Jubilee Quartet was born out of Fisk University’s Jubilee singers. Their acapella group was born out of Nashville, Tennessee and it became a launching ground for a whole new era of music. Jubilee Quartet; The quartet usually included 4 main roles; a high tenor, second tenor, baritone ( who sang solo), and bass. A bass singer’s job was to keep that walking beat synonymous with The Jubilee quartet era of (1880-1929).
Jubilee Quartets included three large eras that are as follows; Jubilee period ( 1880-1929)
This era was closer to Negroe spiritual era, so the sound was similar to what you’d find in a church or in your own neighborhood with that same sophistication of a jubilee quartet.
The next era was the Transitional period which is from 1930-1945, this era includes the introduction of the electric guitar and the music is beginning to get more upbeat. Singers use their voices to imitate different instruments, like scatting. This era is also marked by the Great Migration and the urbanization of the United States.
The last era in Jubilee Quartets is the Gospel Period which was from 1946-1969, the performance style has evolved to include more improv, building off the scatting from the transitional period. Instruments such as the electric guitar, and piano begin to enter the fold even more. They enhanced the sound of the group and in some instances even replaced the bass singer. Performances were more dramatic and le by the spirit, with stomping, clapping, and shouting being cornerstones of this era.
