Doo Wop

Doo-Wop was one of the most popular genres of Rock & Roll and R&B in the late ’50s

Doo-wop artists were vocal groups, with each singer in the group taking a different part that interweaves with the other singers.  

Frequently, the backing vocalists sang nonsense words as rhythm, and the genre’s name derives from this trait.


Most doo-wop groups started as a cappella bands, performing without instrumental accompaniment.  The hit doo-wop singles inspired countless teenagers to form their own a cappella groups, though many of them were never recorded.  Despite its a cappella origins, few doo-wop records were made without instrumental backing.

Doo-Wop faded away in the early ’60s, though its influence was felt throughout popular music in the following decades.  Artists Include: The Orioles, The Charms, The Clovers, The Penguins, The Crows, The Five Satins, The Moonglows, The Del-Vikings, The Diamonds, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers