Gerry Muir, outgoing President of the Barbershop singers in 1964, is seen here passing on the President's pin to Bob Spice who was taking over. From left to right: Gerry Muir, Ben de Vries, Bob Spice, Sam Esopenko, Gerald Cherko and Wally Sedlick. (Photo - G. & K. Muir collection)
In the early 1960s and into the 1970s, Yorkton had barbershop singers entertaining locally and in the surrounding district. There was a large group, smaller groups and quartets. For several years, a woman's chorus called The Sweet Adelines took to the stage. We need a revival of this music style in Yorkton. Barbershop is informality, joyfulness, pleasing melodies, a time of relaxation and laughter.
History: In the last half of the 19th century, U.S. barbershops often served as community centers - a place where most men would gather. Barbershop quartets originated with African Americans meeting in barbershops; they would harmonize while waiting their turn, vocalizing in spirituals, folk songs and popular songs. This generated a new style, consisting of unaccompanied, four-part, close-harmony singing. Later, white minstrel singers adopted the style, and in the early days of the recording industry, their performances were recorded and sold. Early standards included songs such as "Shine on Harvest Moon" "Hello, My Baby", and "Sweet Adeline." Barbershop music was very popular between 1900 and 1919 but gradually faded into obscurity in the 1920s.. (From the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)
There have been revivals of barbershop groups over the years in United States and Canada.
Seeking photos, documents, etc re-Yorkton and area history
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince, Heritage Researcher
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722 [email protected]
