(adapted from an 1982 article written by Fran Wright for the Harmonizer)
In this issue we highlight a special district quartet, one that within two years of winning a district championship went on to capture the gold at International – Chicago News! The rapid rise of this quartet from near obscurity to rulers of the barbershop world was hasty and a bit frustrating at times. The group, consisting of tenor Ray Henders (tenor), Butch Koth (lead), Greg Wright (baritone), and Tom Felgen (bass), officially formed in early 1979 and had just six weeks to prepare for their first competition – the Illinois District primaries that spring. They easily earned the right to represent Illinois at the International competition in Minneapolis, where they came in 8th. The next year, the quartet received 2nd place silver medals at Salt Lake City, singing one of their signature songs – “I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl that Married Dear Ol’ Dad).” And one year later – the group obtained the coveted gold in Detroit, MI.
Whereas it seems like the group was simply an “overnight” sensation, a closer look reveals that each of these four members had a vast amount of barbershop experience and had rightfully “paid his dues” over the years.
Bass Tom Felgen’s barbershop roots go back to the 1940s while as a junior high student. Later, while attending Lake Forest College, he joined a group called North Blends (later known as the Up and Atoms) and then gained fame as bass of The Four Renegades (see FTV – Summer ‘22 issue), in which he won his first International gold medal in 1965. Felgen remained with the Renegades until the early 1970s, after which he moved on to singing with a mixed quartet called The Fabulous Forties with Lynn Hauldren (see FTV – Winter ‘23 issue).
Tenor Ray Henders was no stranger to barbershopping either. His earliest barbershop experience was in the early 1950s. Singing first with Mischiefers and then with the Chord Kings, Vigilantes, and The Midnight Oilers, Henders captured a district championship and a bronze medal with Soundtracks in the 1970s. When that group disbanded, Ray and Tom decided to join forces and seek out two other committed barbershoppers who would be willing to put in the time for a quality quartet.
After several contacts, they heard about a lead singer named Eugene “Butch” Koth, who had previously sung with Landmarks, the 1976 Cardinal District Champions who competed in the 1976 and 1977 International contests. Unfortunately, Butch lived a great distance away, in Three Oaks, Michigan. The late 1970s oil crisis didn’t help matters, putting a financial strain on the group to try and rehearse. The three men decided to get together with Bob Zimny, a baritone known to Butch who lived in Hobart, IN. They liked the sound, and were encouraged by the potential – until the Zimnys decided to move to Florida.
Timing is everything, and lucky for Tom, Ray, and Butch – the right (or should I say “Wright”) baritone was now available. Greg Wright, formerly of the popular district quartet The Sundowners (see FTV – Winter ‘22 issue), had recently moved back to the Chicago area. A seasoned barbershopper with medals to his name, Greg agreed to give the new quartet a try and the group began rehearsing in the fall of 1978. However, the location of the Koth home, and a brutal winter (‘78-’79 – remember that one?) halted rehearsals.
The guys were determined to overcome these obstacles. They chose a central point for rehearsals and enlisted the aid of legendary coach Lyle Pilcher (see FTV – Spring ‘22 issue). Rehearsals resumed in February, 1979 and the quartet appeared on a show in St. Louis in early March. The audience reaction convinced the guys they had what it took to be champions.
The quartet sang regularly for a few years, until various circumstances surrounding Greg’s schedule warranted the ending of regular performances. Wanting to get back together, the remaining three reunited in the late 1990s, this time enlisting the help of veteran barbershopper Joe Sullivan to fill in on the baritone spot. The group did several more shows, and was the guest quartet at the first district Youth in Harmony festival held at Mt. Zion H.S. in 1998 (see FTV – Winter ‘23 issue). This new combination sang until 1999; however original baritone Greg Wright did make an appearance with the group at the 2006 AIC Show on the occasion of their 25th anniversary, which was also the group’s final performance.
The Illinois District salutes our once & always, 1979 District (and 1981 International) Champions – Chicago News!
