Comments on: Sha-boom Sha-boom, sha na na na na na na na na na na (repeat)

Question: Sha-boom Sha-boom, sha na na na na na na na na na na (repeat)

phylum sinter — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:46:44 -0800

Where does Doo-Wop come from?

Both the Etymology of the word and the music it represents are a bit of a mystery to me. Merriam-Webster claims 1969 as when it first came about, but that seems way later than the copyrights of some music I would otherwise consider as Doo-Wop.

Anybody have some anecdotal or academic evidence regarding the source of this sound?

Favorite examples (as close to the origins) are appreciated as well.

By: Jaltcoh

Jaltcoh — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:56:00 -0800

I take it you didn't check Wikipedia before posting?

By: phylum sinter

phylum sinter — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:24:22 -0800

Jaltcoh - yes, i did check wikipedia. I should have clarified and noted that i was asking for more personal experiences, as well as best examples of what it sounds like from mefites.

By: phylum sinter

phylum sinter — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:27:39 -0800

Further Curiosities:

What is the difference between barbershop quartet and doo-wop?
Can doo-wop contain a full band (or is it an acapella genre)?
Is Bobby Mcferrin Doo-Wop?

By: kirkaracha

kirkaracha — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:28:13 -0800

What is the difference between barbershop quartet and doo-wop?

Barbershop quartet: four people singing a particular part (lead, tenor, bass, bartone). Doo-wop: less structured, both in terms of group composition and harmonizing. Usually it's a lead vocalist with backup singers.

Can doo-wop contain a full band (or is it an acapella genre)?

Based on a quick sampling of my copies of the Doo Wop box sets, most doo wop songs have instrumentation, but the vocals are prominent.

Is Bobby Mcferrin Doo-Wop?

I'd say no.

By: kirkaracha

kirkaracha — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:37:27 -0800

This page lists early examples of songs with "doo wop" in the lyrics:

1953: Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters, "Let The Boogie Woogie Roll" (not released until 1960)

1954: Carlyle Dundee & The Dundees, "Never"

1955: The Turbans, "When You Dance" (which was a big hit and popularized the term)

1961: The Velvets, "Tonight (Could Be the Night)"

By: cachondeo45

cachondeo45 — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:49:44 -0800

Doo-wop is often considered one of the roots of rock and roll. It's not always a capella, but you do need the thick harmonies that result from a strong choral base. Doo-wop as title for the style or genre originated just from nonsensical syllables as far as I can tell. Doo-wop often has a lot of call and response between the lead singer and the rest. My favorite is Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers or anything by the Drifters. I also really like Little Anthony. Although I am not an expert by any means, Bobby McFerrin is not doo-wop.

For reading, try Pruter, Robert. Doowop The Chicago Scene. Chicago, IL: University of Illinois Press, 1997. Or by Gribin, Anthony J. & Matthew M. SchiffDoo-wop : the forgotten third of rock 'n' roll. Iola, WI : Krause Publications, 1992.

By: schrodycat

schrodycat — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:03:06 -0800

Moderately related: I recently found this excellent article on Sha Na Na and the Invention of the Fifties, which says that the whole 50's greaser scene was largely a fabrication by the group. Misremembering the 1950's, if you will.

It was before my time, so I can't judge its truthiness.

By: motown missile

motown missile — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:52:22 -0800

Although it's not always sung acapella, Doo Wop does seem to come from the small group vocal tradition represented by The Ink Spots and the Mills Brothers, especially in the kind of close harmony singing both groups use...Doo Wop usually speeds up the tempo considerably, and when you get to some of the New York/Philadelphia groups (especially Dion and the Belmonts) there's an element of Arabic vocal tradition too. I am not a musicologist, just someone who really listened to, and continues to listen to, a lot of Doo Wop music.

ShaNaNa were a bunch of talentless putzes.