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.

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.

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.

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.

The tragedy in this is that in all likelihood, the groups would have been able to survive and might have gone on to produce more music had they not been so cheated by their own record companies. These companies for the most part were startups themselves, and hence would have been more likely to have benefited from relationships and practices that did not alienated the artists they were representing.

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.

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.

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 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.

Doo Wop has an international and varied audience. Concerts and events are still being organized today and continue to enthrall an audience that combines both the older with their grand-kids they often times bring to see the show.

Article Source: ArticlesMaker.com

About the Author: The MusicMama has a fantastic selection of oldies, Doo wop music and more. We aim to provide the ultimate in customer satisfaction and our Doo wop CDs are covered by a no question asked refund policy. 

Next and Previous Articles

Next Article - A Unique Way Of Playing Your Guitar - Guitar Lessons
Previous Article - Acoustic beginner guitar: which one should you buy?

Article Statistics

ArticlesMaker.com » Arts-and-entertainment » Music » Doo Wop - Vocal Harmonies rooted in Rhythm and Blues

Author: Themusicmam  |  Total views: 35  |  Word Count: 652