1) Bluegrass Student Union

Their International Quartet Championship in 1978 was just the beginning. Bluegrass Student Union rang chords with a quality no quartet that had come before had ever reached. Their recordings, notably “Jukebox Saturday Night”, created a buzz around barbershop which revitalized the mellowing barbershop climate. After 40 years, they are still regarded among the best quartets.

2) Gas House Gang

The Gas House Gang won International in 1993. Their sound is perhaps the most recognizable when heard by any barbershopper.  With David Wright’s arrangements, Jim Henry’s masterful Bass power, and Rich Knight’s colorful lead tambre, The Gas House Gang became the most revered quartet of the 1990s and remains one of the most listened to quartets in the world.

3) Ringmasters

After taking a year off competitions in 2011, Ringmasters shocked the barbershop community and ran away with the 2012 International Quartet Championship title. The quartet, from Sweden, mastered their sound together and created one of the most impressive sounds that barbershop has ever seen.  Their level of lock has gone unmatched since.

4) Vocal Spectrum

Vocal Spectrum burst onto the scene in 2004 with their Collegiate Quartet championship. Under the coaching of Jim Henry, the St.Charles quartet won the International Championship in 2006.  Since then, they have released 5 albums of recordings and have been the embodiment of the youth movement in the barbershop community that began in the early 2000s.

5) Boston Common

Champions in 1980, the Boston Common were known for their limited stage presence and excellent lock and ring. The quartet gave popularity to many modern classics, such as “Moonlight Becomes You” and “That Old Quartet of Mine”. Their distinct sound was supplemented by the incredible depth and range of bass, Terry Clarke.

For more information about barbershop, visit the Barbershop Harmony Society website.