Difference between revisions of "Chord Busters"

Tulsa chapter members were also impressed by the new sound and many helped. They were encouraged by Cash, Granger, O.P. Erickson, Puny Blevens, Hank Wright, Bob Chase as well as the Barflies and even the Flat Foot Four.  

Tulsa chapter members were also impressed by the new sound and many helped. They were encouraged by Cash, Granger, O.P. Erickson, Puny Blevens, Hank Wright, Bob Chase as well as the Barflies and even the Flat Foot Four.  

At the time, most quartets didn't use ANY arrangements. They just sang it, feeling for each chord, not necessarily singing it the same way twice. These custom arrangements set the Chord Busters apart early.  

At the time, most quartets didn't use ANY arrangements. They just sang it, feeling for each chord, not necessarily singing it the same way twice. These custom arrangements set the Chord Busters apart early.  

Wade was also a "slave driver". The quartet credits his "driving" them to always work harder as a important fundamental of the quartet's accomplishments.  

Wade was also a "slave driver". The quartet credits his "driving" them to always work harder as a important fundamental of the quartet's accomplishments.  

The Chord Busters sang on Wade's weekly radio show in Okmulgee for 13 weeks promoting his piano course. They sang six numbers each week and went ten weeks without repeating a song. They were pressured to learn 'em fast. This discipline helped "tune" the quartet and also prepared them for future challenges.  

The Chord Busters sang on Wade's weekly radio show in Okmulgee for 13 weeks promoting his piano course. They sang six numbers each week and went ten weeks without repeating a song. They were pressured to learn 'em fast. This discipline helped "tune" the quartet and also prepared them for future challenges.  

Going to St Louis by train was an event. Everyone from Tulsa went and to say there was a party atmosphere would be an understatement. The press was also on hand. But the Chord Busters knew they had a job to do and were ready. Unlike today, there were five elimination rounds (of 10 quartets) with the top three quartets from each going on to the finals.

Going to St Louis by train was an event. Everyone from Tulsa went and to say there was a party atmosphere would be an understatement. The press was also on hand. But the Chord Busters knew they had a job to do and were ready. Unlike today, there were five elimination rounds (of 10 quartets) with the top three quartets from each going on to the finals.

The quartet chose their songs When Irish Eyes are Smiling and a medley of Garland of Old Fashion Roses/Dear Old Girl for the first round which they won. It was customary for the 15 quartets left for the finals to sing the same songs from their previous round. The Chord Busters repeated Irish Eyes but shocked the audience by singing a new song, when The Bees Are In The Hive/Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland medley.  

The quartet chose their songs When Irish Eyes are Smiling and a medley of Garland of Old Fashion Roses/Dear Old Girl for the first round which they won. It was customary for the 15 quartets left for the finals to sing the same songs from their previous round. The Chord Busters repeated Irish Eyes but shocked the audience by singing a new song, when The Bees Are In The Hive/Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland medley.  

There was talk that the judges (who were each scoring in all the categories) might disqualify them. Also they had followed the Kansas City Barberpole Cats who did a GREAT job. The Chord Busters saw their performance while waiting in the wings and went on NOT expecting to win. They were apparently more relaxed and might have even sung better.  

There was talk that the judges (who were each scoring in all the categories) might disqualify them. Also they had followed the Kansas City Barberpole Cats who did a GREAT job. The Chord Busters saw their performance while waiting in the wings and went on NOT expecting to win. They were apparently more relaxed and might have even sung better.  

The judges chose the Barflies for third, the Barberpole Cats for second and to the delight of the large Tulsa contingency, The Chord Busters as the new World's Champions. The train trip home was full of celebrities and singers. They were the very first quartet to win on its first attempt.  

The judges chose the Barflies for third, the Barberpole Cats for second and to the delight of the large Tulsa contingency, The Chord Busters as the new World's Champions. The train trip home was full of celebrities and singers. They were the very first quartet to win on its first attempt.  

They didn't clown or tell jokes. . . the quartet didn't have the talent for that. Their aim was to sing as well as they could. They really enjoyed their greatest compliment when, singing in a small room, those listening admitting they could tell who was singing what part. Their unique style was copied by most of the quartets that followed. . . everyone wanted to sing like the Chord Busters, but few could. They would go on to influence the style in which all future quartets would sing.  

They didn't clown or tell jokes. . . the quartet didn't have the talent for that. Their aim was to sing as well as they could. They really enjoyed their greatest compliment when, singing in a small room, those listening admitting they could tell who was singing what part. Their unique style was copied by most of the quartets that followed. . . everyone wanted to sing like the Chord Busters, but few could. They would go on to influence the style in which all future quartets would sing.  

They averaged approximately a show a week. It's also been said that if they ever turned down a "mashed potato and peas" freebie, they weren't aware of it. But they did have a fee. Locally, the Chord Busters sometimes charged between $35 to $50 (with $100 being the most ever). For out of town gigs, which were rare 'cause there weren't too many places to go and no way to get there, they waived their fee and got train fare, hotel, and some meals. Lem Childers was still very active with the quartet. He was, in fact, the fifth member. The guys took him to many of their bookings and even shared their quartet pay with him.  

They averaged approximately a show a week. It's also been said that if they ever turned down a "mashed potato and peas" freebie, they weren't aware of it. But they did have a fee. Locally, the Chord Busters sometimes charged between $35 to $50 (with $100 being the most ever). For out of town gigs, which were rare 'cause there weren't too many places to go and no way to get there, they waived their fee and got train fare, hotel, and some meals. Lem Childers was still very active with the quartet. He was, in fact, the fifth member. The guys took him to many of their bookings and even shared their quartet pay with him.  

One performance stands out. They dropped by a Tulsa hospital to sing for a friend. They soon found themselves entertaining the entire floor of patients and staff. The head nurse asked if they would consider singing for a special patient. They, of course, agreed and he was wheeled into the room. He was in an "extremely tense state". They proceeded to sing Kathleen and by the second verse they noticed he began to relax. So much so that when they had finished, he was slumped over in the chair, completely relaxed. The head nurse informed them that the patient had suffered an extreme nervous breakdown and had been in the hospital for over a week. They had been unable to break through the tension. He could now be treated successfully. This made a great impact on the quartet and helped put performing into a new perspective.  

One performance stands out. They dropped by a Tulsa hospital to sing for a friend. They soon found themselves entertaining the entire floor of patients and staff. The head nurse asked if they would consider singing for a special patient. They, of course, agreed and he was wheeled into the room. He was in an "extremely tense state". They proceeded to sing Kathleen and by the second verse they noticed he began to relax. So much so that when they had finished, he was slumped over in the chair, completely relaxed. The head nurse informed them that the patient had suffered an extreme nervous breakdown and had been in the hospital for over a week. They had been unable to break through the tension. He could now be treated successfully. This made a great impact on the quartet and helped put performing into a new perspective.  

The Chord Busters were asked to appear at the special dedication of the statue of Will Rogers at the Memorial near Claremore along with the Flat Foot Four and the Barflies, August 15, 1941. Less than a month later the Flat Foot Four's tenor, Johnny Whalen died, and the Chord Busters were honored to sing for their dear friend's Memorial Show in Oklahoma City. The show raised money to pay off the mortgage of the Whalen's home.  

The Chord Busters were asked to appear at the special dedication of the statue of Will Rogers at the Memorial near Claremore along with the Flat Foot Four and the Barflies, August 15, 1941. Less than a month later the Flat Foot Four's tenor, Johnny Whalen died, and the Chord Busters were honored to sing for their dear friend's Memorial Show in Oklahoma City. The show raised money to pay off the mortgage of the Whalen's home.  

They often found themselves booked on shows with the Flat Foot Four and the Barflies. Mterwards the Tulsa and Bartlesville champions would swap members for fun and call themselves the "Bar Busters" or the "Chord Flies".

They often found themselves booked on shows with the Flat Foot Four and the Barflies. Mterwards the Tulsa and Bartlesville champions would swap members for fun and call themselves the "Bar Busters" or the "Chord Flies".

The Chord Busters believed the National Contest to be more than just "another annual competition". Despite pressure to compete again, in 1942 they began the tradition of past champions NOT entering future contests. Today, becoming once a champion, always a champion" is the ultimate goal. They felt the position of "gold medalist" held special responsibilities and by banding together, they could give something back to the Society. It was Doc who conceived and began the "World Champion's Club", predecessor to the current Association of International Champions  

The Chord Busters believed the National Contest to be more than just "another annual competition". Despite pressure to compete again, in 1942 they began the tradition of past champions NOT entering future contests. Today, becoming once a champion, always a champion" is the ultimate goal. They felt the position of "gold medalist" held special responsibilities and by banding together, they could give something back to the Society. It was Doc who conceived and began the "World Champion's Club", predecessor to the current Association of International Champions  

In 1944, when gold medals were first presented, the previous winners were not included. Doc Enmeier saw the need for correcting that oversight and saw to it that ALL those who had won before 1944 received the gold medal each had earned.  

In 1944, when gold medals were first presented, the previous winners were not included. Doc Enmeier saw the need for correcting that oversight and saw to it that ALL those who had won before 1944 received the gold medal each had earned.  

In July of 1943 the draft board stepped in to ruin all the fun. Masengale was the first to go - he selected the Army Air Corp. Holbrook soon followed going to the Marines. Doc and Greer were left home and the Chord Busters were inactive for over two years.  

In July of 1943 the draft board stepped in to ruin all the fun. Masengale was the first to go - he selected the Army Air Corp. Holbrook soon followed going to the Marines. Doc and Greer were left home and the Chord Busters were inactive for over two years.  

By early 1946 all had made it back home safe and sound until Holbrook moved to Arkansas. The distance wasn't impossible until Greer decided to seek his fame and fortune in Hollywood.  

By early 1946 all had made it back home safe and sound until Holbrook moved to Arkansas. The distance wasn't impossible until Greer decided to seek his fame and fortune in Hollywood.  

Years before, due to war rationing, The Chord Busters were unable to secure a recording contract. It was well into a farewell party for Greer they realized the next day would probably be the very last chance they would have to record "their" record.  

Years before, due to war rationing, The Chord Busters were unable to secure a recording contract. It was well into a farewell party for Greer they realized the next day would probably be the very last chance they would have to record "their" record.  

They met the next morning at a radio station and cut their only recording. They sang very well but the material being used was a "soft plastic" (shellac was a war casualty) therefore they only got to record each song with one take and with no playback. They finished in time for Bob to make his one o'clock train for the west coast. The studio results were acceptable, however, and the entire project (three 78 rpms) was produced for about $1,500. They sold them for $6.75 (including postage). They joke that the three record set is worth almost that much today.  

They met the next morning at a radio station and cut their only recording. They sang very well but the material being used was a "soft plastic" (shellac was a war casualty) therefore they only got to record each song with one take and with no playback. They finished in time for Bob to make his one o'clock train for the west coast. The studio results were acceptable, however, and the entire project (three 78 rpms) was produced for about $1,500. They sold them for $6.75 (including postage). They joke that the three record set is worth almost that much today.  

Bobbie returned home within the year and the Chord Busters continued with replacements such as Bob McCullough Sr. and Delbert Jackson. The official end came in  1957 when Tom was transferred to Houston. Greer suffered a stoke in 1973 at 60. It paralyzed his left side and affected his speech. Although his speech recovered well, he never was the same. They also lost track of Holbrook.  

Bobbie returned home within the year and the Chord Busters continued with replacements such as Bob McCullough Sr. and Delbert Jackson. The official end came in  1957 when Tom was transferred to Houston. Greer suffered a stoke in 1973 at 60. It paralyzed his left side and affected his speech. Although his speech recovered well, he never was the same. They also lost track of Holbrook.  

Out of the blue, Holbrook resurfaced in 1982 and suggested a reunion. The original four were invited to sing the weekend of the November 6th Tulsa annual show and reunited after 36 years. The local press covered the event. They first met at a "headquarters hotel" and began singing (rehearsing) for the agreed afterglow appearance. They also gathered for a special dinner with family and friends and some VIP's like George McCaslin, John Loots, Mrs. Corrinne Cash and daughter Betty Anne.

Out of the blue, Holbrook resurfaced in 1982 and suggested a reunion. The original four were invited to sing the weekend of the November 6th Tulsa annual show and reunited after 36 years. The local press covered the event. They first met at a "headquarters hotel" and began singing (rehearsing) for the agreed afterglow appearance. They also gathered for a special dinner with family and friends and some VIP's like George McCaslin, John Loots, Mrs. Corrinne Cash and daughter Betty Anne.

The day of the show, they met again and prepared for their much anticipated appearance. Tom laughingly remembers:  "Once in a while we would hit a chord in balance with good blend, but thirty-six years took its toll on our memories, however, we enjoyed our singing together IMMENSELY."  

The day of the show, they met again and prepared for their much anticipated appearance. Tom laughingly remembers:  "Once in a while we would hit a chord in balance with good blend, but thirty-six years took its toll on our memories, however, we enjoyed our singing together IMMENSELY."  

They sang their last song together on the afterglow and received a heartfelt standing ovation. Afterwards, they returned to hotel - sang some more - and sometime after 3am, retired to their separate rooms. Just six months later, on May 25, 1983, news came that Bob Holbrook had died of cancer at the age of 68 in Las Vegas. If he had known of his illness, he hadn't told anyone.

They sang their last song together on the afterglow and received a heartfelt standing ovation. Afterwards, they returned to hotel - sang some more - and sometime after 3am, retired to their separate rooms. Just six months later, on May 25, 1983, news came that Bob Holbrook had died of cancer at the age of 68 in Las Vegas. If he had known of his illness, he hadn't told anyone.

With Delbert Jackson gone (May 28, 1982) at the age of 66, and Bob Mccullough passing on February 17, 1983 at 69, death had claimed three of the six Chord Busters all within a years time. Bobbie Greer was lost October 28, 1985 at 72 and Doc Enmeier passed away on December 29, 1993 at the age of 9l. Tom died April 25, 1998 at 87.

With Delbert Jackson gone (May 28, 1982) at the age of 66, and Bob Mccullough passing on February 17, 1983 at 69, death had claimed three of the six Chord Busters all within a years time. Bobbie Greer was lost October 28, 1985 at 72 and Doc Enmeier passed away on December 29, 1993 at the age of 9l. Tom died April 25, 1998 at 87.

The Chord Buster's last hurrah was during the 1991 International convention held in Louisville. Tom and Doc were invited to attend as special VIP guests (although at the last minute, Doc was unable for health reasons). On hand was a special exhibit prepared by Ruth Joyce, curator of Heritage Hall, showcasing the quartet's history.  

The Chord Buster's last hurrah was during the 1991 International convention held in Louisville. Tom and Doc were invited to attend as special VIP guests (although at the last minute, Doc was unable for health reasons). On hand was a special exhibit prepared by Ruth Joyce, curator of Heritage Hall, showcasing the quartet's history.  

On Saturday night the 10,000 barbershoppers attending witnessed a fitting tribute emceed by fellow gold medalist, Dick Gifford including a video taped tribute, and Acoustix singing the original 1941 arrangement of "When the Bees Are In The Hive/ Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland". It was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their championship.

On Saturday night the 10,000 barbershoppers attending witnessed a fitting tribute emceed by fellow gold medalist, Dick Gifford including a video taped tribute, and Acoustix singing the original 1941 arrangement of "When the Bees Are In The Hive/ Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland". It was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their championship.

[[Category:Quartets]]

[[Category:Quartets]]