Doo Wop - Vocal Harmonies rooted in Rhythm and Blues

Originated in the streets of American north-eastern cities, Doo-Wop was an African American Vocal style based in smooth harmonies. It was the closest rock genre to pop music in the 1950's. Drawing its inspiration from the rhythm and blues cultures it became a music style of its own and was widely popular in the 50's and 60's.

Often times acknowledged with street corner vocalists who saw in Doo-wop the perfect media to express their individual talents. Formed into groups of 4 or 5 teenagers, each had a role and singing talent to bring in to the group and as such they brought a carefree approach to the genre.

This carefree attitude made them ideal victims to unscrupulous agents and record companies' contacts. Indeed label owners had no difficulty in convincing them that his his own name should be listed as the music composer rather than the musicians themselves as "his own name was already known" but deejays.

In addition, these inexperienced youngsters were lead to believe that they would be paid by session, rather than by number of records sold. They were made to sign contracts that permitted studio and promotional costs to be paid directly from the artist's own royalties.

To make matter worse, musicians often times had to perform for free on major shows and even had to pay in order to feature on TV shows. Also, all rights to the original songs had to be released to the record companies, and agents took 50% of their earnings.

The irony in the above unsavory practices is that they were often times initiated by smaller record companies. These companies and the groups they badly represented might have survived if the musicians had not bee so cheated of mechanical and performance rights!

Popular groups from the doo wop era include

The Dubs, who with lead vocalist Richard Blandon released "could this be magic". Although it was not a huge hit back in 1957 when it was first released, it nevertheless has endured as one of doo wop classics.

The Dupees, one of the finest Italian doo wop made delightful doo wop harmonies, none more than the very successful "you belong to me" who had previously been recorded by Patty Page, Jo Stafford, Dean Martin and Joni James.

"Little Star" released in 1958 by a white doo wop group based in New Yord, The Elegants achieved notoriety and was top of both R&B and Pop charts! The Elegants were led by Vito Picone.

The Five Satins, formed by Fred Harris in 1954 release "In the Still of the Night" a true favorite amongst doo wop lovers. Created in the basement of a local church the single was release in the spring of 1956 and became a huge hit. Musician leader Harris was not in the US when this happened as by then he had already been drafted into the army.

Doo Wop music has held and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Known in some circles as the "Music of the Streets" its popularity diminished with the introduction of British early rock otherwise known as the British Invasion in the mid 1960's.

To this day Doo wop music is still a favorite for a large and international audience. Music lovers from as far as Japan, Germany, France and many more countries contribute in maintaining its popularity. Concerts and shows are held on a regular basis and continue to charm and enthrall their audience.

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