Crossroads - Lucky Old Sun

Crossroads
crossroadsquartet.com/
/ crossroads-quartet-182...
Lucky Old Sun, arr. David Wright
2009 Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention
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[@jwalterharris]

I was there for this performance. It wasn't even the finals and it made barbershop history. It was a completely captivating performance. Words can't describe the way it made the audience feel.

[@kappakumplete]

What a treat that must have been. How long would you say the applause lasted?

[@danabrennan628]

I am so envious. I have watched this video no less than 30 times over the years, and I am blown away every time. Just re-visited it again today and saw your post. There's just something about them and their incredible meld that keeps me coming back.

[@MisterBhodisattva]

there is one word: Goosebumps!

[@TimH-pu2dd]

​@@danabrennan628Same with me. I watch it several times each year. Such perfection all the way through, even in the beautiful, poignant songwriting.

[@michaelact]

Almost ten years later, and this is still my benchmark for all barbershop performances. At least a couple hundred of those views are mine.

[@gregwiddicombe7036]

Add a hundred from me 🙄

[@coxeno7662]

I don’t wanna be that guy but that‘s not how views on KZbin work. It’s one view per device. Only mention this, cause that means it’s even more impressive and every view is a different person who found this.

[@babyonabilify]

It's between this performance and Revival "Wedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine) (1998 International)" both are performances with a distinct soulful melancholy, almost tear-jerking bravado that every barbershop song should have if it should be considered the greatest of all time. Parodies and Funny skits and Pop songs ...sorry guys.

[@eboone]

@@coxeno7662 That’s just incorrect

[@Holyshmoe1]

Don't miss bells of note dame by ringmasters. You can thank me later

[@nadivkaspi6211]

This is the highest scoring song in Barbershop as of now. I only checked as far back as 2003, since 2000-2002 I cant seem to find the scores, and before that the scoring system was different. 486 in Music (Currently the highest Music score achieved even up to now), 473 in Presentation, and a 478 in Singing (Also currently the highest Singing score achieved even up until now). Total score of 1437, or a 95.8%. Those records have still held true for an entire decade. What a phenomenal performance.

[@michaelact]

Thank you for doing this! It's nice to get some external validation on what I have been telling folks for many years is my all-time favorite barbershop performance.

[@connerrock1164]

Nadiv Kaspi I think you may be wrong I just looked back on the international society scores page and did some calculations and I think I may be tied for best with “cuddle up a little closer” by platinum in 2000. I think it was because I saw that they these guys got penalized on the performance catagory for this song. Do you know why they may have gotten a penalty here

[@trips644]

​@@connerrock1164 I believe (and I very well may be wrong) it was due to the religious nature of the song. From the contest judging handbook: "A song performed in contest must be neither primarily patriotic nor primarily religious in intent. Violation of the provision relating to patriotic or religious intent will result in penalties up to and including forfeiture by the Performance judges(s) only."

[@Cam-kv4kv]

@@trips644 You are correct. Had they not been penalized for that, this would be the highest scoring performance in BHS history. Regardless of this fact, this performance is still widely agreed to be the most moving demonstration ever.

[@connerrock1164]

@cam that I can agree too Still one of the best

[@kenslinde1252]

Sitting about 10 rows back you could literally feel the energy in the building wanting to stand before they finished. Awesome!

[@MrSaherman]

I was in the 11th row, blown away, and after 67 years in BHS/BSQ I think that is the best I have ever heard.

[@DKTHOMP93]

RRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL around Heaven all day.

[@daveflynn4760]

I wish I was a bass.

[@Barbakoa]

Dave Flynn you really do lol

[@fredz8]

Jim Henry's high F# in the Tag is said to be more Powerful than most thunderstorms... Just an epic Bass!

[@Lasse3]

I can't believe a bass equipped with such full-bodied low notes is capable of reaching that high.. Am sining 2nd Bass myself in a classical choir, i'm really starting to lose it around D4 - D#4..! What Jim did there in the Tag, was a true full voiced belted F#4, he didn't thin it out, not in the slightest, it's remarkable!

[@nadivkaspi6211]

@@Lasse3 Definitely a technically talented singer, and that last melodic line just seals the deal on an already awesome tag.

[@NAP4205]

It reminds me of Earl Hagn, the bass of the Side Street Ramblers on the tag to "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry"in 1983. They did a unison post on F#. Brian Beck held the post while Dennis Malone (bari) Keith Houts (tenor) and Earl peeled off. It was an incredible tag.

[@MrPennstate2014]

I stumbled across the video of this performance years and years ago. I re-visit and re-discover it a few times each year. You will never be able to convince me that anyone, anywhere, has given a better vocal performace. Ever. I am not a singer. But I cannot find fault with this. Without exaggeration or hyperbole, I believe this is as close to perfect as perfect gets. Absolutely, positively flawless. A stunning and riveting performace.

[@IonBeamXXIV]

so agreed, this is magic

[@llYossarian]

_Maybe_ Freddie Mercury at Live Aid bet even then...

[@vocalman81]

The greatest single quartet performance I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in person.

[@erenjaegerbomb8653]

Makes sense, as this might be the greatest single quartet vocal performance ever

[@jayliminator]

this song was the highest scoring song in barbershop history. (72 years of competition)

[@sylinmino]

Jim Henry...hot damn. This doesn't discount how damn good the other members are. Brandon Guyton's blend is so good you could never pick him out. Fred Farrell's is still going strong as a tenor after all these years, *and* seems to be in his prime. And Mike Slamka might be the best lead in the current AIC. This level of excellence is why they won.

[@daviddotorg]

i personally like kyle kitzmiller more than Jim Henry

[@NessBlock]

@@daviddotorg Kyle Kitzmiller's voice is the sexiest of all basses, that's about it I'd say. That's why he gets some small solos in some of their songs

[@Bjaardker]

They caught lightning in a jar with this performance. I still can't believe how amazing this is. I think I'll have to watch it 20 or 30 more times. :D

[@rattshaman]

You know what I like best about Crossroads? Read their bio online. They could use the words "Gold Medalist" about a million times, but they use it -- once. They are really about God and family and good harmony and humility. Practically exploding with talent, and just...really...amazing people.

[@jnorem4]

Here now that the record has finally been broken by Midtown with a 97.0. This is still such an incredible performance.

[@francesbay8233]

I do believe the good Lord Himself gave a standing ovation for this one!

[@noahwynn3706]

That post is literally perfect he did not waiver the note stayed constant what an absolutely amazing performance

[@joyfulyes]

yeah, that guy's not fat, his gigantic lungs take up all that room 🤣

[@arrrland]

Anyone else get chills when they hear this?

[@ingerevans]

I've been coming back to this stunning performance for more than ten years now, and I never, never get tired of it. It still gives me goose bumps and brings tears to my eyes. Sheer, absolute perfection.

[@Flipperwi715]

I don't know how I ran into this but I was just cheering and crying in my chair.... so amazing.

[@lentoperoavanzo4007]

I swear to god, listening to this song is a spiritual experience for me. When they hit that high-octave harmony at the end ("all day") my eyes roll back in my head and I ascend to the astral plane.

[@iidarkscullii7054]

Just to point out. That high harmony they do at the end is called a "tag" just to point that out 👌

[@nessalight8681]

You're not alone - so awesome 🙌

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@Dark skull .........shhhhhhhhhh

[@datutturugang666]

the g4 is something ethereal

[@MisterBhodisattva]

😂

[@gedinite69]

For me the greatest competition performance ever.

[@Stlmetsfan55]

Yep

[@lowbaritonewwj]

And I was there... the only International I've ever been to.

[@michaelact]

Absolutely!

[@jwalterharris]

@@lowbaritonewwj same. I can't believe I got to see this in person

[@davethe10r]

This is why we have contests. The level of performance here is so magical, it transcends scores and rules and just about everything. I was there to hear it live, and enjoyed reliving the thrill. Jim makes EVERY man want to sing bass.

[@roddeyfrost5816]

I was clapping after this... at my computer desk.

[@bruceanderson4112]

Tears in my eyes. That finish always gives me chills. As the man said "That's how it's done" same league as some of the all time great quartets like the Buffalo Bills

[@farfignewton3772]

I've watched this video at least a dozen times a year for the past 10 years. Instant tears and spiritual upliftment every time. What a gift music is!

[@donsonbr]

Me too brother

[@onlyme112]

I've watched this about ten times so far. I say "watched" because I can't just play it in the background and listen to it while doing something else. It demands my attention. It takes me to another plane.

[@joannedorger5519]

My mother was a friend of Haven gillispie, and that was her favorite song. At a local bar in Covington Ky he called to mom. Wilma come here and let me play a new song I got going. she sat at the piano with him, and this is what he sang for her. Right now thru the misty eyes and lumpy throat, I am awestruck by this rendition. Thank you Crossroads.

[@doggushead3825]

Three years on from when I first listened to this, and it's still one of the best vocal performances I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. I could listen to this every day and never get sick of it.

[@michaelact]

I'm sure I've listened to this over 100 times, and I still tear up watching it.

[@thommydb]

Same... I use this video as an education tool for my vocal students who think Barbershop is just the ol' timey stuff of "Hello, My Baby" or "Good Night Ladies".... they are always amazed!

[@nicholastragis2023]

I literally get chills every time I listen to this!

[@agenormasterquest3145]

mee too

[@rcb3921]

I keep coming back for those chills, bro. again and again.

[@swfcjoe887]

Literally the best live singing I've ever seen.

[@kevinsprinkel4911]

I've been singing barbershop since I was 13, and had the rare gift of singing with Jim Henry as a teenager and tenor Fred Farrell in the 80's; I'll never forget any of those experiences. I've heard some great quartets over the years--the Sundowners (my first love), the SunTones, Boston Common, and many others. But never have I been so moved by the combination of exquisite musicianship and combined depth of feeling as in this performance. It's more inspiring and spine-tingling each time.

[@merlebanek1636]

P

[@Themheals]

The power of humanity can be heard in this song.

[@saildapper2001]

Thank heavens I live at a time when these wonderful videos exist to preserve and share this unbelievably great music!

[@jameschurch2441]

those last chords send shivers down my spine, incredible singing

[@JulienNeel]

Absolutely gorgeous! That bass has a fantastic tone, especially in the high register. His tone is deep and brilliant, he covers the others so easily.

[@ericstoverink6579]

Are you going to cover this song on your channel?

[@JulienNeel]

@@ericstoverink6579 I don't have their vocal range. I wish. :)

[@hustonnagy3332]

Just like Gary Lewis.

[@Fox1nDen]

This group is the best of the best, always perfect pitch, every note exact, and the feeling always authentic. These are gold medal winners singing together and you can tell. We see them at the Wharton Center once a year for the Capitol Chordsmen show and I can't get enough. I'm listening now and the room is ringing with that perfect harmony. I think they call that overtones, phenomenal to achieve that from a video--that-s how true these notes are. I agree this is the single best arrangement I have ever heard for this song. Most people would love barbershop if they knew about it. Props to everyone who sings barbershop. Speaking of props, this group does a version of Wim-ah-weh (the Lion Sleeps Tonight) with hand puppets. Not to be missed.

[@joeplavin]

One of the best posts I've ever heard

[@DanielLeoSimpson]

Wow.... they've earned it... "Crossroads "superquartet" ... former BHS International Gold medalists in their own right, tenor Fred Farrell, lead Mike Slamka, bass Jim Henry and baritone Brandon Guyton. Henry won Gold in 1993 as a founding member and arranger of the legendary Gas House Gang, and is currently musical and artistic director of the 160-voice Ambassadors of Harmony. Guyton pocketed Gold in 2002 with Four Voices, Slamka sang his way to Gold with 2003 champs Power Play, and Farrell wore Gold with 1989 Quartet champs Second Edition. Crossroads struck Gold again in Anaheim, CA in 2009!"

[@Griffithpilot]

Don't know how to properly pay tribute to these fellas. I sing bass with Onllwyn Male Voice Choir in South Wales & found them on utube a few yrs ago. Jim Henry is my absolute inspiration with regards singing bass & always try to get as much practice as I can to emulate that sound....... Jim's vocal tract must be super human but would love to get some tips on exercises to develop that area of my voice ....

[@dangunsberg2995]

Definitely one of the top 3 best barbershop performances on youtube.

[@tshddx]

What are your other favorites? I thought I had watched everything but I just found this one!

[@vibeguy_]

i know the one i can't get enough of is the "Tennessee Waltz" sung by Masterpiece this easily takes 2nd and 3rd is 2014's Musical Island Boys with the beautiful "Now is the Hour"

[@kimbettendorf3937]

+Brett Laramee That afterglow performance of Instant Classic singing How Could I Ever Know gets me every time.

[@henrymontgomery5196]

Thomas Shaddox how about Realtimes Yesterday I Heard the rain?

[@tonymason6637]

@Captain Falcon Same bass for GHG and Crossroads. Jim Henry has been a stud that long.

[@Clarkster55]

Not since the Boston Common have I heard a quartet with such a FULL sound. WOW! I can't quit hitting repeat. What a performance. Bravo!!!

[@bretjr]

Now that is 4 men "In the Zone" God Bless you all - - LOVE watching this video

[@samuellovell1789]

I first came across this video very early on - probably the first year it was uploaded, even. As a nerdy teenager interested in singing and barbershop music in particular, I watched it obsessively! I've just stumbled back on it as a 30-year old married man with kids going through the slog of career and life. It hits different.

[@rowandixon9108]

One, if not the best Barbershop song I've Ever heard. Always brings tears to my eyes. Please come to London to show how soul cleansing thus music is.

[@NikoPorter]

This video is just timeless, man… beyond the ridiculously precise and resonant chords, this performance just hits you right in the feels. And Mike… a CLINIC on how to give your heart and soul on stage.

[@tapnager]

Nine months and hundreds of viewings later, this song still brings tears of joy. Absolutely incredible.

[@barbarabourbonnais4891]

First came the goosebumps, then the happy tears as I remembered how many hundreds of times I heard this song played in my dad's car. The Buffalo Bills were always his fave quartet, until Crossroads came along. Simply wonderful!

[@sgtsonny]

hahaha I know exactly what you mean!! I have seen this video over 50 times and I catch myself smiling in at my computer every single time, because it is so unbelievably wonderful!!

[@larkin2404]

That has to be the best tag ever created. There is no competition for that tag at all, it has everything, control, emotion & feeling, and a message, also it has the winning ingredient.... some talented mother fluffer who can write such an amazing tag.

[@mcdoucherson]

Some things make the world easier to deal with. Listening to these gentlemen is one of those things

[@josephtattum6365]

Bro I must have watched this 50 times. This is the best vocal performance I have ever seen. It is just so perfect. They have such a good blend it is at times difficult to pick out who is singing which part, especially between the lead and baritone. When they go to the super high stuff at the end, MOST quartets have at least a small but of wavering but they just nail it chord after chord after chord. This is what any quartet should aspire to sound like in terms of pure skill. BUT even beyond that they do what no one ever talks about which is they EMOTE the song. I really feel like the lead singer feels what he is singing. Masterful performance. I would have given hem first any other year as well.

[@Cam-kv4kv]

You should listen to the studio recorded version that they did! You can find it on KZbin or Spotify, and its just as amazing as their live performance. That way you can listen to them on the go.

[@josephtattum6365]

@@Cam-kv4kv Awesome! I really am getting into this style of singing. I aspire to start or join a quartet of my own and sing my heart out (baritone of course). Thanks for the tip I will have to go and find it.

[@henrymontgomery5196]

You voiced my thoughts perfectly. After all these years- the singing and emoting is still the best I’ve seen in any Barbershop performance.

[@SimasPrime]

Thank god I'm not the only one who gets chills while listening to amazingly good music.

[@jezebel324]

WOW. Just WOW The finish actually made me get up and scream for my mother to come see.

[@AGoodVibe]

Just wow. This is absolutely stunning.

[@jmaxton]

Majestically powerful and moving! This is pure excellence at its finest and is the soul of barbershop. I could just listen to them all day.

[@nickj116]

That ovation was amazing. Just kept going.

[@DoktorAgan17]

My absolute favorite barbershop performance ever!

[@BenjaminBarlowbflb]

I can't stop listening to this piece!! Too amazing for words!!

[@johnbeard3733]

They knew they had just done something remarkable, and the crowd knew they had just witnessed something remarkable. Wow...

[@DanielSabzghabaei]

The best barbershp sound/performance I've ever heard. All the chords ring supremely and you can really feel the meaning of the text through their emotional perfomance. Each voice is amazing alone, but together, it's heavenly.

[@gokusgirl4ever]

This is my favorite song by them. The guys are really nice too. The lead, Michael Slamka, is my uncle. :D

[@MrFunkMD]

Lyrics: I'm tired and weary of pain So much woe, so far to go Forgive me if I complain... Up in morning Out on the job Work like the devil for my pay But that lucky old Sun He's got nothing to do But roll around Heaven all day Fuss with my woman Toil for my kids Sweat till I'm wrinkled and grey While that lucky old Sun Has nothing to do But roll around Heaven all day My soul is tired and my sad hearts aching The joy and hope all gone There's no relief For a back that's breaking Misery lingers on So many troubles Sorrow and pain Can't go on living this way While that lucky old Sun He got nothing to do But roll around Heaven day Wont you hear my plea good Lord Lord above cant you know I'm finding The tears all in my eyes Send down that cloud With a silver lining Lift me to paradise Show me that river Take me across Wash all my troubles away Like that lucky old Sun Give me nothing to do But roll around Heaven all day.

[@benson3955]

Roll around heaven, roll around heaven, roll around heaven all daaaaaaaaay.

[@mornaw]

If I could "Like" this 100 times I'd do it. Absolutely wonderful - brought tears to my eyes (even on the 6th listening in a row!)

[@stratoreverb]

fantastic singing gentlemen. This tune is such a anthem for the hard working family man, and your performance is so soulfull and emotional.

[@stratoreverb]

magnificent!

[@RonBand01]

They did win. This song was their semi-final and they won in the finals even with a penalty for this song. (It is an automatic penalty for a quartet to use songs with a religous meaning in their lyrics.) I have the DVD and also the Barbershop choruses from 2009 and I listen to them regularly.

[@kjsnyder100]

Unbelievably awesome....tightest harmony ever, with probably the greatest tag in barbershop history. Heaven!

[@DanielSabzghabaei]

The emotion in there for performance is what really pushed them over their competition to win this year. It's really just an outstanding performance.

[@DebraHammondpop2]

Made the hairs on my non-hairy arms STAND UP!!! EXCELLENT BOYS!! Great to hear you again Jim Henry!!!

[@bruceanderson4112]

One voice makes me want to sing, two voices makes me feel like a king, three voices things getting out of hand, four voices takes me to the promised land!!

[@piercewise1]

Agreed. The emotion in this song is so raw, yet beautiful. Jim's face in particular keeps shifting from pain to triumph.

[@fredmaney528]

Showing 999,594 views on this date in February 2023. Let's kick this over the top!

[@slick.deuceman01]

now it’s at 1,000,000

[@olaftheblack2012]

5:20 is the best part. The look on the Bass' face... It's just priceless. God, they did such an amazing job.

[@fernandorosas1257]

Nag his face on 3:49/thumbnail is better

[@msdwyer21889]

It was in the semifinals. You are correct, it was deducted points. What makes it even better is the fact that even with deductions, it was still the highest scoring song in the quartet contest, finals included, I do believe.

[@jhamilton421]

After nearly nine years, still the best, most exciting I've ever heard, and I grew up with Barbershop. It can still bring a tear.

[@paullyboy]

the INSTANT buzz on the "all DAY" echo at 1:54 is just freakin' SICK. It's SICK, I TELL YOU!

[@Wahl95]

You can see after they finished how emotionally invested they were in this song... so moving.

[@Wired4Reality]

That first harmony just melted me.

[@matthewhart8309]

I have this on repeat at 1 am. I don't know if I will ever get enough of this song. Bar. Ber. Shop.

[@premiumSwing]

The prettiest G major scale ever sung

[@Bjaardker]

The passing chords on "Lucky Old" at 4:37 are phenomenal.

[@MVArtDad]

Just can't get enough of this

[@post2jim]

When it dawned on me that this is the same guy from GHG, and the conductor of Ambassadors - I was blown away. A barbershop rockstar.

[@bmcfarland96]

That bass has a heck of a range!

[@wmhendobill]

168,696 views!! I am sure I have watched this video 1000 times and still love it!!

[@dkresheck]

What makes this grop so strong is the perfect tone, volume and balance, especially the bass.

[@Cubanuel]

Every good barbershop song is a musical puzzle for me : )

[@acarson123]

These guys are by far the best of the best. I have been an admirer of barbershop music and singing my whole life and have sung with many groups over the years. This group is truly the best Ive ever heard. Their sound is unique and their blend is second to none. OUTSTANDING!!!!!! GREAT JOB.......................Paul

[@maccampbell6032]

In my 64years this the best contest song I have heard. I think that audience would agree..Mac Campbell

[@brianrainer]

I don't know why but I cried while listening to this song. This is a first for me

[@mp187dn3000]

Gets better every time I watch

[@jordanrsanders1]

This is ridiculous. I found this video 2 days ago, and I've probably watched it 40 times. I can't stop.

[@mkippbuckner]

Flipping UNREAL.....what awesome singers!

[@gilgameshv9tv]

The guy on the left isn't fat, he just has to make room for his massive lungs.

[@bucketspree4952]

accurate

[@stanSOfresh]

Remember seeing this live like it was yesterday, goosebumps and tears every time.

[@jac5344]

With 27 years as a singer/musician, I would have to say this is the greatest display of pure talent, that I have ever witnessed. I purchased their CD and it is awesome. Can't wait until the next one comes out. This performance has raised the standard to a new level. Absolute perfection!

[@MrShaverShave]

I love the emotions that flowed through them while performing and especially after. Quite an amazing performance!

[@stephenholden7163]

An enduring object lesson in pretty much everything including the humility of accepting applause

[@qfc1313]

How on earth could 8 people not like that. That was amazing. Gave me goose bumps listing to that. Simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bethsnider9639]

Just love Mr. Henry's look and persona at the end of this...he is emotionally spent because he gave it all! Fantastically done!

[@jenniferchampagne7401]

I have watched this so many times. It never gets old. Goosebumps on my goosebumps!

[@fredmaney]

And this is still the standard.

[@merv1618]

They got my a** crying on a Tuesday