J. Clifton Williams was born on March 26, 1923.

James Clifton Williams was initiated into the Beta Omega Chapter at Louisiana State University in 1946. He would graduate from the university a year later with his Bachelor’s of Music degree. In 1949, Williams earned a Master’s from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. While attending Eastman, he would study under Bernard Rogers and Brother Howard Hanson. It was being mentored under these men that set Williams on his composition career path.

In 1956 his concert band piece entitled “Fanfare and Allegro” won the inaugural American Bandmasters Association Ostwald Composition Prize. Williams spent most of the latter half of his career as the Chair of the Theory and Composition Department at the University of Miami School of Music and retained the position until his death in 1976.

Williams’ symphonic march, “The Sinfonians” was commissioned by Phi Mu Alpha. It is a piece that features motifs of prominent Fraternity songs and is widely performed by ensembles of all levels across the nation. The march was first premiered and conducted by Brother Williams at the Fraternity’s 36th National Convention in Cinncinatti, Ohio in 1960.

Sigmund G. Spaeth was born April 10th, 1885.

The 1958 “Man of Music” Award was given to Dr. Sigmund Spaeth, whose name was interwoven with American music for several decades. Dr. Spaeth was initiated into the Iota Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha at Northwestern University in 1910. He was a music critic on several newspapers such as the “New York Times”, composer, arranger, conductor, performer, educator and editor of the “Music Journal.”Dr. Spaeth was also the author of several novels such as “A History of Popular Music in America” and “The Common Sense of Music.” These novels helped show the ties between popular songs of the time with old American folk songs. Spaeth’s knowledge of music lead to the premier of his NBC programs “Keys to Happiness” and “The Tune Detective.”

Maynard Ferguson was born May 4th, 1928.

A Canadian band leader and jazz musician, Maynard Ferguson was awarded the “Man of Music” Award in Cleveland, Ohio at the 2006 National Convention. An initiate of the Xi Chi Chapter at Tennessee Tech University, Ferguson rose to fame while a member of Stan Kenton’s orchestra. After his time with Kenton, he formed his own jazz band in 1957. Ferguson was known for his accuracy with the trumpet’s higher register and helped many up and coming musicians step up into the spot light through his numerous ensembles. Ferguson had the misfortune of dealing with the big time shift when most big bands fell the way side. Unlike most, he was able to survive the change and has survived the changing times by evolving with them, changing his musical style from big band swing, to cool jazz, to Latin, to jazz/rock and fusion and more.

Thor M. Johnson was born June 10th, 1913.

One of the first projects given to the Public Relations Committee of 1952 was the choice of a “Man of Music.” The award, named in memory of Charles E. Lutton, was first presented to Thor Johnson at the 1952 National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was given the award during his tenure as conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and led the 52’ Convention “Sinfonia Sinfonette.” Originally a collegiate member of the Alpha Rho chapter at the University of North Carolina, Johnson was made a National Honorary member in 1948, just one year after he was appointed music director of the Cincinnati Symphony. At the time, he became the youngest American-born conductor of a major American orchestra. During his time at the CSO, he helped premier over 120 American and European compositions, half of which he commissioned. In addition to his CSO experience, Johnson was also the founder of the Peninsula Music Festival, established in 1952.

Carlisle Floyd was born June 11th, 1926.

Brother Floyd is one of the most admired and widely performed opera composers and librettists of the last century. Known as the ‘Father of American Opera,’ he is credited with helping to create an American idiom in opera. Floyd’s most popular work, Susannah, has become one of the most performed American operas in history. Having debuted in 1956, in 1957 it won the New York Music Critic’s Circle Award and subsequently was chosen to be America’s official operatic entry at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It has gone to achieve fame both in the United States and internationally. Other well-known works by Floyd include Of Mice and Men and Cold Sassy Tree.

Dave Grusin was born June 26th, 1934.

Academy Award-winning composer Dave Grusin was honored with the title “Man of Music” in 1991. Beginning with the study of classical piano, Grusin turned to jazz and toured with Andy Williams. His touring led him to his first role as a musical director when William’s show, named after him, took off. After William’s show, Grusin teamed up with Larry Rosen to form GRP Records. It was named the top contemporary/traditional jazz label of the 1990s by Billboard Magazine. Following the success of his record label, Grusin was awarded his first Academy Award for his Film Score from Milagro Beanfield War in 89’. He later went on to gain six Oscar nominations, one of which being for his score from the The Fabulous Baker Boys. The same score awarded him two Grammy Awards. In addition to movie scores, Grusin also composed for several TV shows, including programs such as Dan August, Maude, and Columbo:Prescription:Murder.

Join thousands of passionate Barbershoppers June 30 – July 7, 2019, at the LDS Conference Center in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2019 International Convention. Whether you’re running into a past chapter member during breakfast, chatting with a Board member during lunch, or tagging with one of your quartet idols just before bedtime, be prepared to experience all this and so much more at our annual International convention! Not only will you experience spectacular shows and contests featuring world-class barbershop ensembles from all over the world, but you’ll have the chance to explore a different U.S. city every year. Take advantage of the daily Harmony University class offerings, stock up on fun and classic barbershop merchandise at the Marketplace, hear brand new song releases, volunteer at local hospitals and humanitarian organizations, and sing your heart out with friends from around the world. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

https://www.barbershop.org/events/international-convention