The Mid-States 4

The Mid-States Four is the Barbershop Harmony Society's 1949 International Quartet Champion. First formed in 1942 as the Bell & Howell 4 with George Kledzik on tenor, Marty Mendro on lead, Forest “Forry” Haynes on baritone, and Bob Corbett on bass. The group changed their name to “Mid-States 4” when they left Bell & Howell and went to work for Mid-State Insurance and they sponsored the quartet. They competed in their first international contest in 1945 and placed 6th, they repeated as 6th place in 1946. That same year they won the Illinois District championship. Following that contest, Bob Rodriguez (later known as Bob Mack) replaced George Kledzik as tenor. In 1947, Arthur “Art” Gracey joined them as bass replacing Bob Corbett who was forced to leave due to job demands. They were 3rd place bronze medalists in 1947 and 2nd place silver medalists in 1948. They won it all in 1949 in Buffalo, NY. Following their victory in 1949 they went on to travel the country singing for hundreds of thousands of people. In 1950, the Mid-States 4 traveled to Korea for the U.S. troops singing 33 shows in 13 days. The Mid-States 4 went on to become well known for their slapstick comedy on stage and using musical instruments with their barbershop singing. They released three albums during their time together. In late 1957, Marty Mendro dropped out of the quartet due to job commitments and was replaced by Dick Mangunson for a short period of time until he returned around 1959. The Mid-States 4 retired in 1966 after 24 years of singing together. Mendro relocated to Arizona and Mack and Haynes relocated to Florida. They had a few reunions in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Art Gracey died in 1979. In 1982, Marty Mendro relocated to Florida and he, Bob Mack, and Forry Haynes decided to get the Mid-States 4 back together with Phil Hansen replacing the late Art Gracey as bass. They actively sang together on shows again until the spring of 1988 when Bob Mack died. Their final performance was in July of 1988 on the 1988 AIC Show in San Antonio, TX with Don Barnick of Grandma’s Boys and Keepsake filling in on tenor. Marty Mendro died in 2010, Phil Hansen died in 2012, and Forry Haynes died in 2014.