Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Hennerberg.
Hi Gary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Vocal Majority® Chorus
The Vocal Majority® is a chorus of more than 100 volunteer singers from across North Texas and beyond, united by a shared love of harmony and performance. These men come from all walks of life, bringing varied musical backgrounds but a common passion for creating extraordinary music together. For over 50 years, the Vocal Majority has delighted audiences around the world with its rich sound, emotional delivery, and signature style of barbershop harmony.
Officially known as the Dallas Metropolitan Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Vocal Majority was formed on December 2, 1971, when twelve men came together with a bold vision—to build the finest singing organization in the world. Under founding director Ray Anthony, the fledgling group began its musical journey, guided by dedication, fellowship, and a pursuit of excellence. Three of its founding leaders—Robert L. Arnold, Larry C. Roseborough, and William B. Vandivort II—signed the Articles of Incorporation, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the most decorated choruses in barbershop history.
The Vocal Majority quickly made its mark on the competitive stage. In 1973, the chorus earned its first Southwestern District Championship, followed by a third-place medal at its first International Competition in 1974. That same year, member Jim Clancy stepped into the role of director—a turning point that launched the chorus toward international acclaim. In 1975, under Clancy’s direction, the Vocal Majority captured its first International Gold Medal in Indianapolis.
The years that followed cemented the chorus’s legacy. Although financial limitations prevented participation in the 1976 International competition, the group rebounded with renewed determination, capturing another district title in 1977 and earning second place at the 1978 International Competition. Reflecting on that narrow loss, Clancy later said, “That one loss was the best thing that ever happened to us, because learning to overcome it helped us develop heart and character. That’s when the real heart and soul of The Vocal Majority began.”
Since then, the Vocal Majority has medaled in every International Competition it has entered—an extraordinary achievement that includes fourteen Gold Medals, four Silver, and one Bronze. The chorus made history with ten consecutive International Championships from 1979 to 2006, a record unmatched in the Barbershop Harmony Society. Most recently, the Vocal Majority won its fourteenth Gold Medal in 2025 in Denver. Under Society rules, choruses are eligible to win only once every three years, making each victory a testament to enduring excellence and teamwork.
The chorus’s reputation extends far beyond competition. The Vocal Majority has performed throughout the United States and internationally in Canada, England, Scotland, and Wales. Their audiences have included U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and their collaborations have featured an impressive roster of musical greats such as The Four Freshmen, The Lettermen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Suntones, the Texas Boys Choir, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Glen Campbell, Jimmy Dean, Bob Flanagan, John Gary, Lee Greenwood, Jack Jones, Johnny Mann, and most recently, Voctave.
With more than 25 albums and a Christmas DVD to their name, the Vocal Majority’s recordings showcase a diverse repertoire spanning classic barbershop, Broadway favorites, jazz standards, pops, patriotic, sacred, and holiday music. Their most recent release, We Wish You a Merry Christmas (2023), continues the tradition of musical excellence that has defined the group for decades. Vocal Majority recordings are available at concerts, online, and on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Today, the men of the Vocal Majority remain as passionate as ever about sharing harmony and joy through song. Whether performing in a grand concert hall or for a local community event, they bring the same heartfelt energy, camaraderie, and commitment to musical artistry that have made them one of the most beloved choruses in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
An obstacle has been that since the pandemic, people don’t come to live arts performances as much as they used to.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our Christmas Spectacular dates are Dec. 4, 5, and 7 at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX, and Dec. 18 at White’s Chapel in Southlake, Tx. Info on our website here:
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
We put harmony in a world that needs more harmony
We offer comfort.
Patriotism
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vocalmajority.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevocalmajority/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVocalMajorityChorus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VMChorus
Image Credits
Andy Whalen
