Contact
Tufts Beelzebubs
P.O. Box 53067
Medford, MA
02153-0067
541.207.8271
Michael Grant
Business Manager, Tufts Beelzebubs
info@bubs.com
History
In the fall of 1962, a handful of Tufts men gathered to sing in the basement of West Hall. They named themselves “Jumbo’s Disciples: The Beelzebubs” and prepared an original version of Winter Wonderland for Tufts’ annual Winter Sing. By the end of the 1963-64 academic year, the Bubs had recorded their first album, performed with the Boston Pops, and traveled as far as New York City. Throughout the late sixties and early seventies, the Bubs’ popularity spread over Tufts’ and college campuses throughout New England.
While the Bubs celebrated their tenth anniversary in 1973, larger issues including the Vietnam War, the Watergate Scandal, and the oil crisis resulted in less enthusiasm and opportunity for extra-curricular campus activities. Fortunately, a small but dedicated group of undergraduate singers, with the help of the Beelzebubs Alumni Association, managed to keep the group alive and strong by singing, traveling, and recording. Thanks to the determination of our dedicated alumni, the Beelzebubs are Tufts longest running student group. During the ‘70’s, the Bubs also began adding popular music to their usual repertoire of barbershop, doo-wop, gospel, and jazz.
The 1980’s brought prosperous times for the Bubs. As the Bubs popularity blossomed, the concert schedule grew and touring opportunities extended beyond New England. By the end of the 80’s, tour destinations included Florida, California, Colorado, and England. In the early 90’s, the Bubs made several developments that not only changed the Bub’s own style but also permanently affected the characteristics of collegiate and contemporary a cappella. The 1991 album Foster St. displayed a new arranging approach and proved to be a revolutionary work for a cappella worldwide.
Throughout the 1990’s and into the new millennium the Bubs continued the storied tradition of pushing boundaries and forging new territory. Extensive touring of the east coast college scene was supplemented with trips to the west coast, including numerous visits to California and the Midwest. Growing popularity was accompanied by media exposure, and the group had the good fortune to perform on Late Night with David Letterman. Much like Foster St. twelve years before, 2001's Code Red set the standard for production and professionalism. The Bubs' most recent album, BATTLE, incorporates the best of the group’s past and what we have to look forward to in years to come.
The Beelzebubs have traveled to all corners of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. International destinations have included Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, the Parthenon in Athens, American Embassies in England and Paris, and more. This storied history has provided for many opportunities, including a run to the finale of the first season of NBC’s a cappella competition ‘The Sing-Off’. The Beelzebubs were recorded as the voices of the Dalton Academy Warblers for Fox’s “Glee”, earning an RIAA-certified Gold Record for the chart topping single “Teenage Dream”. In 2010, the Beelzebubs were invited to perform for President Obama and his guests at the White House Holiday Party. The Beelzebubs are very proud of our vibrant alumni association and The Bubs Foundation , driving toward our goal of putting music back in underserved public schools. The Bubs Foundation is a wonderful incarnation of the motto we hold close to our hearts: Fun Through Song.
To date, the Beelzebubs have recorded 27 studio albums and 3 live albums.
