. Tim Waurick has recorded fine learning tracks for both men and women. While this piece stands alone just fine, it would make a lovely companion to a Peter Pan or pirate medley in contest. Continue reading Second Star to the Right
She Is More to Be Pitied Than Censured
Definitely an oldie, this song of a fallen woman is to be sung with tongue firmly in cheek.
Silver Threads Among the Gold
A classic ballad of aging, this chorus (only) is most lovely.
Slumber My Darling
One of the great Stephen Foster’s less well-known tunes, this piece is nonetheless wonderful. This lullaby might even be a little bit better for fathers to sing than mothers.
Smile
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters and many other groups, this piece is really powerful. You could close your shows with it or sing it in just about any other position. This arrangement is my all-time favorite. It works well for BHS, HI, etc. contests, but I am not sure about SAI. Continue reading Smile
So Long, Mother
This tender World War I song was debuted by champ quartet The New Tradition. The men’s version of this arrangement, including learning tracks, is published by the BHS.
Solitaire
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too. Continue reading Solitaire
Somebody’s Darlin’
An ultra-intense Civil War song, this piece is contestable. Lots of sadness here, so skip this one unless you can handle it. But if you can, the cost of war is spotlighted in this story of a young solider who did not make it home.
Someone Is Waiting at Home, Sweet Home
An old-fashioned ballad about parents waiting back home, this lovely song stresses love of family.
Song Is Ended, The
The great Irving Berlin composed this haunting tune back in 1927. Berlin paints a brilliant, poignant image for the end of a love affair. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Sonny Boy
This ballad is always good for lots of emotion. The story is told that the lyrics were written by some songwriters who were trying to go way over the top one night at a party, doubtless while cheerfully lubricated. They seem to have gotten things just right, though, eh?
Sunshine of Your Smile, The
First a barbershop hit for the 1956 champ Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. This arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Plan and in a longer version better suited for choruses. Continue reading Sunshine of Your Smile, The
Sweetheart, I’m Sorry
Is your group looking for an apologetic, square ballad? Well, you just found it.
Taylor, the Latte Boy
A scaled-down version of Steve Tramack’s marvelous arrangement for Harmony Inc. queens Taken 4 Granite, this piece is sweet fun — even with no sugar added! It is in young women’s key right now, having been edited for the Cleveland Heights High School Women’s Barbeshoppers. Best to get the longer, grownup version from Steve himself.
Tears (For Souvenirs)
A strong ballad asking your lover to make up, this song ends on a note of hope, which springs eternal.
Tell My Father
From the musical Civil War, this song of a dying young soldier is most powerful, indeed. It makes a fine contest companion to the Civil War Medley of rousing uptunes. Both Power Play and The Alliance have sung it in international competition.
That Song My Mother Sang
You pretty well know the whole song from the title. This sort of ballad has barbershop written all over it.
That Wonderful Mother of Mine
This song is heartfelt and purely old-fashioned. Mother knows best. . . .
There’s a Little Spark of Love Still Burning
An old-fashioned love ballad, this tune is about a wish for a “little spark” to become a great flame once again.
There’s a Rose on Your Cheek
This tender ballad was written by early barbershopper Hal Staab. Will the two strangers meet again?
This Is All I Ask
Songs don’t come much prettier than this one. Do you want to take pleasure in all the beautiful things in life, large and small? I’ll bet you do, and so will your audiences. . . .
Thousand Thoughts of You, A
Nat “King” Cole sang this haunting song of lost love. Sad songs just do not get any prettier than this. Available in contest and show versions
Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again
Here is a classic, poignant ballad about mother. Though not the version sung by 1986 champ Rural Route 4, this one is also pretty darn powerful.
Till We Meet Again
This WWI ballad never goes out of style. So it’s time for you to “Smile the while. . . .”
Time After Time
This is a revised version of an old-fashioned ballad. The tune is a real oldie, not the 1947 hit by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne you are probably picturing.
Too Many Parties and Too Many Pals
Yet another ballad of a woman too wild for her own good. The poor dear has fallen far.
Too Young
An ageless song of young love, this tune tells of the greater wisdom of the younger folks. But singers of any age can have a hit with this piece, for sure.
Wedding Bells Are Ringing for Sally
This is a sad ballad of lost love. Your beloved is getting married but to someone else. You can really jerk some tears with this tune.
When I Grow Too Old to Dream
A beautiful Sigmund Romberg tempo ballad, this song tells of a bittersweet parting that is more sweet than bitter. Do check out this lovely tune.
When I Lost You
Voted the best barbershop ballad of all time by Arrangement judges, this song will touch your listeners’ hearts.
When I Lost You (Aging Superheroes Parody)
Are your superpowers—and maybe even some of your normal ones—fading away? If so, you will be able to relate to this clever parody. Not surprisingly, it goes well with the Aging Superheroes Medley.
When There’s Love at Home
A beautiful, heartfelt song, this is a pure joy to sing and listen to. Power Play debuted it, and it has since become a barbershop staple. Continue reading When There’s Love at Home
When You and I Were Young, Maggie
This pensive, timeless ballad has certainly stood the test of time. The reprise of the theme melody in the tag is a nice added touch.
When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New/Dear Old Sue
Here is a square medley of love that has a wonderfully old-fashioned ring to it. The bass’s recitation on the second chorus of “When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New” is heartfelt and unique. Ain’t lifelong love grand?
Where Is Love?
There are not many lovelier, more touching Broadway ballads than this. A bonus is that this song is contestable. I often listen to Tim Waurick’s full mix of this arrangement just for enjoyment.
Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day
This tempo ballad paints a picture as lovely as its title. Is someone waiting for you? I sure hope so.
Whispering
Here is an easy-beat, contestable love song that is most gentle and enjoyable. This tune is now available in both men’s and women’s voicing.
Who’s Sorry Now?
This tune is available in both the typical uptune version and a new cool/hot treatment. The latter is quite unique, so do yourself a favor and give it a try.
Whole New World
A #1 hit for Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in 1993, this lovely tune soars into the stratosphere to tell us of the joys of new love. And believe it or not, this song works just fine in BHS contests. So take a magic carpet ride on this theme song from the animated film Aladdin.
Yesterday’s Roses
This ballad of lost love contains some lovely, sad images. You can picture the petals slowly falling—and so can your audiences.
You Know You Belong to Somebody Else (So Why Don’t You Leave Me Alone)
A strong ballad with a theme of temptation, this song asks that the love-struck person just be left alone. Lots of folks can relate to this theme. . . .
You Medley
Question: What could be better than a lovely ballad from The Music Man that is about, well . . . you? Answer: two such lovely ballads. Do check out this medley of “Till There Was You” and “It’s You.” Both you and your audiences will be glad you did.
You Walk with Me
This beautiful tempo ballad comes from the Broadway musical version of The Full Monty. At first hearing, I assumed it was a religious piece. While “You Walk with Me” certainly can be sung that way, in the musical it is sung by two people who love each other. Do yourself a favor and look this song up, whether through a preview from me or simply online.
Young and Foolish
Great for contest, this ’50s ballad builds to a surprising level of power. The men’s version is published by the BHS, and the song is great for women as well. Continue reading Young and Foolish