Remembering Carlton Wright and the Lads of Enchantment

Last week, TCS lost another one of its own. Carlton Wright passed away on Thursday, September 26th, 2013. Carlton was 87 and an active barbershopper for most of his life. He was a member of TCS for over 30 years, making contributions to our chapter and our hobby that are no doubt still felt by the members of our chorus.

Before Carlton came to Savannah, he made another significant contribution to the world of barbershop harmony. In 1957, the Lads of Enchantment quartet (with Carlton Wright as baritone) took the gold and became the 19th quartet to take the title of International Barbershop Champions.

This tribute video to the Lads of the Enchantment will tell you more than I can. It will also give you the chance to listen to this quartet and the baritone who will be sorely missed by all of us here in Savannah.

I never got the chance to meet Carlton personally, so I've asked my chorus-mates if they would write down a fond memory or note regarding Carlton. They are below:

“I enjoyed singing with him....he was active with our chorus for a long time.” - Jack Diamond

“When Carl stood up and locked his knee in place—he was 10 feet tall... He could sing any part to any song!” - Richard Towns

“Carl was not handicapped at all.” - R. J. Hodges

“Still singing bari to “Love Me And the World is Mine.” - Milt Johnson

“Fondly recall break time in chorus rehearsal. Carl would sing most any part to a favorite song, teach a newcomer the part yet to be filled. What a barbershop ambassador!” - Bob Proctor

“Thanks for many years of great harmony.” - Derek Ball (and Connie)

“Carl was a special person, and the whole chapter will remember him! Rest in Peace!” - John Bennett

“I have many fond memories of singing with Carl. We sang together at chorus rehearsals, on Chapter shows, singouts around town, and at many social events. Probably the most fun was at events like Jack Diamond's annual picnic. I remember on more than one occasion when my quartet was polishing up a new song and Carl would want to sing (woodshed) the baritone part. We would ask him if he wanted the sheet music and he would politely decline. Then stand there and sing the bari part almost note perfect. He was a very talented singer and a true gentleman. We missed him greatly when he moved "up North" and his memory will live with me forever. I'll always cherish the memory of having the THRILL of singing with an International Champion Quartet (gold medal) winner.” - Joe Ryan 

I think that just about says it all. Carl will be missed, even by those like me who never met him. His legacy lives on, and all the spontaneous renditions of “Love Me And the World is Mine” that echoed throughout our weekly practice last night reflects the impact he had on those blessed enough to have sung with him.

All our love from Savannah and heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Carlton Wright.

Nathan P. Daniel
VP Marketing & Public Relations
13th Colony Sound

 

The Sundae Singers - 2013 Fall Show

13th Colony Sound, Savannah’s Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus, presents a musical comedy “The Sundae Singers” on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, 2013, at Savannah Arts Academy, 500 Washington Avenue, Savannah, GA. Curtain time is 7:00 PM.

Featured performers are 13th Colony Sound, Savannah Storm Youth Chorus, Downtown Sound Boys Quartet, Savannah Arts Academy Skylark Chorus, Soprano Erin Love, Vintage
Four Quartet, and Carolinas District Championship Quartet: ½-Ton Pickup.

Johnny, a young Tybee businessman, recruits a curious group of locals known as The Sundae Singers who draw customers to his ice cream shoppe. Unlucky in love and lured by his franchisor to think global, Johnny submits an application to sell ice cream in Ireland – only to wind up in a barren land where the outlook for his franchise is bleaker than the landscape.

Before long Johnny finds a nomadic group of singers to promote his ice cream while they keep peace throughout the land. But Johnny may have been running from love, which pursues him even to the edge of the desert.

“The Sundae Singers” will provide an entertaining evening of songs and laughs for the entire family. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students; tickets at the door will be $15 for adults, $10 for students. Military personnel tickets, sponsored by community businesses, will be distributed at the Hunter AAF gymnasium.

To reserve tickets please visit the Savannah Arts Academy website box office portal, visit savannahbarbershoppers.org or call 912-344-9768.

PRINTABLE SHOW POSTER

PRINTABLE SAVE-THE-DATE CARD

“It's better than spending the night in the Thunderbolt Jail.” - The Story of Richie Towns

We have a lot of very unique characters in our chorus, not the least of which is good ol' Richie Towns. Part Chuck Norris, part Gomer Pyle, this born and raised Savannah native decided to go career military....in none other than the Green Beret.

Richie's laid back attitude and easy-going nature is a constant in the universe of Savannah barbershop singing. He's so gentle and fun-loving, you'd never guess he's probably waged war in countries we're still not allowed to know exist. I roomed with Richie once at a barbershop convention. He's a very peculiar roommate to have—as long as the room is better than a ditch in a war zone during a hurricane, Richie is completely content.

“It's better than spending the night in the Thunderbolt Jail.” That's Richie's response to just about everything in life. Everything. That shows the kind of impact he has on those around him.

Richie is a bass, and one of the few charter members of 13th Colony Sound still around. His most famous role in our chapter meetings these days is the weekly raffle. At the end of break, tickets are drawn from the hat, and the winners are given some rather unique prizes, courtesy of Richie Towns. Typical prizes include: antique calendars, autographed books (signed “Richie Towns”), the occasional CD, and—if all else fails—a used pen.

Richie also has a passion for Haiti. He was there when the earthquake hit a few years ago. He's gone back on several mission trips to help rebuild. Thanks to his influence, another 13th Colony member recently took a mission trip there. Haiti is a better place now, thanks to Richie's efforts, the efforts of those who go with him, and the efforts of those who are inspired by them.

So on this Memorial Day, we'd like to not only remember those who served our nation, not only remember those who never came home, but also note the continuing contributions those who did come home have made since then, continuing to serve our nation—and even the nations around us—for the entire duration of life, whether in or out of the military. And for this purpose, it's hard to find a better chorus-member to pick on than our "Bonna Bella Richard," Mr. Richie Towns.

Now if we could just get him to use a computer so he can see this...

Nathan P. Daniel
VP Marketing & Public Relations
13th Colony Sound