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.
This classic features a new verse and contains deceptively strong sentiment. Take your audiences back in time with this timeless tale.
Did you ever wish your quartet consisted of Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and, well… Mighty Mouse? Your wish can be granted with this clever batch of parodies. This piece goes very well in a set with the parody version of When I Lost You.
A melancholy, powerful ballad, this song mourns a lost love. Can this love be saved. Continue reading “All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart”
You can’t go wrong with a hit by the Everly Brothers. This version is a little bit fancier than the published Harmony Explosion arrangement. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
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.
Do you share this secret vice? Are you just wild about this classic treat? Surely many of your audience members will be able to relate.
Yes, this song starts with the famous line “Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed.” It is just the right tune for this occasion. Continue reading “Anniversary Song”
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”
Bobby Darin made this cheery song popular. This tune is just right for opening your shows with lots of happy energy. Anne Bureau has recorded the contest version for SSAA, and Chris Arnold has done the show version for TTBB.
These two love songs, debuted almost 100 years apart, are identical musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is available from the BHS; the women’s, from Sheet Music Plus under “Love Me Tender.”
Short and, um, sweet, this tune was sung by Homer Simpson’s quartet, The B Sharps. You don’t need a little diamond-shaped sign to show that you are so uncool as to be cool. Continue reading “Baby on Board”
Here is a sweet, light combination of “Sing Me a Baby Song” and “Baby.” Have fun crooning to your sweetheart with this lovely medley.
From the animated musical “The Jungle Book,” this delightful tune will charm audiences and judges alike. Storm Front sang it until they decided to be unremittingly hilarious.
Do you want to stay young, at least in your heart? Then this is the song for you.
Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”
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.
This clever tune is a sure winner with your audiences. What blew by you? The singer’s toupee! The piece has been a barbershop hit since international champion Power Play sang it and Crossroads subsequently picked up on it.
This unique rendering combines the verse from Rodgers & Hart’s original version from 1934 with the chorus of the swinging 1961 doo-wop hit. This may be the ultimate “Oh, yeah” song.
The jumpin’ WWII tune made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this song is sure to please your audience members of all ages.
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
As cute as they come, this tune is available in regular and senior-citizens’ versions. Chris Arnold has recorded learning tracks for both versions. Do give this happy tune a try.
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s, women’s and mixed versions of this lively tale of lost love are all published by the BHS, so you would order the arrangement from them.
Neil Sedaka wrote and sang this most fun tune. Now it is available for your group to sing in contest, even!
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though SAI groups should check with a Music judge). But whether for contest or show, this song is a sure winner. “Everybody tells me so!” Tim Waurick’s tracks for women are purely great, and he now has them for men too.
This doo-wop classic earned the Dell-Vikings a gold single in the golden year of 1957. The BHS publishes the men’s version of this sure winner.
From the musical “Oliver,” this happy, lively tune can be sung in contest. International champ Power Play welcomed you to their family with this one.
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. . . .
The Frankenstein monster can surely raise cane—well, when he is Able—but you should see him dance. If you have seen the film “Young Frankenstein,” you will be able to figure out what the main song in this monster medley is. This piece of lunacy goes well with the “Fabricating Frankie Medley.” No longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
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. Good news: This powerful arrangement, which had not been available for a few years, is now cleared via Sheet Music Plus!
It doesn’t get any better than the Everly Brothers singing about true love. Would make a fine addition to wedding vows.
This rousing song is from the musical “Les Miserables.” Your audiences’ hearts and guts will be surely be moved by your powerful performance. Although the song itself would fly in contest, this arrangement is intended for shows only.
“Have a little pity, leave my pleasure alone!” So sings the put-upon taxpayer. By the way, this is not the version sung by the 139th St. Quartet.
High energy is the name of the game with this lively number. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
For contest or show, this song is beloved by audiences and performers alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Would you believe a contestable medley could be made of “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Burning Love” and “Viva Las Vegas”? You will have a blast singing this piece, one that is fit for a—well, the one and only—King.
These lyrics from “Deck the Hall” are transplanted onto various other pieces, resulting in much good cheer.
No, we are not talking about Mr. Sinatra here. Rather, this is about a certain monster that was created by a mad scientist with a German-sounding name. Pair it with the “Dancing Frankie Medley.” No longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Wish your audiences a Merry Christmas in bilingual fashion. This lively chart is written for four voices plus percussion instruments. The BHS publishes the men’s version. Jen Cooke has recorded the SSAA tracks; Anne Bureau, with a little help from kept man Ig, the TTBB.
Love needs just a little more sometimes. You are sure to enjoy this gentle tune. It is no longer exclusive to Fermata Nowhere, so get it while it’s warm and sweet!
This Statler Brothers’ song puts an ironic twist on loneliness. And it won’t bother your audiences at all . . .
Stevie Wonder in barbershop? Absolutely! Indeed, this pop classic is even contestable.
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.
The great Irving Berlin composed this offbeat piece. Why in the world would a carefree civilian want to go back to the regimentation of the military? Irving tells you all about it in highly humorous fashion.
This tune from “My Fair Lady” is a sure hit with your audiences. International champ Power Play sang it delightfully, and it is now available to your group.
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.
Weird Al Yankovic penned and sang this highly, um, offbeat number. It probably sets a world’s record for backhanded compliments to one’s sweetie. Happily, this piece is contestable.
An enormously funny and interesting conglomeration, the arrangement is even contestable. This winner has been recorded by SAI queens The BUZZ. The medley bashes the opposite sex, well, just a little bit.
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.
This lively, happy, nostalgic John Denver song is great fun for either sex to sing. Now available in contest and show versions. James Estes has recorded learning tracks for the contest chart.
For Western shows, this is the quintessential Roy Rogers & Dale Evans song. I even had the chance to tell Dale personally about arranging her song in the barbershop style! Use this classic tune to end any performance, Western-themed or not.
Very funny for contest or shows, as sung by Shenanigans. Just how many things can go wrong today?
Allan Sherman’s novelty hit from the 1960s can be your group’s next winner! Check out this sad lad’s plaintive lament sent from summer camp.
This country classic is as lively and cheery as they come. I promise you this will be extra fun for you to sing, and for your audiences to hear.
Lasting just a minute, with appropriate lyrics and a big tag, this tune is just right for opening shows. So, hey . . . look it over and then go ahead and open your shows with this energetic, positive piece!
This contestable medley from the musical Wildcat was sung by Power Play. With lots of energy built in, this piece makes a fine show-opener.
This emphatic tune is arranged for four-part women’s voices with male solo. The fellow needs to be either a bass or a low baritone—low in more than one sense of the word? The arrangement is also available in German. That title translates as “Come, Drink Up, Jack.” Fun, eh? By the way, Anne Bureau’s tracks are actually five-part, with husband Ig typecast as the ne’er-do-well. (Just kidding, Igster.)
This inspirational classic is a hit on any show. Power Play put their family touch on this heartfelt tune. Many SSAA groups sing it as well, especially in the UK.
A contestable medley that is both slick and sweet, this piece was a hit for 2003 quartet champ Power Play. Hey, love is not always very easy to explain . . .
A most humorous tune, as sung by The New Tradition quartet. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
A novelty hit for child singer Gayla Peevey in 1953, this seasonal tune is just strange enough to be big fun for you and your audiences.
A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for SAI medalist ReMix for the women and BHS medalist SRO for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Please specify whether you would like to preview the original ReMix version (Kim’s tracks) or Mo Field’s revision (Donya’s tracks) with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!
Do you want an easy, happy way to profess your love? You won’t come to the end of your rope if you sing this easy-beat tune, which is no longer exclusive. So tie it up for your group!
This one is tough to explain. Think of a typical ’30s swing tune with modern lyrics like “hard-rock diet,” “in your face” and “MTV and AMC.” Way cool, and it is contestable too! And now there is a second version, one that talks about leaving behind a “hip-hop diet.”
Everyone likes this fun, offbeat love song. Great for men and women alike, it is now available in both contest and show versions. Learning tracks have been recorded for the women’s contest chart and the men’s show version.
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.
From the animated film Monsters Inc., this happy tune was sung as a duet by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. As a bonus, the arrangement is contestable.
The great Stephen Foster wrote many beautiful, poignant songs, as well as some lighthearted ones. Guess which kind this is. This song, as well as its composer, was featured at the 2015 Pittsburgh International convention.
The lovely Beatles tune is great for any combination of voices. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this rock classic.
The Beach Boys’ story of teenage angst is surprisingly sweet and moving, and works well for singers of all ages. The BHS publishes the TTBB version; for SSAA, go to Sheet Music Plus. This short, easy song is a natural for Youth in Harmony groups.
This is a surprisingly strong contestable version of the old ballad. Do give it a look and listen.
The Boyz II Men redo of the classic doo-wop hit is popular with singers and listeners of all generations. The Society publishes the men’s version.
From the musical Mame, this happy, driving song urges you to celebrate the day. It makes a really energetic opener and is great for both men and women.
Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!
Big fun is ahead when your group whips out its kazoos. The energy builds and builds to a great finish. This unique number is sure to delight your audiences.
Two brave lads are almost ready to slay dragons, rescue fair damsels, drink mass quantities of mead, and the like. Will they make the grade or . . . ?
This nutty compilation contains So Long, Mother; Back in the Old Routine; Side by Side; I Love a Parade; Chattanooga Choo Choo; Bright Was the Night; and (I’m Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over. Crazy enough for you? Check out the medley below.
And its partner piece is composed of these tunes: I Got Rhythm, Soft Shoe Song, Tonight, By the Light of the Silvery Moon and The Hokey Pokey. All these, and you get to wear swell costumes as well!
Fine for either contest or show, this cheerful song helped Marquis win gold at the 1995 International, in Miami Beach. Though a bit rangy, this piece pretty much sings itself.
A country tune with lots of heart, this plea to allow children to act their age is a real gem. It is no longer exclusive to the fine senior quartet Melodies & Memories.
A show closer with a great message, this song offers the best wish possible. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS, and it works great for women and mixed groups as well.
This powerful ballad, which has an anti-racist message, takes some nerve to sing. And it has been sung in contest, to great effect.
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, popularized by the SAI 1989 queens, Growing Girls.
Billy Joel’s hit is doo-wop barbershop at its most enjoyable—and familiar! The BHS publishes the TTBB, SSAA and SATB versions, with tracks, of this smash hit. (Kohl K and Tim W also have TTBB tracks.)
This is a contestable editing of the barbershop classic. They don’t come any sweeter than this, so give the song a whirl. Continue reading “Lullaby in Ragtime, A”
The totally nonsensical lyrics of this tune make for lots of laughs. It is way, way silly.
Everybody’s waiting for him. And who is he? Why, Santa Claus, of course. Your group will enjoy singing this slick tune.
Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices.
Everyone knows and loves this classic ballad from the turn of the last century. Will your dreams come true?
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.
This C&W classic harmonizes just fine for barbershop and has multi-cultural appeal. A Spanish translation of the chorus is included. Sing both choruses to please a wide audience, even in contest.
This energetic uptune was arranged, and partially composed, for Michigan Jake. It was sung in a cartoon by the one and only Michigan J. Frog, for whom that gold-medal quartet is named. If your lead(s) can handle a disjunct melody—and words that are, in the words of great bass man Bill Myers, printed very close to the page—then this lively number is for you!
This old-time medley contains “Bright Was the Night,” “Moonlight Bay” and “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” How is that for some vintage classics?
All of your favorite uptunes are included here: “Jolly Holiday,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” This medley is great for choruses, and even for quartets that have a lot of stamina!
A novelty song about the travels of a token of love, this tune is large fun. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Tim McGraw sang and co-wrote this beautiful song. Guaranteed to melt any parent’s heart, this piece is no longer exclusive to the fine seniors quartet Melodies and Memories.
This witty song is popular with high school boys for some reason. Go figure. Of course, grownups like this Cincinnati Kids’ song even more.
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
Both the Interstate Rivals and the Alexandria Harmonizers won gold with this arrangement, which tells of a fast girl who ended up a lonely woman. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
This old song requires some boldness to perform and is just fine for contest. Mayhem! moved many hearts with it in International competition. Does it fit your quartet or chorus?
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song.
What do you call a medley of Consider Yourself; Food, Glorious Food; and Who Will Buy? Big fun, that’s what! This high-energy contest piece is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony.
A new twist on an old favorite, this ballad is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. We cannot really recapture the past, can we?
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.
This tune is fun, lively and makes a great opener or closer. Short and to the point, It is available in both contest and show versions. Anne’s tracks go with the contest chart, and Drew’s and Jen’s with the show version. Really, though, either one is fine for competition these days.
No one doesn’t enjoy this easy-beat tune. It makes a fine change of pace for your performances.
This fun meter parody is quite contestable. The lovable quartet Shenanigans had a hit with it, and so could your quartet or chorus.
A yo-ho-ho and a bottle of Captain Morgan’s, ye scurvy landlubbers! This clever song from the film Muppet Treasure Island will shiver your timbers for sure.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ride — well, a bicycle, anyhow — again. This light song is, well, delightful. If you don’t give this tune a try, you’re all wet!
This high-energy mix of Razzle Dazzle and Applause is no longer exclusive to the Phoenicians. Start off your performances with a Broadway flair!
From the hit musical and movie Chicago, this encouraging song is quite lively and clever. So it’s time for you to “hypnotizzy” your audiences!
This stirring Jewish religious piece is right for believers of all faiths.
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.
Brothers and Sisters, are you leading a life of sin and corruption? If so, this energetic, tongue-in-cheek song will set you on the righteous path. Okay, so it did not quite do the trick for the comedy quartet Up All Night, but it almost always works. Let me hear an “Amen!”
Some surprise harmonies flavor this arrangement of the classic barbershop song. Power Play won gold with this upbeat, lively tune.
Truly a rock’n’roll classic that will take your audiences back, this tune offers lighthearted fun. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Inspired by the Andy Williams version of the holiday song, this arrangement features five key changes. That makes for a most energetic piece, for sure.
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters, Weekend Edition, Instant Classic 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. What’s more, it is contestable! Due to the publisher’s restrictions, you need to special-order this song from Janice Bane at the BHS.
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.
It is just about impossible to go wrong with this beautiful tribute to the USA. Do give it a listen.
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too.
Arranged to help the Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers (DABS) celebrate its 20th anniversary, this song is as strong as it gets. It has been used for protest and inspiration by a wide variety of oppressed groups, though anyone can relate to its powerful, uplifting message. A mixed version is now available.
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.
This fast piece definitely cooks, with a scat section for each voice part. There is nothing more fun than singing about music.
First a barbershop hit for our 1956 champ quartet, the Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. The arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Play and in a longer version perhaps better suited for choruses. Anne’s tracks are the former; Chris’s and Jen’s, the latter.
Great fun for singers and audiences alike, this lively tune is available in both contest and show versions. It is easily one of my most popular charts. Power Play sang it with much success, and it works just fine for any combination of voices. Kim’s tracks are for the contest version, but nowadays the slightly longer show version could be sung in competition just fine.
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 sang it in international competition.
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive.
Ragtime Joe may be just a little bit obstinate, but his taste in music is outstanding. Your audiences are sure to love this barbershop classic.
Even back in 1921, the older folks thought the young ones’ dances were just too racy. In the middle of this Irving Berlin song is an eclectic mix of “Blame It on the Bossa Nova,” “La Bamba,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.” You too can put your dancing shoes on now that the Granite Statesmen have debuted this piece at International.
This arrogantly fun uptune was debuted by our 1984 champs, The Rapscallions, and revived in most humorous fashion by popular medalist quartet Metropolis. More mature groups might want to sing this piece in Bb rather than C.
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.
A peppy Dixie uptune, this song is a solid choice for contest. Hey, you will be home . . . tomorrow.
A cool/hot show tune, this swingy number will have your audiences swaying in their seats and smiling from ear to ear.
Don McLean composed and performed this lovely, haunting song. The poetry of McLean’s lyrics matches Van Gogh’s later, colorful paintings very well. This moving tune is sure to captivate your audiences.
There is plenty of rhythmic interest in this Christmas tune. It somehow manages to be both calm and lively at the same time—not to mention lots of fun.
And now for something completely different. This jazzy version of a song usually heard as a barbershop ballad is patterned after Frank Sinatra’s interpretation. If you have some swing in your soul, give this one a look and a listen.
Here are seven songs that could be the centerpiece to a Western-themed show: Back in the Saddle Again, Home on the Range, Deep in the Heart of Texas, The Yellow Rose of Texas, Clementine, Red River Valley and Oh Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie. This medley is also available in a shorter version.
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.
This Beatles’ song is always a kick, for singers and audience members alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Of course, you can vary the lyrics to reference any age that ends in a four.
What a beautiful song this is. A metaphor for the afterlife, the piece can be a great comfort at funeral and at other times as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This classic is a good candidate for the best popular song of all time. “And may all your Christmases be white!”
Marvelously energetic 8-parter about men and women working together, as sung by Friends.
Your audiences will love to do the movements associated with this song. This tune is sure to raise the energy level of your performance.
The lovely Beatles’ tune may be the most recorded of all time. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. This sure winner can be sung all year ’round, as my quartet, Lock 4, can attest
Light and sweet, this Christmas tune will add sparkle to your holiday shows. Wouldn’t you like to meet it?
If you “hear music and there’s no one there,” get together with a quartet or chorus of the opposite sex and perform this lively, eight-part partner song. This one is a clear winner, a truce in the age-old battle of the sexes.
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.