R.I.P. Rob Henry, World's Greatest Barbershop Baritone, International Acapella Champion

St. Louis Postdispatch ^ | 9-04-03 | self

[MHT]

Today Rob Henry, 42-year-old baritone of the Gas House Gang (1993 SPEBSQSA champions) died from cancer. The Gas House Gang took barbershop music into the 21st-century as they later became the acapella singing champs of the world. If you ever have a chance to hear Rob's solo in "Still Can't Say Good-bye", please do. It will touch you, especially if you love your father and the joy of perfect harmony.

[cars for sale]

thx deeply for the heads up...ole baritone quartet here too...

[holden]

This tenor will miss him and that particular group!

I got to sing at an afterglow with GHG back in April of this year. Words can't begin... My brother had never heard any singing group as into-the-stratosphere, talent-wise as these guys. He couldn't stop raving about them into the night's drive home.

Their signature Beethoven 5.1 (surround?) piece (sung that night, too) may never be matched in its overflowing talent from those four, with Rob's baritone voice solidly defining barbershop among 'em.

Through Jim's letter, read during the recent Illinois District Fall Convention, hearing of PowerPlay's diversion to Rob's bedside was a tearful, penetrating inspiration to us all in our avocation. Thanks, PowerPlay!

Gas House Gang news concerning Rob

Kipp, Rich, dreadfully sorry for your loss! To the wife, Sue and Ryan Lee, our deepest sympathy!

Jim, we'll be thinking of you and your family in our prayers.

HF

[holden]

Sympathy may be usefully expressed by considering this for the benefit of two year-old Ryan.

HF

[MHT]

I don't know if there are other barbershoppers on FR but, given the themes of barbershop music and the mission of FR, there must be--and especially in a place as conservative as St. Charles, MO! There is no question, even if someone didn't like barbershop, the Gas House Gang was a breed apart--the finest tribute to the best of the American musical tradition.

Rob's finest moment, however, will always be, for us, "Still Can't Say Good-Bye". I can't hear it without crying--and now, to have it apply so powerfully to his own life as a father as well as a son, is ironic beyond belief.