I received this email from Bill Rohlin (a 40-year member of the Society) the other day which he's given me permission to share here on the blog:
I'd like to see some songs in the BBS style from the top 100 hits from the years when our target demographic was in its teens. We need simple arrangements. If the tune could be contestable it needs to be clearly stated that the easy-to-learn version is not. If choruses and quartets could learn some of these songs they might generate interest in the 35 - 50 age group. Simple arrangements with gangbuster tags of songs from 1975 into the early 90's would be my suggestion. Surely there must be some songs from that time period that were not rap or heavy metal, some that can fit in. Just my thought. Sing-cerely, Bill
We've seen many arrangers select pieces from the era of music and many of those songs have worked quite well for barbershop groups. Many are not contestable but certainly make for good show material. The Society has also published several titles from this era. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "God Bless the USA," and "You Raise Me Up" come to mind.
So what do you think about this idea?
AND MORE IMPORTANLY...what are some songs from this time period you think would fit the bill?