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Ross Barbour Obituary
The current group's manager, Dina Roth, tells the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/nUhR3D ) that Barbour had lung cancer and died Saturday at his Ventura County home in Simi Valley.
Barbour's death comes three months after the death of another founding member, his cousin, Bob Flanigan. The two other founding members were Barbour's brother, Don Barbour, and Hal Kratzsch.
The Grammy-winning Four Freshmen's hits include "Graduation Day," ''It's a Blue World," ''Mood Indigo," ''Day by Day," ''It Happened Once Before" and "How Can I Tell Her?"
The group underwent many personnel changes over the years, with Ross Barbour retiring from it in 1977.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
88 Entries
Beth Fox
January 30, 2024
Ross was my favorite freshmen. He was the best looking one. Best of everything l
Don Shafer
January 18, 2020
Ross made the music that was the theme of my adolescence and beyond. There will never be another you!
Lisa Selby
December 13, 2018
I want to thank him for helping me get Glen Campbell's autograph when I was 10. Also to thank him for visiting our house in San Jose, CA. Also for the wonderful music of the Four Freshmen! Amen!
Nazarene Mckinney
May 18, 2017
Thanks for the sweet music.
How you can show support
March 28, 2012
weldon travis strahan
Valetta Rose
January 9, 2012
I have an autographed picture, circa '48, of the quartet. It was in a scrap book of my fathers. He was a well known musician in Lansing MI and I'm thinking they must have performed here as a featured act at the Coral Gables where his band played.
MUBO
August 31, 2011
Much sympathy to Ross' Family. I will pray for his soul, and for Don's too. I saw Ross at the Freshmen Convention in Pittsburgh 5 years ago this week, and bought his book "Now You Know" there, which I still have. They brought so much joy to people around the world for the past 63 years. I'm so glad that Capitol signed them. Their music is timeless. I love "It's A Blue World", "Love Is Just Around The Corner", "Candy", and "The Day Isn't Long Enough". I was born in the mid-60's and I still treasure and play the 78's, 45's, LPs, and CDs of the Freshmen that I have. I am so glad that Capitol Records gave them the opportunity to entertain the world forever.
Carol Wade
August 28, 2011
My sincere sympathy to the family. I loved the music, and I thank Ross for the beautiful music and the wonderful memories that will last beyond our lifetimes. May you rest in the arms of Jesus.
Kent Smith
August 28, 2011
I grew up listening to and loving the Four Freshman. I saw the several times over the years, the last time in Taipei, Taiwan in 1968. "It's a Pity to Say Goodnight!"
Elder Kent Smith
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
bob boos
August 28, 2011
We will never have their SOUND again. One of the best groups of all time. RIP
Ross.
August 27, 2011
The end of a wonderful era...There'll Never Be Another You! But ...... I'll Remember You! CS
Ryan Ashley
August 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I hope that the family finds comfort from Psalms 147:3 which says:
"He is healing the broken-hearted ones
And is binding up their painful spots."
May you find comfort in God's promises
and the support of friends and family in the difficult days ahead.
Jeanette
August 27, 2011
Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. May the God of all comfort bring comfort to the family and friends of Ross Barbour. Soon, one day, sickness and death will be a thing of the past.
Bob Godfrey
August 27, 2011
Loved their music, especially "There Hearts Were Full of Spring". At one time I had all their records, lost them in a divorce. My favorite was "Four Freshmen and Five Trombones", being a trombonist myself. I was an original "76 Trombones" player from River City. Sing on, Ross.
Frank Gerace
August 27, 2011
I just bought a CD of their music. I love it as much as I did in 1953.
Ken Koopmans
August 26, 2011
What a rich legacy has been left to all true music lovers by the fabulous Four Freshman!
I shall never forget teaching the lyrics for "Mood Indigo" to my fellow troops stationed with me in Pusan Korea in 1954. They were a popular group to all of us in the service then and have never ceased being so.
I pray the family of Ross Barbour finds comfort in knowing what great joy and pleasure he and his Butler brothers brought to this harsh world.
My condolences go out to all who loved Ross for his contributions to an era that brought so much "true musical joy" to so very many people all over the world. Thanks from all of us...
george corrente
August 26, 2011
all the old singers from the 50,0 are dieing its sad to see ledgens go
John O'Donnell
August 26, 2011
It seems like yesterday (1950s) that I was introduced to the Four Freshmen by my older sister. I saw the Four Freshmen in the 1970s in person. Thank you Ross for the hours of enjoyment I still get in listening to the original group.
Keith Murray
August 26, 2011
I have such wonderful memories over 50 years of inspirational friends Ross and Sue and the music of the Four Freshmen. We have wannabe groups all over Europe. Read Ross's book 'Now You Know' to learn something of the beauty of this man.
CHUCK SHEA
August 26, 2011
ANOTHER WONDERFUL VOICE JOINS THE REST OF HIS GROUP IN GOD'S HEAVENLY CHOIR. THANKS FOR SHARING ALL YOUR WONDERFUL TALENTS AND FOR ALL THE MEMORIES.
Scott Miner
August 25, 2011
The Four Freshman were/are the best 4 part quartet ever!!! I got to see them with my mom in Dearborn,MI a long time ago because of both of our love of 4 part and got to meet Ross after the show.
God be with you Ross
Jack McGee
August 25, 2011
There really wasn't another favorite group for me; I appreciated the music of many performers, but my youth was framed by the Four Freshmen. I met them in Scranton in 1959 and then, again, in Phoenix on a slow night; they were great guys. I still play them and tear-up regularly. Thanks for so many great associated memories.
August 25, 2011
It was our pleasure associating with Ros and the other members of the 4 Freshman . . . our memories included having the entire group over for dinner at our home on a Sunday in Reno They are and have always been our faurite. Hopefully then new group will mainatain their grea music. Glen and Marian Slight - Salt Lake City Utah
August 25, 2011
The Four Freshmen were the the most appealing singing group I ever heard. I've been a fan since I heard "Voices in Modern" the first time. What pleasure they gave me. - Dave Stubbs, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
August 25, 2011
What a great guy. And what a great musical contribution he made. I met him only one, but I'll miss him.
-- Vance Garnett
August 25, 2011
What beautiful music the "Freshmen" made. God Bless Ross and all the "Freshmen" past and present.
Geno Fort Myers, Fl.
Diane Wagner
August 25, 2011
What a great group. They were my favorite group for all my life ever since high school and college. I even saw them perform at Bowing Green State University in 1959.
Victoria&Andrew
August 24, 2011
rip` ROSS BARBOUR
P.K. Stott
August 24, 2011
It will be a 'Blue World Without You'!!
Lanny
August 24, 2011
My condolences to the family of Ross Barbour. His songs and music with his group span decades with the flavor that ALL still very much enjoy today. Your beautiful singing will be missed by everyone who ever heard you, Ross. But I know that Heaven will be enjoying your music now and forever. God be with you.
charles roberts
August 24, 2011
thanks fore the memories, god bless
Saundra
August 24, 2011
I have many of their recordings and memories of the Four Freshman group with the Stan Kenton Orch. They are my favorite group and will remember them always. My deepest sympathy to the Barbour family.
August 24, 2011
ONE OF THE BEST GROUP HARMONY QUARTETS EVER. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF STORYVILLE AND SEEING THEM SING THERE. VERY TALENTED GUYS AND I AM LUCKY TO HAVE HEARD AND SEEN THEM IN MY LIFETIME CONDOLENCES TO ROSS'S FAMILY.
Beth
August 24, 2011
My condolences to the Barbour family. May the words found at Job14:13-15 bring you comfort.
August 24, 2011
Condolences to the "Freshmen Family." High school was a wonderful time dancing to all their music. The standards now are not the same and no group measures up to the Four Freshman!!!!! Harmonize in Heaven!!!!!
Anne (Tinley Park)
Nona Long
August 24, 2011
They absolutely set the standard. I used to drive 200 to 300 miles each way to see them and have every album, cd they did. Know every arrangement by heart and once was asked to type a termpaper re: who sang the bridge in Show Me the Way to Go Home." I won the argument, of course and he had to find someone else to do his work. I ate birthday cake with them at their 20th birthday party in Indpls at the Embers and one time at the Muny in St. Louis, Ross said I had been so faithful that he owed me a song. What would you call it, I asked. And he said "Have you known Nona Long?" What a creative genius he/they were and they remain my favorites. My condolences to your family. Nona Long
James Towslee
August 24, 2011
My condolences to all of the families of the "Four Freshmen". I will never forget sitting in 'STORYVILLE' at the Copley Square Hotel in the mid to late '50's enjoying their show. I always had a great table. My landlady was a waitress there and always made sure I was within a few feet of the stage. I just joined the 80 YO age bracket. I think I will dig out my FRESHMEN lp's and pay my respect to the group that brought me so much enjoyment.
J A Towslee
August 24, 2011
FRIDAY NIGHT SCHOOL DANCES TO THEIR MUSIC. THOSE WERE THE DAYS. MANY THANKS ROSS AND THE FRESHMEN. REST IN PEACE.
Jim Darling
August 24, 2011
The last voice from my all-time favorite group has been silenced. But what wonderful musical memories will linger on!
Bill Hillgrove
August 24, 2011
Deepest Condolences to the Freshmen Family. They set the bar so high that few groups have ever come close to the standard that tops the American Songbook. Ross will be missed. God Bless the Four Freshmen.
Linda Jackson
August 24, 2011
I was so sorry to learn of Ross Barbour's passing; his group had some wonderful songs and they will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
NJSL
August 24, 2011
They were the greatest and they knew how to sing. They were good looking and dressed real nice. I grew up in the 50's and enjoyed them as well as many others.
I express to the family my smypathy.
NJSL in Rexburg, Idaho
Paul
August 24, 2011
Ross you were always a gentleman. I can still hear you voice and cherish our phone conversations. The music that you and the guys produced was beyond beautiful. God speed my friend.
BB Mason
August 24, 2011
Sing with the angels, Rest well, Thank you for sharing.
Fred simonelli
August 24, 2011
my brother,Frank and I welcomed the group to the Village Hotel in Erie, Pa. in the early 50's...They bring back wonderful memories. May God hold them in His hands!
Noel Ballatin
August 24, 2011
Ross Is In A Much Better World Today.
There, He Will Be Free From All The Pain, Suffering And The Agony He Quietly Endured While Here.
Upon His Arrival, There Will Be A Grand Celebration Given In His Honor By All Who Have Preceded Him.
We Should All Pray For The Repose Of His Immortal Soul.
May God Bless His Family, And God Bless Ross Barbour.
Wes Bundy
August 24, 2011
The Fab Four are now rehearsing for their reunion performance in God's house.
What wonderful memories they created for a generation. God speed Ross.
Andy
August 24, 2011
We still haven't gotten over losing Bob Flanigan and now Ross? The greatest sounding group to emerge and they leave behind a library of musical memories for their devotees. No doubt the original Four Freshmen are together again and are gathering to perform anew. Condolences to his family and friends.
B'shalom!
Mary Lou Manning
August 24, 2011
My husband introduced me to Four Freshmen music in the 60's. Never saw them in person, but he played their albums all the time. Wonderful. He knew all their names. Ross, thanks for the beautiful memories. Mary Lou Manning, Willoughby, OH
NA
August 24, 2011
Thank you for that Beautiful Sound !!
Four Freshman- Beatles- Sinatra - Ink Spots-Will Live Forever
Ross, when you meet up with the rest of the Three Freshman
tell them Thank You For the beautiful memories!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family-
A "73" yr. young Fan
Don Byrom
August 24, 2011
I spent many hours playing their music. I feel it is as good now as back in the 50's. I will forever hear their music in my mind. Thank you The Four Freshmen.
Sammye Heald
August 24, 2011
I was saddened to hear of Ross Barbour's passing. The Four Freshmen was my all time favorite entertainers. I have followed them from group 3 thru the now group 22. Rest in peace Ross and I know that the four original freshmen are making beautiful music together again in heaven.
R Golay
August 24, 2011
To the the family of Ross Barbour - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
August 24, 2011
A show and lounge act I sang with years ago performed several of the Four Freshmen songs that always pleased our audiences both young and old. It was an honor to be present at their 25th Anniversary gig at The Frog and Nightgown club in Raleigh, NC many years ago. They were a group of immensely talented gentlemen; truly classy guys. May the Barbour family take peace in knowing how much pleasure Ross gave to millions and millions of people all around the world. God bless you.
JOHN O. GOFF
August 23, 2011
I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF ROSS BARBOUR
I HAVE DANCED TO THEIR MUSIC A THOUSAND TIMES,
NONE FINER.I MET MY WIFE TO BE WHILE DANCING TO OUR FAVORITE SONG "GRADUATION DAY" THE SONG
"GRADUATION DAY" IS TO A GRADUATION AS" HAPPY
BIRTHDAY" IS TO A BIRTHDAY PARTY.
IT WILL BE AROUND FOREVER. MY THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ROSS.
THAT YOU SIR FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MUSIC.
August 23, 2011
Nothing but wonderful memories of the four freshman. Thanks.
Virginia Williams
August 23, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the 4 Freshman very well. it does not seem that long since I saw them on TV. awesome group of men. Loved their songs. A very sad day.. VW Charlotte, NC
Nancy Natter
August 23, 2011
"The Four Freshman" were an inspiration to "The Beach Boys" and Ross Barbour was an inspiration to Michael Natter and I, his wife, Nancy. We have never known a nicer, loving man... you will be missed.
Barbara Sue Scalf Jones
August 23, 2011
In 1955, high school graduation night in Columbus, Indiana, was especially memorable because the Four Freshmen entertained at our after-graduation party. The Barbours, Ross and Don, were hometown boys and we loved them. Their beautiful voices gave this world a gift that will live on even they are all gone now. Thank you, gentlemen.
howdy wright
August 23, 2011
loved your songs. never knew you. have a wonderful eternity
August 23, 2011
What a musical and talented group these singers and musicians were! I remember going to an important dance at Lehigh University to hear both the Freshman and Kenton. I've forgotten who my date was in the early 1960's, but I do remember how wonderful I felt having heard their unique and harmonious blend of voices. Will there be a future group who can sing and play instruments with their harmony and skill? I doubt it. We'll all miss Ross and the others.
Tom Kushinka in beautiful Bucks County, PA
Richard Ottana
August 23, 2011
I grew up with the Fresman, Kenton, Christy and the band. Ross will be missed. It's a blue world.
August 23, 2011
First song I heard by them was "It happened once before " in 1954.been a f an ever since. Rich Reilly Hamden,Ct.
Len Murray
August 23, 2011
I was introduced to the Frosh in my early teens, and never let go of my love for this incredible blend of voices. Ross, you got your wish, that the group would always live on, even after you were all gone. I'll miss my favorite MC. It is a Blue World today.
C.
August 23, 2011
Your music and manners were the best.
Harry Simpson
August 23, 2011
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
jack mealey
August 23, 2011
i was stationed in southern ca in the late 50's. purchased vynal 5 trombones, favorites and 5 trumpets. still have 'em, still play 'em. thanks for the memories. sorry to the family for your loss.
Ken Jones
August 23, 2011
A very big Freshman fan, dating from the early 50s, I can still hear Ross's rendition of "Old Folks"! RIP, Ross and thanks.
August 23, 2011
I was in High School in the 50's and loved the Four Freshmen, they were the best, I can still hear them singing on my 45 player. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Norma Class of 1955
Judy Williams
August 23, 2011
My condolences to the Barbour family.
Such sweet memories come to mind of the Four Freshmen and their wonderful songs. Thanks to Ross and all for making my life richer.
Frank Kopich
August 23, 2011
I know it wasn't your theme song, but thanks for the memories. It's a blue world without you.
Jack Larsen
August 23, 2011
as a HS kid we always had summer dances at a huge hall on the lake, one of the most memorable dances ever was the Four Freshmen, June Christi, and Stan Kenton..ALL on the same card!! I still play Fresmen CD's today. Thank you Ross for all those wonderful memories.
Jim Hartley
August 23, 2011
I'll always remember you and the group....part of my childhood. God bless and rest in peace.
steven stancia
August 23, 2011
RIP
Jennifer Neeman
August 23, 2011
What a sad day to hear of the passing of the last original member of The Four Freshmen, Ross Barbour. You represented class in our society. I will never forget your beautiful, melodious songs growing up in the '50's and 60's. Thank you, Ross, for sharing your beautiful voice and music so that my life and millions of other baby boomers' lives were made sweeter. My heartfelt condolences to your family, Ross.
R.V.
August 23, 2011
My condolences to the Barbour family. May the God of all comfort be with you
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
August 23, 2011
REST IN PEACE
August 23, 2011
First heard the Freshmen sing "The Day Isn't Long Enough" in Dec 1952 when I returned from Korea, and was hooked. Saw them several times in Columbus, Ohio in the following years. Still a hugh fan. Thanks for many enjoyable listening hours.
Marisol Gann-Hudson
August 23, 2011
Went to see the "Four Freshmen 3 times with the my closest friend through out my life, we went every time they came to Lubbock we were there in same seat's center 3rd row of the TEXAS TECH auditorium. It was always filled with people hanging on every song and the Freshmen gave great performances and many encores coming back and even singing some songs again. They were so handsome in their tuxes and we knew every word and loved the trombone tones they added the Freshmen touch of perfection.We also were fans of Stan Keeton but never got to see a Keeton concert. Through out our life we had many conversations about the super things we had seen and done together and the four Freshmen concerts were always one of our favorite. Bob is gone now and so are all of our Four Freshmen but I still have the albumen's,and all the memories plus I know all the words to all their songs. Things were so nice in the 50's and 60's the music was a big part of our life. God Bless Ross's family but I want to tell them he gave joy and memories to millions "DAY BY Day".
Gifford Holt
August 23, 2011
My favorite singing group of all time. Remember when Stan said after a concert, a young man came up to him still at the piano signing autographs, and said YOUR BAND SOUND JUST LIKE THE FOUR FRESHMEN! What a sound and will live on forever. May Ross rest in peace and we will never forget you.
Lisa Walters
August 23, 2011
The Four Freshmen were awesome, inspiring Brian Wilson to create beautiful harmonies for the Beach Boys. RIP, as your music lives on forever.
Maureen
August 23, 2011
One of my all-time favorite groups growing up in the '50s and '60s, especially Graduation Day. I still remember all the words to their songs and their styling. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the last of an iconic group.
timothy meenan
August 23, 2011
god speed ross, we will miss you and the rest of the group. we grew up listening,dancing and to all your songs. we will never forget you. tim and sandi meenan---punxsutawney,pa
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