<P> Historical memoirs and journalism indicate a strong tradition of quartet singing among young African American men , gathering informally to `` crack up a chord '' . This was acknowledged as early as 1882 , when a New York Age writer traced the development of singing as a home - grown amusement , arising from the exclusion of Blacks from theaters and concert halls . </P>
<P> Historical memoirs and journalism indicate a strong tradition of quartet singing among young African American men , gathering informally to `` crack up a chord '' . This was acknowledged as early as 1882 , when a New York Age writer traced the development of singing as a home - grown amusement , arising from the exclusion of Blacks from theaters and concert halls . </P>
where did the term barbershop quartet come from
where did the term barbershop quartet come from
1882
1882