Pre-Doo-Wop
(Before 1948)

Paleo-Doo-Wop
(1948-1954)

Classical-Doo-Wop
(1955-59)

Neo-Doo-Wop
(1960-63)

Post-Doo-Wop
(After 63)

not present or used in
used in different ways

emergence of blow har-
monies or simple patterns
of nonsense syllables

more complex patterns in
almost every song

subdued in some cases
and more complex in others

Words replace nonsense
syllables as background
responses

humming, very much in
the background

given more voice, may
alternate with the lead

given even more voice

same as classical

recedes into background

frequent bass leads and
and talking bridges, but
not between stanzas, not
distinct from harmony
under lead

begins to separate from
harmony, begins to
punctuate stanzas

frequently introduces song,
almost always separate
from harmony, by
pucuating or riffing

same as classical, but
sometimes used in
in exaggerated ways

used less as a separate
voice throughout

allied with jazz, r&b or
or earlier styles

very little jazz influence,
more allied with r&b

beat heavy and distinct (on
2nd & 4th beats), allied
with rock 'n' roll

same as classical except
for pop doo-wop where
beat is softer

remains heavy in most new
musics

heavier than standard
doo-wop fare

less present than before,
honky-tonk piano or organ
typical

instruments unimportant
except during break in the
middle of song

instruments much more
important

melodies begin to simplify

single melodies & four-
chord structures common

more variation than in
classical

significantly more variation
melodies

often lascivious in r&b,
else mature love themes

still lascivious but
innocent love themes begin
to take over

almost exclusively innocent
love, almost no politicizing
or social commentary

lyrics remain innocent

most lyrics still deal with
love, but social
commentary & politicizing
appears

occasionally present, but
has operatic quality

present more often,
occasionally leads,
operatic quality

almost always present,
frequently leads, almost
almost always used as a
tail-off

not always present, but
more frequently leads
when present, used less
as a tail-off

most lyrics still deal with
love, but social
commentary & politicizing
appears