National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day - July 13, 2024

History of National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

Every July 13, music enthusiasts across the country celebrate National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day. Many believe that this day was inaugurated to honor the first barbershop quartet, which was said to be registered with the Barbershop Harmony Society on this date in 1938.

The unique American art form of barbershop music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This genre of music is defined by its harmonious a cappella singing, with performers creating chords without any need for instruments. The term ‘barbershop’ is believed to have been brought about because quartets often practised their harmonies in local barbershops, which were known for their excellent acoustics.

Yet, the formation of National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day came much later, in 2005. This special day was initiated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Shannon Pearce, whose grandfather was Owen C. Cash, the founder of what would become the Barbershop Harmony Society.

From its inception, the goal of National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day has been to celebrate and promote barbershop music. It not only encourages the continuation of the music genre but also motivates future generations to appreciate this form of music. Today, in honor of this day, fans of barbershop music across the United States celebrate with special performances, music nights, historical presentations, and by sharing stories and experiences about their favorite music genre.