Barbershop quartet singing is a uniquely American musical tradition that evokes nostalgia, harmony, and a deep connection to community. Over the decades, this a cappella style has woven its way into the fabric of American popular culture through performances at community events, competitions, and broadcasts. Among the groups that have made their mark is Everard, a celebrated barbershop quartet that captured national attention with its appearances on PBS.
In this article, we’ll explore the rich history of barbershop quartets, delve into the origins and artistry of Everard, and consider the significance of their presence on a prestigious platform like PBS. Through their harmonies, Everard has brought renewed life to a treasured musical form, reminding us all of the timeless beauty of close harmony singing.
The Roots of Barbershop Harmony
Before we dive into the story of Everard, it is important to understand the origins of the barbershop quartet tradition. Contrary to popular myth, barbershop singing did not start in barber shops, though these spaces certainly contributed to its spread.
Barbershop harmony traces its lineage back to African American musical traditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the era following Reconstruction, Black communities in the South developed rich oral traditions of unaccompanied vocal harmony. Groups of men would gather to harmonize popular songs of the day, often with improvised parts and a characteristic “ringing” chord that gave the style its emotional impact.
As minstrel shows and vaudeville became popular entertainment mediums, these harmonies were further refined and commercialized. The white mainstream eventually adopted the style, and by the early 20th century, barbershop quartets were fixtures of American popular music. The development of radio and recorded music in the 1920s and 1930s helped to preserve and popularize this art form even as musical tastes evolved.
Today, the Barbershop Harmony Society and similar organizations keep the tradition alive, fostering new generations of singers dedicated to preserving the unique magic of the barbershop sound.
Enter Everard: A Quartet Like No Other
Among the countless barbershop quartets that have graced American stages, Everard stands out for its exceptional artistry, musicality, and heartfelt performances.
Formed in the early 2000s, Everard emerged from a circle of friends who shared a passion for vocal harmony. Each member brought years of experience in choral singing, musical theater, and a cappella performance. Their initial goal was simple: to enjoy the camaraderie and musical joy that barbershop singing offered.
But what began as a hobby quickly evolved into a serious artistic endeavor. Through countless rehearsals, performances, and competition appearances, Everard honed a sound that was both technically impeccable and deeply moving. Their repertoire ranged from traditional barbershop standards to modern arrangements of contemporary songs, all infused with their distinctive interpretive flair.
What truly set Everard apart was their emotional authenticity. In an era where many vocal groups emphasized flashy technique or ironic detachment, Everard remained committed to singing with sincerity. Audiences responded powerfully to this honesty, finding in Everard’s performances a rare sense of connection and emotional resonance.
The PBS Connection: Bringing Harmony to a National Audience
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has long played a vital role in showcasing America’s rich cultural heritage. Through programming devoted to music, history, and the arts, PBS offers a platform for voices and traditions that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream media.
In the mid-2010s, producers at PBS began developing a special program celebrating the history and enduring appeal of barbershop harmony. The project aimed to introduce the art form to new audiences while also highlighting some of the finest contemporary quartets carrying the tradition forward.
Naturally, Everard was invited to participate.
Their inclusion in the PBS special represented a major milestone for the quartet. The opportunity to perform on national television allowed Everard to reach audiences far beyond their typical circuit of concerts and competitions.
But more than mere exposure, the PBS collaboration was a chance to contribute to the preservation and revitalization of barbershop harmony. Through beautifully filmed performances and insightful interviews, Everard helped demonstrate that barbershop singing remains a vibrant, evolving art form with the power to touch hearts across generations.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Spotlight
Preparing for the PBS broadcast was an intensive process for Everard. The quartet dedicated months to refining their repertoire, polishing their vocal blend, and working closely with the show’s production team to ensure that their artistry translated well to the television medium.
Filming took place at a historic theater known for its warm acoustics and intimate atmosphere—an ideal setting for the quartet’s lush harmonies. The production team employed state-of-the-art recording techniques to capture every nuance of Everard’s sound, ensuring that viewers at home would experience the same rich sonic texture that captivated live audiences.
In addition to their musical performances, members of Everard sat for interviews in which they shared personal reflections on their musical journeys, the challenges and rewards of quartet singing, and the enduring magic of barbershop harmony.
The result was a powerful segment that showcased not only the quartet’s vocal prowess but also their humanity and deep love for the art form.
The Impact of the PBS Appearance
The broadcast of the PBS special was met with widespread acclaim. Viewers across the country responded enthusiastically to the program’s heartfelt portrayal of barbershop harmony and its celebration of musical community.
For Everard, the impact was profound. Their appearance on PBS led to a surge in invitations to perform at festivals, arts series, and cultural events. Perhaps more importantly, it introduced their music to new listeners, including many younger fans discovering barbershop for the first time.
The PBS broadcast also underscored the importance of platforms that celebrate cultural heritage in a thoughtful and inclusive way. In an era dominated by commercial pop music and digital streaming, the show demonstrated that there is still a deep hunger for authentic, human-centered musical experiences.
Why Barbershop Harmony Endures
The success of Everard on PBS invites a larger question: why does barbershop harmony continue to resonate so powerfully in the modern world?
One key factor is its accessibility. While mastery of the style requires considerable skill, the basic act of singing in harmony is something anyone can attempt. Barbershop quartets often emerge from communities, schools, and informal gatherings, fostering connection through shared musical expression.
Another reason is the emotional impact of the music itself. The characteristic “ringing” chords of barbershop harmony create a physical sensation that listeners can feel as much as hear. This acoustic magic, combined with heartfelt interpretation, allows barbershop performances to convey deep emotion with immediacy and clarity.
Finally, barbershop harmony speaks to our innate longing for human connection. In an age of digital isolation and fragmented communities, the image of four singers standing close together, listening intently to one another, and creating beauty through collaboration carries profound symbolic weight.
The Road Ahead for Everard
Since their PBS appearance, Everard has continued to thrive. The quartet remains active on the performance circuit, delighting audiences at events ranging from intimate house concerts to major festivals.
They have also embraced a role as ambassadors for the barbershop tradition. Through workshops, masterclasses, and educational outreach, Everard works to inspire new singers and foster appreciation for close harmony singing.
Looking to the future, the quartet plans to record new material, explore innovative collaborations with other artists, and continue sharing the joy of barbershop harmony with audiences around the world.
Conclusion: A Timeless Song
The story of Everard and their appearance on PBS is a testament to the enduring power of music to unite, uplift, and inspire. Through their artistry, the quartet has breathed new life into a cherished American tradition, reminding us all that harmony, both musical and human, is something worth striving for.
As long as voices are willing to blend in song, the spirit of barbershop harmony will continue to ring out. And thanks to groups like Everard, that spirit will resonate more clearly and beautifully than ever before.
