Heidelberg Quintet

The Heidelberg Quintet (or "Quintette," on Victor) was a short-lived but nonetheless outstanding barbershop-styled vocal group that recorded for Victor and Edison from 1912 to 1914. The group was basically the same as the American Quartet, except that countertenor Will Oakland was added to take some especially high parts that helped give the Heidelberg its distinctive sound. The Heidelberg Quintet's arrangements were made by composer George L. Botsford, who was responsible for writing such ragtime standards as "The Grizzly Bear" and "Black and White Rag." With these and other ...