Barbershop

Description

Barbershop music is characterized by its a cappella harmony, typically sung by a quartet or choir. It features close harmony with consonant chords, often using a 'ringing' sound created by the precise tuning of the voices. The lead sings the melody, while the tenor, baritone, and bass provide harmonizing parts.

History

Barbershop music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It was popularized in barbershops and social clubs where men would gather and sing. The style was heavily influenced by African American musical traditions and became a staple of American popular music in the early 1900s. The genre saw a revival in the mid-20th century with the formation of organizations like the Barbershop Harmony Society, which helped preserve and promote the style.