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Doo Wop - Vocal with a Doowop of Rhythm and Blues

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Written by Themusicmam

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

by Themusicmam

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.

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.

Because of that, they were also inexperienced in their relationship with the business world and often times overly trusted their contacts to the record companies. It was not uncommon for label owners to convince them that in order to gain name recognition, it was his own name that should appear as the music composer as his name was already recognized by the 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.

As if this was not sufficient, all rights to the original songs had to be given to the record companies and the musician managers was paid 50 pc of the musicians' own royalties. They were further rip-offs such as the musician having to do major shows for free, going as far as having to pay to feature on TV shows.

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 and their most endearing ballad records "Could this be magic" released in 1957. Even though it was not an overwhelming hit at the time, it is still counted as one of doo wop classics.

1962 saw the re-release of "you belong to me" by the Duprees, a most gifted Italian Doo Wop music group. "you belong to me" had previously been recorded by Patty Page, Jo Stafford, Dean Martin and Joni James.

Vito Picone and The Elegants achieved notoriety when in 1958, this white doo wop group released the chart topper "Little Star" They were a white group based in New York.

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 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!

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.

About the Author:

The MusicMama has a unique selection of oldies, Doo wop music and more. We strive to offer the ultimate in customer satisfaction and our Doo wop CDs are covered by an unconditional refund policy.

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