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Doo Wop - Vocal Harmonies rooted in Rhythm and Blues

by: Themusicmam
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Influenced by rhythm and blues, doop-wop was a vocalized harmonized genre using phonetic syllables (doo-wop) without obvious meanings to bring in rhythm and harmonic arrangements. Primarily an African American music genre, it became popular throughout the 50's and the 60's as a separate genre.

Doo-wop is associated with street corner music groups of 4 or 5 youngsters who had their musical background from local black churches and or their home. As such, each member of the group brought his/her own talent and specialty and allowed the group as a whole to express its vocal qualities mixed in with harmonies and rhythm. As young people, they had a carefree attitude to the doo-wop and music industry.

This particular attitude also meant that they could be manipulated and indeed taken advantages off by a variety of the music industry's business people such as agents, and record companies' contact people. It was even a common policy for label owners to list their own name (instead of the name of the musicians) as the actual composer of the music since he was already known in the music industry and would make the marketing of the record much easier, or so he told them.

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.

And just as this wasn't enough, original rights to the songs had to be passed on to the record companies who also insisted that the musician perform for free on major promotional shows. Finally, agents took a 50 pc cut from all of the musicians' income.

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!

Famous doo wop music groups include

The Dubs who in 1957 released one of doo wop classics: "could this be magic". A sweet and endearing ballad, it featured lead vocalist Richard Blandon.

The Duprees who in 1962 hit it big with their delightful doo wop harmonization of "you belong to me" which 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, best known for "In the Still of the Night" who was a true classic and the only hit of this magnitude by the Five Satins. The group was led by Fred Parris in 1954 and he wrote their biggest hits "In the Still of the Night" in the basement of a local church. By the time the song scaled the charts, Parris had 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.

Even today shows and events are organized in front an enthralled audience who together with a very international audience help maintain the vibrancy of doo wop, a truly incredible music phenomena. Attending a show is something that can only be whole heartedly recommended as it will uncover a unique blend of vocal music mixed in with fun and joy.

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The Music Mama has a fantastic collection of oldies, Doo wop music and more. We strive to offer the ultimate in customer satisfaction and our Doo wop CDs are covered by a no question asked guarantee.

Doo Wop - Vocal Harmonies rooted in Rhythm and Blues

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