The Mo Rector Story
Mo’s contributions are far-reaching and possess one common thread: The Love of singing.
Mo was many things – Quartet Gold Medalist / Active Quartetter / Prolific Composer / Outstanding Arranger / Inspiring Coach / Tireless Director / Avid Woodshedder / Creative Writer / Endless Idea Man and much more.
Mo began singing in quartets at the age of eight. By the young age of only 13 he was attending Stamps Quartet schools and already arranging songs in four part harmony. By graduation he formed a quartet called The Smiling Four and performed on a weekly gospel radio show.
In 1947 Mo was invited to attend his first parade of quartets show put on by the Tulsa, Oklahoma chapter. He soon joined the Tulsa chapter and was seen woodshedding with the Gaynotes at his first meeting.
Mo was later asked to move from bari to bass and join the Gaynotes. They went on to win the Southwestern District quartet championship in 1956 and his first International quartet gold medal in 1958.
Mo also helped produce Gaynotes recordings and did much of the arranging for the quartet including their unique “Strictly Square / Strictly Swinging” LPs.
An extremely prolific arranger, Mo has given us hundreds of charts, several published by the Society with his most popular being “Old Piano Roll Blues”, “Lida Rose / Will I Ever Tell You” and “Wonderful Day Like Today”.
In Tulsa he became active in chapter administration serving as president as well as bulletin editor. Musically he contributed as arranger, composer, teacher, coach, assistant director and director.
Later he would also direct the Austin, Texas Chord Rangers.
Mo spent a great deal of time on stage in his early days and was hired as the bari of the Frisco Four to do the National Company tour and summer stock of The Music Man in 1961 and 1962.
After moving to New Braunfels, Mo was asked to replace Mark IV bass, C.O. Crawford who was transferred overseas. The Mark IV had been working their way toward the gold, placing 2nd in 1968. They won International in 1969 making Mo the very first double gold medalist.
Rarely without a quartet, Mo is remembered for singing in the Second Generation, T-Towners, Standing Room Only, The Glorybound Travelers and the Quasars (’75 SWD Champs).
In addition to emceeing the Sing With The Champs event and The Purdy Corral at Int’l, Mo was well known for his ability to tell a story. He only has to draw from his own lifetime of unique experiences to draw a crowd and hold their undivided attention.
As an example of his love of singing and being on stage, Mo sang with the world champion chorus, The Dallas, Texas Vocal Majority, in 1979 winning his “third” gold medal. This included weekly 500-mile round trip drives from New Braunfels to Dallas (sometimes twice a week).
When asked which of his gold medals he was most fond of, he answered without hesitation . . .
“My Next One!"
He never missed an opportunity to encourage barbershop quartet singing especially for young men. Many have gained gold medal advice through the coaching of Mo, sometimes in corners of convention hotel hallways and late into the night.
A few of his “claims to fame” was being behind the original organization of what was to become the AIC (Association of Int’l Champions), the promotion and success of The Purdy Corral, the idea and birth of the annual Sing With The Champs event and the popular Good News! Gospel Quartet (including the custom arrangements and learning tapes).
Mo Rector died December 6, 2003 in an automobile accident. He was 69 years old. Due to his popularity TWO memorial services were held (Tulsa / San Antonio).
Of the hundred of ideas he hatched, none were for personal gain or self profit. He was already rich in talent, innovation, generosity, compassion, spiritual sensitivity, and LOTS of friends. His reward was promoting barbershop harmony SINGING.
Mo Credits
Gold Medalist – Gaynotes 1958
Gold Medalist – Mark IV 1969
Mo Quartets – Second Generation / T-Towners / Quasars / Standing Room Only / Chycken Sisters / Glory Bound Travelers / Good News! Gospel Quartet
Seven Int’l Quartet Contest Appearances:
Lone Star Sound 1991 57th
Standing Room Only 1983 15th
Quasars 1978 25th
Quasars 1976 16th
Mark IV 1969 FIRST place (first to double gold)
Gaynotes 1958 FIRST place
Gaynotes 1957 2nd
District Champion
1975 Quasars
1956 Gaynotes
SWD Comedy Quartet Champ
1983 Chycken Sisters
Chorus Director
Tulsa, Oklahoma – The Founder’s Chorus
Austin, Texas – The Chord Rangers
Most Popular Arrangements
Dixie
Old Piano Roll Blues
Lida Rose / Will I Ever Tell You
Wonderful Day Like Today