Buffalo Bills from 'The Music Man' - 1962

[@jordyboy321]

That first ice cream from the high tenor makes me chuckle every time.

[@John-ps6ce]

You make me giggle every time...

[@PrinceFlynnRider]

This harmony will never be matched again. You are listening to the absolute pinnacle of barbershop blending.

[@Scipio488]

Heh; well, appropriate BALANCE would be nice, too.

[@suelistens3392]

I attended the barbershop national competition in Toronto in about 1964. We heard some excellent performances from the competing quartets, but the Buffalo Bills, superstars that they were, were the invited special guests. They received a standing ovation as they walked onstage! When they began to sing the audience quieted -- not so much as a cough, sniffle, or muted conversation. We were enthralled! Mesmerized! At the end, another standing ovation, this time for what seemed like minutes and minutes and minutes. I was raised in a SPEBSQSA family, and I'll never, ever forget this live Bills performance. BTW, my father (a baritone) once told me that SPEBSQSA really stands for: Some People Especially Baritones Should Quit Singing Altogether. This still makes me chuckle :) :). :) I revisit this video clip from.time to time...because it just makes me feel good!

[@dawnreneegmail]

@@suelistens3392 great harmonies, ma recorded with her a cappella quartet in the early 50's (not sure it was HERS, but) we're all baritones! Boulder Colorado Chautauqua used to hold their annual competition. Was fun just to sit outside of the old music hall and listen.

[@hellhound47bravo3]

All I can say after hearing that is...WOW!!!

[@altareggo]

@@suelistens3392 Jealous, lol. You certainly have a wonderful memory there!!!! Just for the record, however, baritones DO serve a useful purpose....try having a quartet without at least one :-=}}.

[@deanfunk8448]

I was the baritone in the quartet in a high school production of The Music Man. We four were only freshmen at the time. We sang on request for the next four years. It was sheer heaven harmonically. Ice Cream!

[@CaruthersHodge]

I don't doubt how popular you were. Your talent was married to a heaven sent score. Certainly The Buffalo Bills were sheer heaven for all of us - Where is the sin in sincere ?

[@DavidCarlson-l3j]

Two or all four

[@DavidCarlson-l3j]

Two replied now

[@deanfunk8448]

@@DavidCarlson-l3jall four

[@tadimaggio]

It's delightfully ironic that, in the very act of ducking the School Board's demand for his (nonexistent) credentials, Harold does exactly what he claims he'll do with the River City students: turn a group of non-musical people into a harmonious musical ensemble. "The Music Man" isn't just a classic -- it's a PERFECT show. And, like all great musicals, it has moments that are as deeply moving, affecting, and just plain TRUE, as any in the greatest drama. When his seeming fraudulence has been exposed, and Winthrop asks him, "Professor, why did you say that you'd start a band?", Harold gets thoughtful, and then replies quietly "Kid, for me, there's always a band." A life is in that line.

[@robertwheeler4068]

I was 8 years old, and saw this great musical with my family, 2 weeks in a row! This "Barbershop" style of harmonized singing truly knocked my socks off! I had never heard anything like this before, and became completely immersed in the sound!!🎵🎶☺❤

[@loge10]

I've been a fan of this movie for 50 years (I'm 68) but I don't think I've ever caught that until now. His ability to see the capability of those four and then show them how to do it shows that he has an innate musicality and can guide others to express their own.

[@alanlefkowitz7423]

There's always a band. Singing is sustained talking.

[@sherisouth5963]

"For me, there's always a band." That's why he's so good at selling the townspeople on the band. Because he's sold himself on it first.

[@charliejdk]

This is my favorite musical. My parents divorced when I was little & I didn’t see my Dad for 20 years. I knew he was from the Quad Cities & an Iowa man. I always loved this entire musical; somehow as a boy I internalized the romance of it all. I met him again 37 years ago & have been blessed with a father & siblings. For him & me, there’s always a band.

[@harryjamieson]

Tenor 1 deserves a raise. He was working overtime.

[@juco13]

The Buffalo Bills were just amazing--so wonderful to hear their impeccable harmonies. I was enthralled with them....may they live forever on youtube!

[@johnbockelie3899]

They soon found.a job singing as an 1890"s barber shop quartet.,

[@poetcomic1]

@@johnbockelie3899 They WERE a famous quartet from Buffalo NY

[@heatherkelly2580]

The greatest musical film ever made

[@suekrusejones4277]

My Dad was a good friend of these guys & sang with them from time to time. I grew up on this music, was a tenor by the time I was 4 - I'll always love this music!

[@tyrssen1]

I'm a rocker from the 60's -- but I'll never forget the first time I saw this movie. The Buffalo Bills really stole the show, with their magnificent vocals!

[@SkullCrusher757]

ive seen bits and pieces of this and im from the 2000s

[@tyrssen1]

I'm back again in 2021, and am always stunningly impressed with these guys.

[@MelissaCouch]

One of the best musicals I've ever seen. I watched this on constant repeat when I was a little girl, and I still love it!!

[@LexHeroux]

I did, too!!! Nice to meet someone who did the same thing!

[@ianboard544]

I'm not a fan of musicals, in general, but this one I really like. You can tell Meredith Wilson drew on a lot of personal experiences when he wrote it. Gently poking fun at characters (like the mayor), nothing edgy and always with love and affection. It's a vision of the best of America - small town in the midwest, ca 1910 with summer band concerts in the park, ice cream socials, barbershop quartets. A place where we all knew our neighbors and their foibles, and managed to get along.

[@ericpalacios920]

each of their voices is so distinct, it makes the harmonies so much better ironically enough

[@SirWinstonBeech]

High tenor Vern Reed completely steals this scene. There are plenty of people who can sing that high, but his voice is completely unique and this song showcases it like no other. I've got several Buffalo Bills albums - and you still don't get to hear him like you do in this clip. Makes the hair stand up on your neck. I suppose someone who is studied in voice could explain why Vern/Jacey's voice stands out. No autotune here. I love every minute of this movie, but the moment Harold turns the school board in his favor is just jaw dropping. Don't forget to check out "Rock Island", the first "rap" ever recorded.

[@Megatwilightwarrior]

Winston Beech The most beautiful thing about singing is that the human voice can be so unique...everyone sounds different when talking, if you keep it all natural, you will sound original. No trying to copy or toying or enhance, just you

[@smlx4]

Vern Reed is my dad and he would have turned 100 TODAY!!

[@charliesinatra1079]

@@smlx4 he and the " bills"were terrific!!!!!! loved em

[@mikephoenix1992]

@@smlx4 Love it! Have you seen this clip of your dad? Looks like he was really enjoying himself... :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4q7koqiZ8x0gdU

[@gregstickler3798]

And he never moves into head voice all in his diaphragm And your correct his voice isn’t very high for a tenor but his ability to blend that sound with the others is the art not every singer can do There are a couple of points where he does a move and so stands out but in general I don’t see him standing out over the others Love this movie

[@TomBarrister]

From left to right at 2:45, tenor Vern Reed, lead Al Shea, baritone Scotty Ward, and bass Bill Spangenberg. The Bills also performed the Broadway run of this musical from 1957 to 1961.

[@earlefrost5512]

This wonderful movie was my introduction to Barbershop harmonies... it was INSTANT love at first sound wave, lol!! I was in the Halifax, Nova Scotia chapter for only 7 years, but they were some of the very best times of my entire life so far. The Buffalo Bills were the PERFECT quartet for the job, and Robert Preston was PURE GENIUS. They truly don't make musicals like this anymore.

[@rmbjr60]

I wonder were there any Marchands there chirping away during practices?

[@allenjones3130]

Great barbershop harmonizing by the Buffalo Bills!

[@HolyMotherofGrid]

One of the BEST musicals of all time - and these gentlemen were a huge part of that!!! I think they were the reason i got into Barbershopping at the age of 16 - simply inspirational!!

[@MyDesertMyDune]

"Your apprehensions confuse me dear" Professor Hill was so smooth lmao

[@Femsa2012]

When the show was slated for Broadway the producers went out and got the Buffalo Bills who were national barbershop champions. They could teach them to act later, they could already do all the quartet numbers

[@DavidVT23]

Meredith Wilson was already a fan of theirs.

[@roberthaworth8991]

Acting is just sustained not-singing.

[@awesomeangelala]

Man, that tenor at 2:22! Just AMAZING! We watched this in school today, and all of my favourite parts were whenever these guys came in, just singing away. The harmony between them is absolutely gorgeous.

[@benfrodyma6091]

They made that movie. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any other movie that has given me goosebumps...pure talent and perfection

[@jrc99us]

Their finale still gives me goosebumps, they were that good!

[@curtcloud8741]

The first tenor is unreal

[@williamstenberg1590]

Vern Reed.

[@thehair1474]

Hands down, the Buffalo Bills were the greatest barbershop quartet EVER.

[@Elavator66]

ABSOLUTELY.

[@thehair1474]

@@Elavator66they were very funny, too. Good actors.

[@bwlove25]

"MMMMMMMMAKE him put up a bond!" haha

[@ExtremeUnction1988]

HAHAHHAHAHA so good

[@MarcKoenig]

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAYKE HIM

[@geomcgonigle]

P

[@geomcgonigle]

Oops no

[@DavidCarlson-l3j]

@@bwlove25 $2500!

[@shannon3714]

:55 idk why but the way he says "what am i hearing?!" cracks me up

[@dr_robrt6454]

... It's great to hear the flawless harmonies but I was in love with Shirley Jones!

[@flyingmerkel6]

One of the last and best big musicals.

[@jc4388]

Can u believe Bob Preston was not even nominated for best actor?

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

+John Croyle And, he was just as good in drama! He starred on Broadway in the original production of "The Lion in Winter" (not Peter O'Toole!)

[@derricawright8810]

Ha ha ha

[@tessieoshea6904]

I miss the musicals. You always cane out of the theatre with a happy feeling!

[@werksdesign]

If there was a Grand Finale of musicals, this was certainly the one. I was ten years old when it came to the theaters...... still watch it today.

[@jessicaspading6712]

I especially love watching professor hills face at 2:24 with the high tenor.Love watching this group in this amazing musical gem.Such a favorite movie that’s been part of my whole life.No remake can top this masterpiece.🥰💕❤️

[@bigeasy1950]

Haven't heard this in 18 years. This is the kind of stuff that made me into the musical minded person I am today. So good to hear it

[@patburneson7848]

A fantastic movie with fantastically talented artists.

[@tomjones2348]

Superb casting of every part.

[@BigLou5959]

After watching this clip, I am going to rewatch the movie.

[@pghtile8069]

Absolutely awesome! I suspect the football team has been trying and failing to live up to the name of this group. Holy Crap!!!! Those gentlemen were born to sing!!!

[@Rainmaker65]

I can't tell how many times I've been back here to listed to this one song...always fawning over their mix and singing. OFTEN IMITATED - NEVER DUPLICATED.

[@rickchapman4240]

I love Barbershop, it's so much fun, I was bass in a mixed quartet in Montrose, Colorado

[@rosebyanyname]

2:22 “Now you're just showing off!”

[@mariannesouza8326]

Rose Weldon 😂🎶

[@ZeskoWhirligan]

The movie was FAR better than the Broadway presentation. Even Robert Preston said so.

[@oleflogger6828]

I disagree completely. The Broadway production concentrated on the music, NOT fancy uniforms, marches, and glitter. I'll never forget that show. It was the first time I saw and heard ANYTHING on Broadway. WOW!

[@tintinsnowyful]

They're both good. Just different. I was 10 years old when I saw Robert Preston do this on Broadway. His performance was so remarkable that I still have strong images of him bouncing around the stage like a Mexican jumping bean. I have never seen anyone give that much energy to a performance. Decades later I was fortunate to perform in an orchestra with Barbara Cook who was also in the production I saw. I was able to talk with her briefly about the strong effect she and Robert had on my desire to enter the world of music performance.

[@skelemberry3810]

I do prefer the movie but I must say the Broadway production's still pretty good

[@kade82]

I've never seen a stage production of THE MUSIC MAN, but I imagine Preston's preference for the movie may be because his dancing would have likely been more restrained on a theatrical stage versus that of a Hollywood soundstage. He seemed to be all over the place in the movie; I'm not sure that would have been possible in the same way on Broadway. I wish Broadway productions had been filmed for posterity. There are so many classic shows I'd enjoy seeing -- musicals and plays.

[@tyrssen1]

My late mom was a "musical nut," so of course we had the LP record of the Broadway production. That, and the movie, were both great.

[@johnprovince5304]

The best American musical ever done, bar none!

[@qtippjohnson1]

Holy crap the face the guy makes when he get the Tenor 1 to slur up so that he is in tune is HILARIOUS. 3:03.

[@RToni]

simply: GREAT ENTERTAINMENT = HARD WORK

[@thesnakeman8006]

3:31. The movie could have ended right here. Fireworks going off, fade to black, "the end", roll credits. LMFAO

[@Elavator66]

The Buffalo Bills are STUUUPENDOUS!

[@steveperry1344]

my mom used to blast this and other musicals and records on her record player in the morning when we were getting ready for school to get us going. we would all sing and march around the house, it was kinda fun.

[@rgfisher21]

I sang on stage with them in Burlington, Vermont in (I believe) 1962. I was only twelve at the time, but my Father was such a obsessive barbershopper that we practically lived it. They were, at the time the quartet that everyone wanted to be. After they broke up Vern Green bought a shop in Burlington. He had a booth at the Fair and I would talk for as long has he let me about the days of Music Man. He passed away in Vermont of complications of Alzheimers.

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

Reed. Yes, I've seen a note from his daughter somewhere about his passing and suffering from Alzheimers. Looking forward to angelic chord busting when I do!

[@rgfisher21]

@@richardbrucegraham1642 Reed is correct... I do not know how that got to be Green on my post. He was 74 when he passed. My wife worked at the Alzheimer facility were he spent his last days. She told me that he had no clear memory of those glory days but, he did tend to occasionally head for the door to meet the boys for rehearsal. It's so sad, I think that is the worse illness ever. You lose all your past, good memories and bad. When I first started singing with the barbershopper's my voice hadn't changed yet, so I strived to be a tenor like him. As nature would have it, shortly after my voice changed from tenor to baritone.

[@ikmarchini]

this for me is one of the great scenes of all musical theater- opera included. We cross the line from spoken and earthbound to singing and dreaming in an instant. Would that our world was more like this. Not to mention my Dad, a fanatic Barbershopper, had me singing this number when I was 8 years old on various parts. Magic!

[@geraldthebusdriver3491]

I don't know what it is about those Barbershop Quartets, but they give off such soothing calming and at home vibe.

[@williamjones7163]

I was in the Music Man presented by Billings Studio Theater in Billings Montana in the late '70s. (A few years ago...) the barber shop quartet was good but nearly as good as these guys. What do you talk? What do ya talk? What dya talk? He doesn't know the territory!

[@VAXHeadroom]

We did this my sophomore year in HS - 1977 (Catonsville MD). The quartet was played by 4 'gentlemen of color' to use the current phrase. They used to climb up into the auditorium catwalks and practice. They were terrific, I hope they're all still singing!

[@winstonbeech3418]

In my high school four guys just happened to get together as a barbershop quartet. They were actually quite good. My school was full of talented musicians but most went on to become lawyers, doctors, business owners, scientists... a few had long professional musical careers. Don’t know what became of the barbershop guys. Tom, Steve, Alonzo, and Bob. They were really pretty damn good.

[@liberte5847]

Amazing voices ever in stereophonic soundtrack, TechniColor and CinemaScope widescreen ! Thanks from Paris France and take care.

[@heatherkelly2580]

ROBERT PRESTON in "THE MUSIC MAN" (1962)

[@miffy1950]

What a joy to watch!!! Great singing!!

[@ianboard544]

For my money, the best musical movie. So many great tunes.

[@mattpolka8406]

I played Harold Hill in high school and truly loved the part, but often I would sing with the quartet for fun. Went on to form a quartet in high school and then to compete later in life. Best times being in a quartet!

[@janetgates3957]

I miss when my dad used to sing the baritone part. It always made me giggle. ❤

[@johnakaoldguy3158]

My all time favorite musical. Robert Preston was amazing. I am looking forward to Hugh Jackman to playing Howard Hill. Another amazing talent. 👏👏

[@peteratkinson922]

I sang barbershop for about a year. Tuning ok but struggled with the words and presentation. The enthusiasm and dedication is truly awesome.

[@charbora]

I interviewed Vern in 1985 - this introduction of the school board by Preston was finalized in the Broadway show only a week before the Buffalo Bills left the show and went to the west coast to be in the movie.

[@billlhommedieu8597]

Loved this movie since it premiered in 1962! I'm an eastcoast boy with my mother's family from my own River City, ( Maquoketa) Iowa. What a treasure Meredith Wilson's movie is!

[@tictac4949]

brings a tear to my eye no joke

[@greasy_night_rat9102]

I've rewatched this video many times but am only just Now making this (what was most likely not intended) connect. 3:15 I understand the song's original context, but I like to think that this specific line in the song is making note of the quartet's bond. Love doesn't always have to be romantic mind you, love can be platonic. In this case, love would be the Buffalo Bills's shared joy in singing and just being together. :)

[@thefabulousthomasj]

Personal Opinion: "The Music Man" is the best film adaptation of a Broadway musical, period. "1776" is a very tight second. You "West Side Story" and "Rent" fans, keep scrolling.

[@staffsaber534]

Oh, man. We did this musical when I was in high school. I played Ewart (the guy in the light grey jacket).

[@bobbydavis888]

Greatest Musical...Dick Grapes's Birthday would've been today! Original Buffalo Bill!

[@iowanwendigo746]

i was asked to play jacey squires by my chior director for this year's production of the music man. i wanted to audition, but i wasn't able to. i am honored to be working on such a great show...

[@joker321boom]

I love this genre of music

[@detsportsfan18]

One of the best groups of all time, love them!

[@ripjaw105]

When the 4th guy can't get the pitch and the third guy keeps pointing down XD. Best part of the whole movie. Love this scene.

[@HegemonWiggi]

+Ripjaw105 on the contrary, that's a very common Barbershop trick and 101% on pitch, but still definitely the best part of the movie

[@soakupthesunman]

Barbershop quartet is: Bass, Baritone, Lead Tenor, and First Tenor (preferably sharp.). He is not off pitch here. A sharp Tenor is highly thought of. I'm sure BBSQ members & fans appreciate this scene very much.

[@JPurvis10]

Its was more about resolving the chord. Another great chord to listen to is the last chord from "Notre Dame Melody by Ring Masters". The tenor is a full step down until he resolves up to complete the final chord.

[@VicWeil]

I was a member of the Thoroughbred Chorus and had the privilege to sing with several of the top quartets.

[@BluStile3]

Thank you for posting this lost treasure. I directed the show in LA in the 80s with a wonderful cast and quartet... But these guys were the finest

[@michaelfernandez5900]

Gets me everytime...

[@bassetthound1234]

Ice Cream does make the world go around

[@louislightstar7774]

Amen brother

[@HelenWietlisbach]

The Music Man Some of the best music ever put on film.

[@SFKelvin]

So unbelievably good. I LOVE male singing. Beautiful. BRAVO!!!!

[@eurodoc6343]

I just love that every time they try to corner Harold Hill, he escapes by getting them to start singing.

[@georgesoros6415]

This scene made for many a divorce, I'm afraid. God bless the Buffalo Bills.

[@JeevesReturns]

There’s a barbershop group here at Disney World in Orlando(the Dapper Dans)... one day I’m gonna walk up to them and croon “how can there be... 🎵 “ and see if the catch on. 😊.

[@thesnakeman8006]

Make sure you film the reaction, ok? LOL

[@Elavator66]

Did you end up doing it?

[@daviesgarden]

I think the message here is that music calms the savage beast...or beasts. Music is something that digs down into our innermost being. Music unites. Thank the dieties for music. Music, harmony, art, evalates us into a space where we can unite with the beauty of it...that's why I love music. that's why I love art. They lift us up, out of the douldrum of our everyday existance into another realm. Please excuse the spelling...artists are not very good spellers.....

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

"...music is a a ladder for the soul to ascend..." I know I've read that somewhere...

[@syeofficial2351]

The Tenor's modal voice is so damn different than his singing voice. Falsetto makes a difference when you're so gifted! I wish to be a Tenor in a quartet. By the way, in case you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the part when he says "Just a minute, Professor Hill..."

[@richardgrant1093]

Pure talent..love it

[@xebatansis]

Damn, the second Buffalo from the right is a stud!

[@Chequers99]

+Sebastian Brinkmann This comment made my day, lol.

[@hackgilliam7744]

Sebastian Brinkmann

[@amandagiordano982]

Sebastian Brinkmann His name is Oliver

[@dmbirkeland]

If you are refering to the lead, he is Al Shea. The others are Vern Reed, Scotty Ward filling in for Dick Grapes, and Bill Spangenberg. The Buffalo Bills were the 1950 International Quartet Champions of the SPEBSQSA.

[@krimsworld]

I think you're referring to the baritone, Wayne "Scotty" Ward.

[@libbysingscontrezzo8419]

The baritone is smoking. I sang barbershop for many years. Great fun, and you really learn how to sing in tune and stay on pitch.

[@charliejdk]

Year I was born; played numbers in band; soundtrack never stops in my mind, or heart.

[@johnireland6301]

Just wonderful

[@nahkohese555]

We did this musical in high school and the 4 guys cast in these parts had never sung together like this. They, like their characters, really did form a barbershop quartet and went off to college together, still competing in barbersop quartet competitions.

[@jauch0]

Back in their time these guys were big stars. Can you imagine a barbershop quartet getting any kind of following today?

[@guiguifaitlcon2598]

Newfangled four ?

[@wolfman1000000]

I cant stop laughing at that lady giggling. Sounds like she hit the fattest joint.

[@ErinLovegood]

I am in love with the Buffalo Bills and always have been

[@shevetlevi2821]

Such a happy old timin' sound.

[@VorpalSnickerSnack]

Use to watch the hell out of this on my PS2

[@jimi99colorado]

I love posting this clip on FB on 4th of July

[@kurtreber9813]

Nice loud and clear. All the others are only about 60-80% this loud. Good harmonizing music demands volume!

[@CodaMission]

In his effort to conning people into thinking he could improve their lives, he accidentally realized he could just improve people's lives

[@MikeBlitzMag]

For my money, the greatest film of the 20th century. Love it!

[@malcolmdale]

I loved this movie :]

[@orangeblossoms88]

Forget Marian or Harold... The Buffalo Bills are the stars of this play.

[@MrVanAnderson]

You see? Singing is just sustained talking.

[@oleflogger6828]

Yeah! ...... "DOWN HERE"!

[@brendapetersen364]

Love these guys!

[@elithecartoonrailfannerdude17]

The bass singing sounds amazing in this part

[@CreamyBone]

These dudes kick butt.

[@funtimenotalongtime6122]

that high tenor from 2:16 to 2:27 LMFAO!!!!!!!! so good😂😂😂😂😂

[@dennisvance4004]

Learning to sing barbershop quartet: _it’s just that easy._