Doo Wop - Vocal Harmonies rooted in Rhythm and Blues
Doo-Wop is a related R&B form based on vocals using phonetic syllables in order to introduce rhythm and harmonic movements. It was introduced in the 1950’s in the streets of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. It saw its beginning in the African American communities which also enjoyed rhythm and blues and became wildly popular in the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s.
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 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.
The young musicians were also made to agree that they would be paid by session instead of being paid by the number of records sold and signed agreements that permitted their agents and record companies to pay studio and promotional costs directly from their 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.
As in most things related to greed, these companies who were for the most part smaller startups would have benefited from being honest with their artists as they themselves would not have felt so thoroughly cheated and might have gone on to produce even more wonderful music.
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.
The Elegants, a New York doo wop music group that became famous for the most gorgeous “Little Star” released in 1958. This title topped both R&B and Pop charts. They were a White ensemble 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 was surpassed and its popularity at the time destroyed by the British Invasion, this very civilized and pacific take over of our popular culture of the time by British Rock and Roll groups. In spite of that, doo wop has endured into the hearts and souls many!
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.
Tags: Music
