The Doo-Wop Sound

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Louis Jordan - Father of Rhythm and Blues
Louis Jordan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 as an early influence

The Evolution of Doo-Wop

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Pre Doo-Wop 1930-1945
Inspirational Groups

Emergence of Doo-Wop 1952-1953
Dance Oriented Groups


Transitional 1946-1951
Transitional Groups

Convergence of Styles 1954
Regional Style Groups


In the late forties Rhythm and Blues was quite different in different areas of the country. Urban North rhythm and blues that had been influenced by gospel, bee-bop, jazz and black popular music was  more sophisticated The instrumentation, melodies and   arrangements were more complicated having been influenced by the vocal harmonies of big band and jazz sounds. The singers were more often crooners then shouters.The North rhythm and blues would evolve to a street corner sound called "Doo Wop."


What is Doo Wop?


Doo Wop Eras

Paleo-Doo-Wop Era  1952-1954

Classical Doo Wop   1955-1959

Neo Doo Wop  1960-1965


Doo Wop subcategories

Distaff Gang Italo Pop Schoolboy Tin Pan Alley


Doo Wop Era Characteristics

Pre-Doo-Wop
(before 1948)

Paleo-Doo-Wop
(1948-54)

Classical Doo Wop
(1955-59)

Neo Doo Wop
(1960-63)

Post-Doo Wop
(after-1963)

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