Bluegrass Student Union
| Company type | Barbershop quartet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Bluegrass Student Union is a Louisville, Kentucky based barbershop quartet that secured the 1978 title at the SPEBSQSA International contest. Throughout their 33-year tenure, the ensemble became recognized for their exceptional live and studio performances. At the time of their victory, they held the distinction of being the second-youngest quartet to claim the SPEBSQSA championship. Their achievements have been largely attributed to guidance from coaches Mary Jo Hatton Thompson, Don Clause, Ron Riegler, Gene Stickler, Ed Weber, chorus Director Jim Miller, as well as arrangers Ed Waesche and Walter Latzko.
The quartet's lineup featured Allen Hatton (tenor), Ken Hatton (lead), Dan Burgess (baritone), and Rick Staab (bass).
Following his time with Bluegrass Student Union, Allen Hatton performed tenor with Second Edition and earned the Cardinal District Quartet Championship once more in 1986.
In 1984, the group delivered a rendition of "Java Jive" at the White House for President Ronald Reagan, who described it as "my kind of music." During this event, Bill Myers filled in on bass for Rick Staab.
Ken Hatton extended his barbershop involvement by leading the SENSATIONS quartet to win the 2000 Cardinal District Championship; this group achieved 20th place in the 2001 International Quartet Competition. He also fronted The Exchange, which reached the semi-finals and placed 20th in the 2003 International Quartet Competition. Additional international competition appearances include:
- 2004 – The Exchange (lead) – 23rd place
- 2011 – The Daddy-Ohs! (baritone) – 43rd place
After disbanding in 1992, Bluegrass Student Union reunited intermittently from 1999 until officially retiring in December 2006. They continue to hold an annual reunion event.
The quartet was honored with induction into the Cardinal District Hall of Fame in 2005 and later into the Barbershop Harmony Society Hall of Fame in 2012.
Discography
- After Class LP/Cassette – currently out of print
- The Older the Better LP/Cassette – no longer available
- Music Man LP/Cassette – unavailable
- Jukebox Saturday Night LP/Cassette/CD – discontinued
- Here to Stay CD/Cassette – out of circulation
- Legacy 3-CD Set – no longer offered
- Commencement DVD-CD Set – remains accessible
Digital versions of Bluegrass Student Union; Volumes 1 through 6 can be purchased on iTunes and CDBaby.com
See also
- Barbershop music
- Ambassadors of Harmony
- Barbershop Harmony Society
- List of quartet champions by year