The Most Famous Barbershop Quartet, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the barbershop quartet you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 6, 2024 07:03

Finding the finest barbershop quartet to enjoy can be a delightful challenge, given the variety of group styles and vocal harmonies they present. Each quartet offers a unique blend of voices and a repertoire that ranges from classic songs to modern arrangements. This diversity is what makes choosing the 'best' subjective and varies widely from one listener to another. By participating in this community-driven ranking, you contribute to a collective effort to identify which barbershop quartets resonate most with enthusiasts. Your votes help shape an authoritative list that serves as a useful guide for newcomers and seasoned fans alike, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy and artistry of top-tier barbershop harmony.

Who Is the Most Famous Barbershop Quartet?

1

77
votes

The Buffalo Bills

This quartet gained fame after appearing on the TV show "The Music Man" and winning the International Barbershop Quartet Championship in 1950.
2

33
votes

HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA · CC BY 2.0

The Dapper Dans

This quartet is a staple at Disneyland and Disney World, performing classic barbershop tunes for guests.
3

20
votes

The Four Freshmen

While not exclusively a barbershop quartet, this vocal group incorporated elements of the style into their music and had several hits in the 1950s.
4

13
votes

The Hi-Lo's

Another vocal group that blended jazz and barbershop, the Hi-Lo's were popular in the 1950s and 60s.
5

21
votes

The Suntones

This quartet won the International Championship in 1961 and was known for their tight harmonies and energetic performances.
6

18
votes

Strongbad1982 (talk) · Public domain

The Vocal Majority

This all-male chorus has won multiple International Championships and is known for their large, powerful sound.
7

12
votes

Strongbad1982 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Westminster Chorus

Based in California, this chorus has won multiple International Championships and is known for their innovative choreography and vocal arrangements.
8

12
votes

The Gas House Gang

This quartet won the International Championship in 1993 and was known for their comedic performances and tight harmonies.
9

2
votes

Storm Front

This quartet has won multiple International Championships and is known for their high-energy performances and innovative arrangements.
10

5
votes

Ringmasters

This quartet from Sweden has won multiple International Championships and is known for their modern take on barbershop, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and funk into their music.

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Ranking factors for famous barbershop quartet

Achievements and awards

Consider the quartet's achievements, such as the number of competitions they've won, and awards they've received.
Recordings and performances

Look at the quartet's recordings and performances, including the number of albums released, and notable concerts or events at which they've performed.
Legacy and longevity

Take into account the quartet's impact on the barbershop community and how long they have been active.
Reputation

Consider the quartet's reputation among their peers, and how they are regarded by other barbershop quartets and the larger music industry.
Cultural significance

Look at the quartet's role in promoting and preserving the art form of barbershop singing, and how they have influenced the genre or contributed to its history.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous barbershop quartet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or quartet is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3543 views
180 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each quartet once every 24 hours. The rank of each quartet is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous barbershop quartet

Barbershop quartets have been around since the late 1800s and have gained popularity over the years for their unique style of a cappella singing. A barbershop quartet typically consists of four voices: lead, tenor, baritone, and bass. These groups often sing in close harmony, creating a beautiful sound that has become a beloved American tradition. Over the decades, many barbershop quartets have achieved fame and recognition, but only a select few have become household names. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous barbershop quartets in history and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.