The Buffalo Bills is the Barbershop Harmony Society's 1950 International Quartet Champion. Noted as likely the greatest barbershop quartet of all time. First formed in 1947 from four men from Buffalo, NY. Vern Reed (tenor), Al Shea (lead), Hershel Smith (bari), and Bill Spangenberg (bass). In 1949, Hersh Smith left the group and was replaced by Dick Grapes. They won the international championship in 1950. In 1957 they auditioned for Meredith Wilsons new Broadway musical, The Music Man. They got the part and joined the act. Dick Grapes decided not to go with them and was replaced by Wayne Scotty Ward as baritone. They sang on Broadway until going off to film the Music Man film in 1961. After the films completion in 1962, Bill Spangenberg took ill and was replaced by Jim Jones as bass. The Buffalo Bills finally decided to call it quits for good in 1967. Over the 20 years they sang together, they produced 15 record albums and performed with countless celebrities. They are one of the key reasons that a lot of people who have never heard of barbershop singing have discovered it. Today only Jim Jones survives.
Name Vars
- Buffalo Bills
- The Buffalo Bills With Banjo
- The Buffalo Bills, Et Al
Members
- Vern Reed
- Bill Spangenberg
- Al Shea
- Wayne Ward
- Dick Grapes
- Jim Jones