BARBERSHOP SINGING

BY

INEZ MCCOLLUM

Barber Shop Singing began in America in the last half of the 19th Century. Barber Shop Quartets originated with African American men socializing in barbershops. They would gather and harmonize while waiting for their turn in the barber chair. This music is a cappella, sung in four-part harmony. These parts are lead, tenor, baritone, and bass. Later white minstrel singers adopted the style.

The first Barber Shop Singing I heard was at Shades Valley High School in Homewood. My husband and I went with another couple for the concert. One of the groups sang “On Top of Old Smokey” and changed some of the words. One verse was about “draggin” milk. After a pause to discuss this wording, the soloist was asked about that dragon milk. His answer was: “Short legged cow!” My husband, having grown up in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, laughed about that during the remainder of the show. He would settle down, think of those mountains and short-legged cows, then begin chuckling again. I thought we would have to leave the concert early because of his outbursts of laughter.

The women’s version of Barber Shop Singing is the Sweet Adelines. During early marriage, a young lady who lived in an apartment next to ours joined the Sweet Adelines. This was her way of meeting new friends.

A few months ago, The Voices of the South Barbershop Chorus entertained during a luncheon at the Hoover Senior Center. A Senior Couple from my church was in the audience. The way they greeted the singers, I knew there was some history in the background. My friend Bill had sung with the group for forty-two years. Many friendships are formed by being a member of these groups. This particular group rehearses at one of the over-the-mountain churches.

Tapestry of Love: Three Books In One

Paperback – January 29, 2018

REVIEWS: The exhilarating action & subplots keep the reader in constant anticipation. It is almost impossible to put the book down until completion, Dr. Don P. Brandon, Retired Professor, Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana

This is the first book I have read that puts a personal touch to some seemingly real people in factual events. Ladyhawk

Love books with strong women…this has one. Love early American history about ordinary people…even though they were not ‘ordinary’…it took courage to populate our country. This book is well researched and well written. Julia Smith

A picture of love and history rolled into one. A step back in time that pulls you in and makes you a part of the family and their world. Ken Flessas

Each book’s writing gets stronger, characters become real, the struggles and sorrows that laid the foundation for this country. Addictedtobooks

Not only is the story entertaining, it opens the eastern shore of the early Virginia Colony to the reader as a picture book….I know this story will touch many peoples’ hearts. B. Thomas

At the age of sixteen, Mary and her husband, whom she barely knows, are forced to escape the only home they’ve ever known and settle in the primitive 17th-century world of America where they shape their family’s destiny for generations. Inspired by actual people and historical events of colonial America, “The Kingdom of Accawmacke” is revealed and secrets about America’s history are discovered in this well-researched series. The story begins in 17th century England during the reign of Charles I and continues a family’s journey to the eastern shore of Virginia and Maryland.