1- From 1900 - 1910, the decade in which barbershop quarteting enjoyed its popular zenith, how many books and articles about it were published in the United States?
2- The most famous composer of ragtime music, active in New Orleans at the turn of the last century, also sang barbershop, as did two of his brothers. Name him.
3- Another renowned composer, this one of jazz, also active in New Orleans at the turn of the last century, sang barbershop. Name him.
4- One last son of New Orleans in the early 20th century, better known to us as an instrumentalist than as a composer, made pocket money singing barbershop. Name him.
5- Where did the quartets referred to in the previous three questions, and others like them, typically sing?
Answers:
1- Exactly zero! Quite amazing, isn’t it?
2- Scott Joplin
3- Jelly Roll Morton
4- Louis Armstrong
5- At wakes and funerals, in saloons, in brothels, at variety shows (called tent shows) and on street corners