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Solos

Theme > Solos

All That She Wants

A rock hit for Swedish group Ace of Base, this arrangement is not for the faint of heart. Sure, her ex-lover is just that little bit bitter, but the woman earned it.

Annie’s Song

The lovely John Denver song, this piece is good for weddings—and any other occasion when you want to express your feelings for your beloved.

Art Is Calling for Me

Hilarious Victor Herbert song for women only, requires a soprano who can sing high in operatic fashion.

Learning tracks available from:
Jen Cooke
SSAA

Ave Maria

If you have a lead singer inclined toward sacred music, this solo is for you.

Beach Boys Medley

Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Beautiful Savior

Quite inspirational, this song in a unique mix of musical styles. It was arranged for the Stone Mountain (Ga.) Chorus and popularized by International champ Vocal Spectrum.

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB

Because You Loved Me

Here is a lovely pop song by Celine Dion, in the mold of “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Sing it at weddings or any time love is in the air.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

The jumpin’ WWII tune made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this song is sure to please your audience members of all ages.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Broken

This rousing number sung by Coldplay is backed by a group of enthusiastic gospel singers. If you check out Coldplay’s version on YouTube, you will likely want your quartet or chorus to sing this tune!

Butterfly Kisses

Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Candle in the Wind

This is Elton John’s moving tribute to Princess Diana. The lyrics of this beautiful song still resonate today.

Candle on the Water

From the Disney film Pete’s Dragon, this beautiful song explores the depths of true love. What a lovely image the title paints, eh?

Christmas Dinner

A folky song written by Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary), this piece warms the heart during a cold time of year.

Learning tracks available from:
Matt Powell
TTBB

Christmas Shoes, The

A country song with lots of heart, this seasonal song will have your audiences reaching for their hankies. Feature your lead on this one.

Copacabana (At the Copa)

You have never heard the Barry Manilow hit quite like this before. With solo, four harmony parts and two rhythm lines, the song requires a chorus or octet to make it swing.

Cycles

Frank Sinatra sang this moving song of life’s ups and downs. Your audience members will definitely be able to relate to the message of this tender piece.

Daydream

“What a day” for singing this Lovin’ Spoonful pop classic. This cheery arrangement is for chorus plus soloist.

Do You Remember These?

This Statler Brothers’ tune revives all sorts of ’50s nostalgia. The arrangement could even be redone for contest.

Dollar Down, A (and a Dollar a Week)

How much debt can you get into if you make your purchases for a dollar down and a dollar a week? Well, if you buy enough items that way—and get the same terms when you run afoul of the law—the answer is: plenty! Both the Limelighters and Woodie Guthrie had hits with this clever little ditty back when. Give it try, it’ll only cost you a buck. . . .

Eighteen Wheels on a Big Rig

Who would believe counting to 18 in Roman numerals could be so funny? This novelty song has to be heard to be believed.

Eleanor Rigby

Plenty unique and maybe even strange, this Beatles’ tune has lots of key changes and melody swaps.

Folsom Prison Blues

Do you have an outlaw sort of bass who is looking for a solo? This is a good one, with one caveat: The song is arranged to be accompanied by guitar and bass fiddle. It could be redone someday but not just yet, for the piece is exclusive to Boardwalk right now. After all, doesn’t Pookie remind you quite a bit of Johnny Cash?

For Good (one soloist)

Though this song is usually set as a dialog between two people (see the next entry), the song can work just fine for one soloist. So if you are like many groups and have just one soloist with the medium range, this piece could be just the ticket for you.

For Good (two soloists)

From the musical Wicked, this song features a heartfelt, intense dialogue between witches Elphaba and Glinda. If your group has two good soloists with medium to high voices, this is the ticket for you. This arrangement, and the sentiments of the song, work just fine for men as well. Tracks for the women’s version have been recorded by Shawn Thomas.

Learning tracks available from:
Shawn Thomas
SSAA

Four Seasons Medley

Combines Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Sherry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. This medley provides an opportunity for your tenor or falsetto-singing lead or bari (or even your bass?) to show off in fun fashion.

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB

Good Book Song, The

This offbeat tune comes from the film A Mighty Wind. (Hey, that would not be a bad quartet name!) You have never heard the stories of Noah and the Ark, and David and Goliath told like this. Requires a guitar and string bass. This arrangement is no longer exclusive to Boardwalk.

Graduation Day

This pop hit is great for school-days shows. Or you can sing it to add some gentle enjoyment to any performance.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB
Tim Waurick
TTBB

Gravity Blues

This hilarious number bemoans the effects of aging on a woman’s body. Seattle feminist Lisa Koch composed this clever song, and Lisa did yours truly the honor of incorporating a phrase from this arrangement into her own performances.

Green Green Grass of Home

Recorded by various country artists, this melancholy song is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. There are many ways to get back home, but this method is clearly not recommended. . . .

Learning tracks available from:
Shawn Thomas
TTBB

Groovy Kind of Love, A

A pop hit for the Mindbenders (1966) and for Phil Collins (1988), the song has been sung lately by the King’s Singers. Makes a great solo for tenor or high lead/bari. The bass also gets some licks in too. Do have a look at this uniquely wonderful chart.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB
Kohl Kitzmiller
TTBB
Choral Tracks
TTBB

Hang On Sloopy

Originally called “My Girl Sloopy,” this tune reached No.26 on the charts for the Vibrations in 1964. The McCoys had a No.1 hit with it the next year. By one account, the inspiration for the song was Dorothy Sloop, a jazz singer from Steubenville, Ohio—also the birthplace of Dean Martin—and a student at Ohio University. The Ohio State University marching band, which bills itself as The Best Damn Band in the Land, first played the song in October of 1965 and has made it a staple ever since. Try this most fun song with your group. Your audiences would probably enjoy singing along with you!

Learning tracks available from:
Kohl Kitzmiller
TTBB

Happy

Diana Ross sang this tender song of the happiness love brings. This is definitely not the Pharrell Williams tune.

Have a Nice Day

Very funny for contest or shows, as sung by Shenanigans. Just how many things can go wrong today?

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB

Hawaiian Wedding Song

Great for weddings, of course, this tenor solo also adds a special touch to any show.

Help!

Your quartet or chorus might want to, uh, help itself to this classic from the Beatles. The arrangement is partly lead solo and partly all-skate. So give it a shout, eh?

I Believe in You

A beautiful, haunting piece, “I Believe in You” encourages a friend who is down and out to believe in herself or himself. The lyrics are mostly in English, partly in French. The format is solo with four-part background, with the final chord splitting into seven parts. Do check this wonderful song out for your chorus!

I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire

When well-known barbershopper Darryl Flinn first heard my current quartet, Lock 4, he remarked on what a fine voice our lead, Keith, had and declared him to be the lost Ink Spot. So naturally I went back and arranged Keith’s favorite Ink Spot song. The piece lives more vividly with guitar accompaniment, and there is even a traditional, uh, spot for a bass recitation.
By the way, our quartet’s name has a double meaning. The Ohio & Erie Canal came through Akron back in the day, and of course we barbershoppers love to lock and ring those chords!

I Have a Love

This gorgeous tune is from the classic musical West Side Story.   The format is solo plus chorus, five parts for women. Romantic love was never explained any better.

I Like Beer (lead melody)

Tom T. Hall’s ode to the ethereal amber beverage is great fun. This whimsical tune is available as either a lead or bass solo.

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. Tim’s tracks are for the ballad version.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB
Kim Kraut
SSAA

I Will

What a delightful love song this is! An easy-beat piece with an almost Latin feel, it was a hit for the Beatles back in 1968. Lennon and McCartney sure knew how to write ’em!

Ich will keine Schokolade

This cute German song tells of a woman who wants love, not just chocolate. The original song in English was most likely “I Don’t Want Another Teddy.” Anyone know anything about this tune?

If You Believe

A most uplifting pop love ballad, this tune is full of goodness and inspiration.

Island of Dreams

The ’60s group The Seekers (I’ll Never Find Another You, Georgy Girl) sang this captivating song. It is arranged for eight-part mixed voices.

Isle of Inisfree, The

If your group has a soloist with lots of heart, this lovely tune will take your audiences back home to Ireland. It was the theme from the John Wayne movie The Quiet Man.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

It Was Almost like a Song (bass melody)

The King’s Singers sang this bittersweet song, which is available in both tenor- and bass-solo versions. This piece is purely lovely, “but it’s much too hard to write.”

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB

It Was Almost like a Song (tenor melody)

The King’s Singers sang this bittersweet song, which is available in both tenor- and bass-solo versions. This piece is purely lovely, “but it’s much too hard to write.” (Hmm, where have you read that before. . . .)

Jamaican Noel

Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!

Learning tracks available from:
Shawn Thomas
TTBB
Chris Arnold
SSAA

King of the Road

Everyone enjoys this light-hearted hobo song, composed and performed by the great Roger Miller. And the arrangement could even be edited to be contestable, so hitch a ride on this tune!

Kriminal Tango

Melodramatic novelty song, in German. Have great fun with this “Krimi.”

Let Me Be Your Wings

This wonderful, romantic song was written by Barry Manilow and featured in the movie Thumbellina. And isn’t the title just lovely?

Little Darlin’

A solid gold hit from 1957 for the Diamonds, this doo-wop tune will give your lead a chance to shine and your tenor some hammy moments.

Live Like an Angel

Written by barbershopper Stewart Girlock, this gospel song is of professional quality. Yes, there are angels among us.

Mary in the Morning

Pretty and rhythmic, this pop ballad lets you express your feelings for your beloved most sweetly. If sweet is your thing, have a listen to this tune.

Mary, Did You Know

Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices.

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Merry Christmas, Darling

The Carpenters’ moving hit is available in various versions: women’s, men’s, mixed and as a solo plus four parts for a chorus specialty number. They don’t get any sweeter than this.

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB
Scott Anderson
TTBB

Motown Medley

With 16 pages of fast musical action, this medley will make you fasten your seat belt. There are some solos with four-part background, so this song is meant for a chorus to sing. Only the women’s version is available right now, but it could be redone for men.

My Boyfriend’s Back

Nobody doesn’t enjoy this fun, catty pop #1 hit from 1963. This tune is good for young and old alike, so give it a whirl. The arrangement is available in men’s voicing also. Hey, why not. . . .

My Prayer

This arrangement of the beautiful #1 hit for the Platters (1956) debuted at a barbershopper’s wedding. You can spread the love by picking up on this hopeful tune.

Neutron Dance

This 1985 hit by the Pointer Sisters is guaranteed to energize your audiences. Surely you want a Pointer Sisters song in your repertoire, right?

Ones Left Standing

This powerful song sounds as though it were written for 9/11. Though it appeared about a year earlier, the amazing sentiments make it a great song for any group’s repertoire.

Operator

This happy song of faith moves along with considerable energy.  Manhattan Transfer made the piece famous—and your quartet or chorus can help it stay that way.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Peel Me a Grape

This is a delightful song of sensual, well . . . entitlement. Uppity in the manner of “Santa Baby,” this tune hides its desires—not all that subtly—behind words of luxury and being spoiled. Show off your inner femme fatale with this seductive piece.

Perfect Story

Idina Menzel, who played the Wicked green witch Elphaba on Broadway, sings this haunting tune. You are sure to tug on your audiences’ heartstrings when you sing about a mother reassuring her child that even though she and her husband must part, the child is wonderful and is truly loved.

Playing Right Field

Peter, Paul and Mary sang this funny, sweet song about being the last kid chosen. Do check it out!

Red Solo Cup

Country star Toby Keith sings this homage to his favorite container for adult beverages. The lead handles the funny, quirky recitation. This a different kind of love song. See—or sip—for yourself!

Learning tracks available from:
Choral Tracks
TTBB

Santa Baby

Originally arranged for a female soloist with men’s quartet or chorus, the piece is now available for five women’s voice parts. This seductive song is cool, hot and fun.

Send In the Clowns

This moving, haunting song is especially powerful as a bass solo. Enjoy Stephen Sondheim at his best!

She Believes in Me

This uplifting pop/country hit pays homage to the beloved lady who gives you so much support. Sing it to bring out your inner Kenny Rogers!

Sinatra Medley

A sure show-stopper, this tribute to Old Blue Eyes contains Put Your Dreams Away, Love and Marriage, My Kind Of Town (Chicago Is), Nancy (With the Laughing Face), My Way and Theme from “New York, New York.”

Sing It A Cappella

A doo-wop gospel tune a la Glad, this song really fits us barbershoppers. We sure do love to sing it a cappella, eh?

Skylark (lead melody)

Hopeful songs of love don’t come any prettier than this. The lead sings the melody in the normal range in this version.

Skylark (tenor melody)

Hopeful songs of love still don’t come any prettier than this. Makes a great solo for a tenor or high lead.

Smell the Flowers

This country hit tells us to enjoy life right now. Hey, when else is there?

Sound Celebration

I wrote and arranged this energetic song honoring music and other sounds of life around us. The men’s version is published by the BHS. There is now an SATB version for YMIH/YWIH singers, as well one for women’s voices. Some versions have my original tag, while others feature a powerful ending that pal Kirk Young stole—I mean, tastefully borrowed—from a different David Wright chart.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB
Tim Waurick
TTBB
Tim Waurick
SSAA

Stairway to Heaven

What? You don’t have a Led Zeppelin song in your repertoire? Well, isn’t it high time you got one? The answer is, maybe. For one thing, this arrangement requires an extra soloist or two, making it better suited to a chorus than quartet. Also, many of the tricky instrumental effects are reproduced vocally, making this piece very . . . not easy. But if your group can pull it off, your audiences are bound to go bonkers!

Learning tracks available from:
Steve DeCrow
TTBB

Streak, The

Okay, maybe streaking is not as popular as it once was, but gratuitous nudity will always sell well. It is recommended that you perform this piece fully clothed, though, letting your audience members use their imaginations—hopefully happy ones.

Summer Sunshine Medley

This medley is a winner any time of year, with Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer, Summer In The City, Sunny Afternoon and Sunshine On My Shoulders. Some like it hot!

Taps

The origins of “Taps” date back to American Civil War. This bugle call began as a lights-out signal to soldiers at night but now is played at military funerals and memorials. Though not a cheery song, it can be very powerfully sung when the occasion calls for it.

Thank You, World

A great Statler Brothers’ tune honoring music, this song is heavy on old-fashioned values and references.

Theme from Ice Castles

Also called Through the Eyes of Love, this song is especially lovely. Give this delightful piece a try. Your audiences will be glad you did.

To Know Him (Her) Is to Love Him (Her)

Emmylou Harris revived this rock’n’roll hit in the album Trio, along with standout performers Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. The original was a #1 hit back in 1958 for the Teddy Bears, one of whose members, Phil Spector, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as a writer and producer in 1989.

To Where You Are

Performed by our 2003 international champion quartet, Power Play, this powerful love sung was debuted by Josh Groban in 2001, when he was barely out of his teens. Now pushing 40, Groban is still going strong, so dropping out of college to turn pro was not such a bad idea, eh?

Unchained Melody

Similar to Acoustix’s take on the old rock ‘n’ roll version, this chart is plenty weird. Your tenor gets the chance to shine here, but—heck, sing it anyhow. . . .

We Rise Again

This song of resilience and hope was composed by Leon Dubinsky, a songwriter from Sydney, Nova Scotia, for a 1984 stage musical titled The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton. The Rankin Family’s 1993 rendition popularized the song across Canada. The message of this song is certainly fitting for the time we live in. So lift your audience’s hearts, and your own, with this soaring song.

Wedding Song

This song is just right for weddings, naturally. Pizza, Pooh and Magpie—well, that is what the Beatles called Peter, Paul and Mary—sang this piece with great success.

What Would I Do Without My Music

This powerfully uplifting show song is sung by numerous women’s choruses. But, hey, it works just as well for men’s groups. For everyone, singing about our music is the best!

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

When the Meadow Was Bloomin’

This lyrics to this haunting song were written by the great Johnny Mercer. Barry Manilow, who is no slouch himself, composed the music. The story is familiar—love was sweet as spring in April but turned cold by December—but this piece is something special. Partly a lead solo and partly all-skate, this is a tune you will want to check out for your group.

Wind Beneath My Wings, The

Here is the inspirational Bette Midler hit about the man behind the woman, or vice versa. Do give this powerful piece a try. The arrangement is now available for SATB mixed voices, where it also fits very nicely.

Yesterday, When I Was Young

This is a powerful song from the French, with a sophisticated sentiment of regret. It is especially good for mature groups.

You Must Come In at the Bottom

The Good Lord called on this man to become a bass singer. Though the fellow lacked faith, God’s will—and sense of humor—prevailed. Feature your stud bass with this clever tune.

Your Horoscope for Today

No matter what your sign, dude, wicked things are in store for you for the foreseeable future. This Weird Al tune is quite funny, not to mention way intense.