The Yale Whiffenpoofs: A Legacy of Song and Notable Alumni
The Yale Whiffenpoofs, the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the United States, boasts a rich history and a tradition of excellence that has resonated for over a century. Founded in 1909, the group has become a symbol of Yale University, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique sound and charismatic performances. To celebrate their 110th anniversary, the Whiffenpoofs hosted "The Perfect Concert" on October 11th at Battell Chapel, featuring current members, Whim N’ Rhythm of 2020, and alumni of all ages. Admission was free for Yale students and $15 for the general public. A career panel was also held on October 12th at Sudler Lecture Hall, featuring Whiff alumni discussing how their experience with the group contributed to their career success.
The Genesis of a Tradition
On a cold January night over a century ago in New Haven, Connecticut, five of the Yale Glee Club’s most talented singers sought refuge from the cold at Mory’s Temple Bar. Welcomed by Louis Linder, the tavern’s barkeep and a music aficionado, they began an institution that thrives to this day. Four of the original five singers belonged to the Glee Club’s prestigious Varsity Quartet, regularly performing at alumni events. Desiring a space for more informal musical expression, the group started meeting weekly at Mory’s, improvising harmonies to their favorite songs. These weekly gatherings quickly became a cherished tradition.
As the group's popularity on campus increased, they began searching for a name. Denton ‘Goat’ Fowler, amused by a joke about a mythical dragonfish called the Whiffenpoof, suggested the name to his companions. The name resonated with the group's lighthearted atmosphere, and it quickly gained traction among their admirers.
The Whiffenpoof Experience
The Whiffenpoofs are a notoriously selective group, accepting only 14 members each year. Those chosen are presented with a unique opportunity, often forgoing a traditional senior year to embark on a world tour, performing in over 200 concerts annually. Their venues have included prestigious locations such as Lincoln Center, the White House, and Carnegie Hall. A spring tour took the group to China, Taiwan, and Singapore, with plans to visit as many as two dozen countries by the end of the summer.
The group's widespread recognition extends beyond the Yale campus. Barry McMurtrey ’88 B.A. notes that Yale’s a cappella prowess is often better recognized around the world than on campus.
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The Whiffenpoofs have also made appearances in popular culture, competing on NBC’s reality show “The Sing-Off” in 2010. McMurtrey states, “They became pop stars.” In 2013, they were featured on the hit TV show “Glee” as the “world-famous Waffletoots.” The group also appeared in “The Simpsons” in 2017.
"The Whiffenpoof Song": An Anthem for Generations
Along with a new name, the "Whiffs" adopted their own signature song. The group garnered musical fame early on, with American radio star Rudy Vallée popularizing “The Whiffenpoof Song” in 1937. Many famous musicians recorded versions of the song, including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, and Louis Armstrong. McMurtrey notes that “Bing’s version was a big hit during WWII.”
The origins of "The Whiffenpoof Song" can be traced to a 1907 winter trip by the Yale Glee Club, during which two founding members created a humorous adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's poem, "Gentleman Rankers." Upon its premiere at Mory's Temple Bar, the singers declared it their anthem, "to be sung at every meeting, reverently standing." For over a century, each class of Whiffenpoofs has sung "The Whiffenpoof Song" at the end of every concert, celebrating musical excellence and tradition.
The song's cultural impact extends beyond the realm of music. It played a key role in the 1949 movie 12 O'Clock High, symbolizing the U.S. Army Air Forces' daylight bombing effort during World War II. It has also appeared in comedy films such as Monkey Business (1952) and Road to Bali (1952), and served as the opening theme for the 1975 television series Baa Baa Black Sheep. Musical satirist Tom Lehrer spoofed "The Whiffenpoof Song" in his song "Bright College Days," and Louis Armstrong recorded a satirical version titled "The Boppenpoof Song."
Notable Alumni: From Composers to Actors
The Whiffenpoofs have fostered a legacy of success, with alumni making significant contributions in various fields.
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- Cole Porter (1913 B.A.): A renowned songwriter and composer, Porter penned the Yale songs “Bulldog” and “Bingo Eli Yale” during his time as a student.
- Ron Livingston (1989 B.A.): Best known for his role in the cult classic film "Office Space."
- Prescott Bush: Senator, father of President George H.W. Bush and grandfather of President George W. Bush.
The Florida Peals: A Southern Chapter
The Whiffenpoof tradition extends beyond New Haven, with alumni forming regional groups to continue their shared musical experience. One such group, the "Florida Peals," brings together Whiffenpoof alumni residing in Florida.
Donald Hudson, class of ’55, explains that the Florida Peals originated about 15 years ago with summer gatherings in Nantucket, which led to winter get-togethers in Florida. The group typically meets on the east coast of Florida one year and the west coast the next.
In March, the Florida Peals performed at Sea Oaks Beach Club in Vero Beach, raising over $5,000 for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). Hudson notes that the funds will be used to help repair RCMA's headquarters facilities in Immokalee, which were damaged by Hurricane Irma.
Local alumni members either live in the area or visit regularly. The group includes Al Atherton '59, George Brown '66, Don Hudson '55, Bruce Meacham '54, Dan Bergfeld '65, John Burke '72, Bob Eggers '73, John Franciscus '54, Ash Gulliver '55, Nick Baskey '64, Ben Eppes '68, Chan Everett ’58, Ed Greenberg '59, Bart Miller '58, Win Self '66, Ken Sharp '57, Tom Cutler '62, David Hawkins '65, Jonathan Ingham '65, and Linus Travers '58.
Enduring Bonds and Musical Camaraderie
Members of the Whiffenpoofs share a unique bond forged through music and tradition. Tom Cutler, whose father Ben Cutler was also a Whiffenpoof, emphasizes the special combination of great music and male camaraderie within the group. Linus Travers agrees, stating that the experience is simply singing with incredible voices and a unique repertoire.
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Dan Bergfeld shares that singing together brings them together, highlighting music's power to create bonds. Nick Baskey considers being a Whiffenpoof one of the high points of his life, second only to his marriage and children. He notes that all 13 members of his class are still alive and in communication, holding reunions and maintaining their close connection.
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