Tenor: Al Rehkop
Lead: Glenn Van Tassel
Bass: Carl Dahlke
Bari: Clint Bostick
Several famous foursomes, and even a barbershop quartet among them have gone on to have distinguished professional careers (the Hi-Lo’s, Four Freshmen and Osmond Brothers, for example). The Auto Towners, 1966 International champions from the Detroit area, decided they would seek out at least one of their members from a professional singing group.
Baritone Clint Bostick in the early 1950s was with the “Spellbinders,” a mixed quintet that sang for two years on the Patty Paige television show, appeared for 13 weeks each on the Vic Damone and Tony Bennett shows and sang for 17 weeks with Judy Garland at the Palace Theater in New York City. Female soloist of the Spellbinders was Renee Craig. Clint introduced his wife, Bobbie to Renee and they soon formed the Cracker Jills, who would claim the 1957 Sweet Adelines quartet championship. Thus Clint and Bobbie became the first husband and wife team to win gold medals in both the men’s and women’s organizations.
Don Bagley became the second when Don’s quartet, the Chiefs of Staff, won in 1988. In 1985, Don’s wife, Carol Ann won her crown with the 1985 Sweet Adeline Queens, Jubilation.
It was two other members of the quartet, however – lead Glenn Van Tassel and tenor Al Rehkop who would go on to make further headlines in the barbershop world. Both won their second gold medals as members of the Gentlemen’s Agreement, 1971 champions.
Rounding out the Auto Towners was bass Carl Dahlke, an 11-year barbershopper who had sung in several quartets and directed the Chordomatic Chorus to the Pioneer District championship in 1965. The Auto Towners continued to thrill audiences throughout the nation until their retirement at the end of 1969.