Share Your Favorite Doo-Wop Oldie With Me?

[Quasimodem]

Be forewarned: Just because I'm old (60), I think I think I can dominate this thread. ;)

Ready?

My all-time favorite Gentlemen!

Ladies and Gents.....

The Marcels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkU9iXdhY4&feature=related

(Dedicated to a "blue mood" (indigo) precious friend of mine!)

Quasi

[aceplace57]

Danleers - One Summer Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT4LJxBBaF0

Moonglows - Sincerely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ANGKn-tV84&feature=fvst

[Quasimodem]

Both great toonz, aceplace57, and I had never heard the Danleers song before, so kudos for that one!

Here's another favorite of mine (try not to dance along, okay? ;))

Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Bg1tTgxZ8&feature=related

PS: Oh just LOOK at those white folks! :)

[aceplace57]

I like a lot of doo-wop and 50's R&B. I have the Time Life set Malt Shop Memories on my mp3 player in the car.

Another favorite is
Earls - Remember Then
A little unusual because they were white.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ-bdlPqJME

[Rilchiam]

Either Pretty Little Angel Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-hgI1aGTtg) by Curtis Lee or Little Bitty Pretty One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8PhP3yIlRw) by Thurston Harris.

[Sam A. Robrin]

I'm a veritable karaoke S*T*A*R when I sing back-up on this number! I had to take a hell of a lot of showers to learn it, let me tell you! In fact, I remember a home movie being taken of me trying to sing it at the age of 7 when it was first released!
You still can't beat the original:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSrV2BU_Sdc&feature=related

It's a Rodgers & Hart standard, and it's interesting how the reactions went. Richard Rodgers took out ads in Billboard asking people not to buy it. Lorenz Hart's widow heard it, and fired his agent--but after he'd cleaned up the affairs and showed her the royalty check, she hired him back!

[Quasimodem]

:D:D:D:D!

Oh. My. God!

Sam A. Robrin:

That was beautiful!

Thank you for sharing this!

I never knew the background!!!!!

Man!!!

I keep telling y'all we Dopers are some awesome artists.:)

This is just one more example.:)

Thanks again!

Bill

[Biggirl]

The Chips

Rubber Buiscut. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14MZ8eiwcNE)*



Do girls count? The Toys. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGDZc9bdUZM)


*The actual song starts a half a minute in.

[TriPolar]

Rock and Roll is Here to Stay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DTZnMjiJe8)

Who Wrote the Book of Love? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW_SKWjrE2U)

Who Put the Bomp? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSO0uCbG4tw&feature=related)

and a little more gospel than doo-wop, but the right time frame:

Shout (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9xOLpwI0I)

[Quasimodem]

Well, I don't KNOW, DO they???? :)

The Chips

Rubber Buiscut. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14MZ8eiwcNE)*



Do girls count? The Toys. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGDZc9bdUZM)

Girls?????:) Do Girls count????:) Do they?????:D

Well, Biggirl, my best friend is one, so does that answer your question??? ;)

"Do girls count?"

What a question!

Of course y'all do! (insert heart smiley here).

I had forgotten about the "Biscuit" and The Toys as well, so ya done good, girlfriend!;):D

Thanks!

Quasi




*The actual song starts a half a minute in.

[Freudian Slit]

I really like the Schoolboys' Please Say You Want Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of9IUfswFIQ).

And of course, Why Do Fools Fall In Love? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUW0n2TdWs)

[Taomist]

Rock and Roll is Here to Stay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DTZnMjiJe8)

Who Wrote the Book of Love? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW_SKWjrE2U)

Who Put the Bomp? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSO0uCbG4tw&feature=related)

and a little more gospel than doo-wop, but the right time frame:

Shout (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9xOLpwI0I)

Great.

Now I'm going to have Sha-na-na running through my head all night. :p
Not that there's anything really wrong with that. ;)
p.s. I loved their show! Must find it...

p.s.s. We sang The Blues Brother's album in jr high music class, including Rubber Biscuit. Even being from the Chicago area, I kinda doubt I would have heard that song if not for our outrageous teacher; he introduced us to all kinds of music.
And I've never, ever forgotten Rubber Biscuit. :p

[Quasimodem]

Heh, Tao! ;)

Thought the same thing when I looked up The Marcels last night!

Look at Sha's version of Blue Moon and tell me isn't Bowzer having problems with the bass syllables or is that intentional?

Also, do you (or anyone else) know what became of Sha Na Na?

Thanks

Q

[Ichbin Dubist]

The Dells, Oh What a Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ozQT8yQXA) ...

The Orioles, It's Too Soon To Know (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1q7xXXVoCY) ...

... and The Persuasions covering The Everly Brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hamL-QU8fZI) and Frank Zappa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRIegpdFQqk)!

[WordMan]

The Dell Vikings, Come Go with Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1eU_lDQaVM&feature=related)- recorded on a single mic in one of their basements, IIRC...

[Quasimodem]

TriPolar?

What a great way for D and the J's to present 'Rock'n Roll', huh?

I had never seen that one and then of course, the girls with the "Dick" buttons.;)

Thanks!

Quasi

[Kim o the Concrete Jungle]

I think this fits the bill:

If I Didn't Care - The Inkspots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvwfLe6sLis)

[Quasimodem]

I think this fits the bill:

If I Didn't Care - The Inkspots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvwfLe6sLis)

"fits the bill"?????!!!!! ;):D;):D

Love you, Kim;)!

Bill

(Quasi)


PS: BEAUTIFUL song and thank you, my friend!

[Chicken Fingers]

These are some of my favorites in what I guess are doo-wop territory.

I Only Have Eyes for You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nlhoda2MY) (Flamingos)

Red Sails in the Sunset (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwOpwhxn1wE) (Platters version w/ Tony Williams)

Blue Angel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BjRvLzG0Bg) (the incomparable Roy Orbison)

[Lute Skywatcher]

"Buick '59" by The Medallions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZxIsaDae7M), who also sang about a '59 Volvo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUH8SE5jbI).

From my '50s station on Pandora:

"(I Wanna) Dance With The Teacher" by The Olympics
"Goodnight, Sweetheart, It's Time To Go" by The Platters
"At The Hop" by Danny & The Juniors
"Book Of Love" by The Monotones
"Charlie Brown" by The Coasters
"Charlie Brown" by The Cues
"Rama Lama Ding Dong" by The Edsels
"Speedo" by The Cadillacs
"Yakety Yak" by The Coasters

[Mixolydian]

"It Will Stand" - The Showmen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s45hycSkcMY)

Don't nick name it
You might as well claim it
It swept this whole wide land
Rock and roll forever will stand

[garygnu]

Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP_xVhNI5uM) although originally by The Chords, I prefer this version by The Crew Cuts featured in Clue: The Movie.

[divemaster]

Either Pretty Little Angel Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-hgI1aGTtg) by Curtis Lee

This is what I came in to post. My favorite doo-wop oldie. I'm pretty sure that's The Marcels on the intro.

[randwill]

The Capris - There's a Moon Out Tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4xNF9uh8SA

[Lute Skywatcher]

Getting in the spirit of the season: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by the Meolodeers (http://www.vbox7.com/play:5bfdad0a?r=google).

[Soul Brother Number Two]

Surprised that "Angel Baby" by Rosie and the Originals hasn't made the list. My stone fave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LjxfNxbZM4

Haunting and beautiful. Small trivia fact. Rosie disappeared. Never to be heard from again. One song and gone.

[Quasimodem]

I had heard it before of course (can't be 60 and a musician and not be aware of a song as pretty as this one), but now I am appreciating it even more, Soul Brother Number Two, thanks.

As an aside, I just recently started watching the tv show "Angel" and this song would have made a great background tune for Angel and that "Charisma" actress (forgot the name on the show - 'Cordie' or something) to dance to when she said her last goodbye.

God what a mouth!

(her not him);)

Quasi

[Quasimodem]

"Dwaido, dwaido....."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZBSGaWrEn4&feature=related

:rolleyes:

finger on the trigger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0_2Z3pPNM8

:)

Yup, I'm an oldie AND a goodie.

And I sure do love mah Dopers!;)

Q

[jayjay]

Also, do you (or anyone else) know what became of Sha Na Na?


I don't know for sure what became of them, though I think I've seen them doing the oldies circuit (county fairs, oldies station-sponsored concerts, etc).

But, Quasi...do you know where they came from?

[Quasimodem]

I don't know for sure what became of them, though I think I've seen them doing the oldies circuit (county fairs, oldies station-sponsored concerts, etc).

But, Quasi...do you know where they came from?

You mean other than Woodstock, dear friend?

No I don't, then.

Q

[Quasimodem]

And while we're at it (and 'cause i'm such a champ at hijacking my own threads):

Anyone remember THIS "Howlin' Wolf"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA2m7KYqG5s&feature=related

Q

[Quasimodem]

By the way, when I call jayjay "dear friend"?

That's 'cause he is. He and countless others help keep Wolkie (on World of Warcraft) straight and don't mind re-answering questions or even answering questions I should already know as a gamer.

In short, he RAWKS! As do you all.

Now back to the program! ;)

Q

[jayjay]

You mean other than Woodstock, dear friend?

No I don't, then.

Q

The group began singing as part of the longstanding Columbia University a cappella group The Kingsmen, but changed their name due to the Pacific Northwest group of the same name, famous for covering "Louie, Louie"

They were practically Whiffenpoofs! College boys!

Well, technically they were, as the group's publicity says, "from the streets of New York". After all, Columbia University IS in New York...

[Quasimodem]

They were practically Whiffenpoofs! College boys!

Well, technically they were, as the group's publicity says, "from the streets of New York". After all, Columbia University IS in New York...

Oh. My. God!!!!!

I didn't know that jayjay!

I always thought the "Louie Louie" controversy revolved around The Kingsmen and Paul Revere and the Raiders (as in who "wrote" the song: Lynn Eastman or "Paul").

I put "wrote" in quotes up there, because I believe "Louie Louie" to be a "traditional" Jamaican tune.

There's also a gospel group known as The Kingsmen, but I doubt that they'd "ever lay her again", if you get my drift, buddy!:)

Let's do a spin-off thread, yawn'too?;)

Your pal

Quasi

[42fish]

I always thought the "Louie Louie" controversy revolved around The Kingsmen and Paul Revere and the Raiders (as in who "wrote" the song: Lynn Eastman or "Paul").
Quasi

"Louie Louie" was written and originally performed by Richard Berry, who was inspired by "Havana Moon" by Chuck Berry [no relation] for the Carribean setting and "One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)" for the idea of having the singer telling his story to a bartender.

[salinqmind]

Frankie Lymon, Why Do Fools Fall In Love. I have this burned on a CD out in my car (with other oldies) and I play it on a regular basis and never get tired of it. (Whatever happened to those oldies on the oldies radio station? They've all been retired to bin of history, with ragtime and swing.)

[Rilchiam]

I'm pretty sure that's The Marcels on the intro.

Aye, lad, I think you're right!

[Quasimodem]

"Richard Berry"!, of course, 42fish!

I stand corrected and humbled. Eastman was the lead singer for The Kingsmen.

THIS is what happens to old rock 'n rollers, y'all.

Thank you very much for the correction!

Quasi

[Quasimodem]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97r51CdJPHk&feature=related

Long live Sha Na Na and Bowzer.

Quasi

[TriPolar]

Great.

Now I'm going to have Sha-na-na running through my head all night. :p
Not that there's anything really wrong with that. ;)
p.s. I loved their show! Must find it...

p.s.s. We sang The Blues Brother's album in jr high music class, including Rubber Biscuit. Even being from the Chicago area, I kinda doubt I would have heard that song if not for our outrageous teacher; he introduced us to all kinds of music.
And I've never, ever forgotten Rubber Biscuit. :p

I couldn't load the Barry Mann original for 'Who Put the Bomp' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14MZ8eiwcNE)last night, but here it is (after the commercial intro).

I appreciate Sha Na Na for keeping Doo Wop alive. So what if they were more of a Monkees type band? A lot of this music might have been lost if they hadn't kept it in the spotlight.

I don't know if there's a sound track available, but American Hot Wax is full of great Doo Wop, Motown, Rock&Roll, with perfomances from Screamin' Jay Hawkins and the Killer.

Thanks for reminding me of Rubber Biscuit! Every time I see the Blues Bros. I forget what Dan is singing until he gets to the Wish Sandwich.

[Freudian Slit]

There are people who LIKE Sha Na Na? And BOWZER?! I do love doo-wop but if someone asked me to think of someone who best exemplifies douchery, I'd have to go with Bowzer. Ugh.

[aceplace57]

I've always wondered if 1950's kids in New York really sang Doo-Wop on the street corners? That would be pretty cool to hear. Unfortunately, I was still in my crib at the time and wasn't allowed to crawl around outside on my own. :D

I've never heard a Doo-Wop group live. I like watching American Graffiti because of the great Doo-Wop music.

[Chefguy]

Denise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm5lc6-5LC4), Randy and The Rainbows.

[Biggirl]

The Tokens still sounding great singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCM2nJfLD-0)

My father and Uncle sang doo wop on the corner when they were young and would burst into song at a party with little prompting. This was my favorite: Bloodstone's Natural High. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1jWCEJDof4) Of course they didn't do the extended version.

[TriPolar]

There are people who LIKE Sha Na Na? And BOWZER?! I do love doo-wop but if someone asked me to think of someone who best exemplifies douchery, I'd have to go with Bowzer. Ugh.

I don't like Sha Na Na as a group, but I'd prefer them over a world with no Doo Wop at all. Bowzer was part of the TV show phase of the group, and almost a seperate act. I don't think he was at Woodstock, but its hard not to give some cred to any band that was there. Remember, it's about the music.

[pohjonen]

How the Time Flies - Jerry Wallace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qg4QfpCtU0

And/or
This Time - Troy Shondell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAp5XcTTBCQ

[Sam A. Robrin]

Oh. My. God!!!!!

There's also a gospel group known as The Kingsmen

"The King's Men" was also one of the theatrical companies Shakespeare was involved with--and I love discombobulating the scholars with discussions of "their production of Henry VIII and The Winter's Tale, not to mention the big hit they had with 'Louis, Louis' . . . "

[Quasimodem]

There are people who LIKE Sha Na Na? And BOWZER?! I do love doo-wop but if someone asked me to think of someone who best exemplifies douchery, I'd have to go with Bowzer. Ugh.

You are of course, entitled to your opinion, Freudian Slit, but what you wrote comes very close to jerkism. Take another look.

Yes, I'm a person and yes, I like Sha Na Na, and yes I like Jon (Bowzer)http://www.bowzerparty.com/bio.htm. But am I a fan of what you call "douchery" because I like the group or him?

Well, am I?

Thanks

Quasi

[FoieGrasIsEvil]

Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP_xVhNI5uM) although originally by The Chords, I prefer this version by The Crew Cuts featured in Clue: The Movie.

That's my favorite too, and since you so rudely stole it (;)) I'll go with A Teenager In Love by Dion and the Belmonts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Xvgv92GBc

And I can't believe nobody mentioned good old Duke Of Earl yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9PoUsRibtE

[Labdad]

Wow! I'm number 50, and In the Still of the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBT3oDMCWpI) by the Five Satins hasn't been mentioned?? Definitely MY favorite doo-wop.

[Turble]

Doesn't look like my favorite has been mentioned yet:

The Fleetwods - Come softly to me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgJwm9erBaQ)

[MichaelQReilly]

The Dell Vikings, Come Go with Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1eU_lDQaVM&feature=related)- recorded on a single mic in one of their basements, IIRC...

The winner.

[Johnny Angel]

Be forewarned: Just because I'm old (60), I think I think I can dominate this thread. ;)
I suspect I could give you a run for you money. I wasn't around in the good-old-days, but been following this stuff for a while now, including a lot of excellent stuff that didn't get much airplay, and especially so many previously unpublished recordings that are these days being belched out of studios. Of course, it's not a competition. =) Really, I just hope to call attention to a few things that people who like Doo-wop might want to look into.

I'll put up YouTube Links later when I'm not discretely posting from work.

First of all, if you have any interest in this stuff, let me just toss out a couple of suggestions for groups I consider essential listening:

The Clovers (http://www.uncamarvy.com/Clovers/origclovers.html) - Mostly remembered for Poison Ivy, arguably the least ass-kicking song in their catalog.
The Drifters (1950's) (http://www.uncamarvy.com/Drifters/drifters.html) - The 60's group of the same name deserves to remembered for its vocal harmonies, but it's such a tragedy that the 50's group has been forgotten by all but enthusiasts. Whether fronted by Cylde McPhatter or Johnny Moore, they produced consistently fantastic R&B.
The Earls - Though they come in right at the end of the golden era of Doo-wop, they produced a handful of pieces that are not only excellent in their own right, but which I would argue are definitive of the genre at least as far as the "whiter shade of doo-wop" was concerned.

Another favorite is
Earls - Remember Then
A little unusual because they were white.
Not unusual at all, actually. I'm particularly fond of the more R&B side of Doo-wop, but it would be hard to actually say whether there were more white groups or black groups, and some groups were in fact racially diverse, such as the Del Vikings (http://oldschoolmusiclover.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/delvikings2.jpg) or The Eternals (http://images2.makefive.com/images/entertainment/music/top-5-doo-wop-songs/the-eternals---babalu_s-wedding-day-7.jpg).

I think this fits the bill:

If I Didn't Care - The Inkspots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvwfLe6sLis)
Indeed, the Inkspots and the Mills Brothers are often treated as proto-Doo-wop, although groups like the Red Caps and the Delta Rhythm Boys deserve a mention for setting the stage.

"Buick '59" by The Medallions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZxIsaDae7M), who also sang about a '59 Volvo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUH8SE5jbI).
Funny thing about Buick '59 -- it was recorded in 1954. Sadly, the futuristic car it describes never came to be. See also Push-button Automobile.

Jim "The Curator" at the Wax Museum did a spotlite on the Medallions a couple of months ago. It seems they often did records with a car song on one side and a song about a letter on the other side. Old fans of Cecil may recall the mention of the Medallions song The Letter as the likely origin of the phrase "The pompatus of love."

"It Will Stand" - The Showmen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s45hycSkcMY)

Don't nick name it
You might as well claim it
It swept this whole wide land
Rock and roll forever will stand

The fact that this excellent rock anthem has not been playing on oldies stations all these years is a travesty. I have only recently become aware of it, though I have the vague impression that it was better known in what's known as the "Carolina Beach Music" scene, which appears to be a subculture that because of the segregated culture of the Carolinas only got exposed to R&B on the beaches.

I don't know for sure what became of them, though I think I've seen them doing the oldies circuit (county fairs, oldies station-sponsored concerts, etc).

But, Quasi...do you know where they came from?
Bowzer and Johnny Contardo still perform, sometimes together. But they're not really in on the most happening parts of the ongoing Doo-wop scene, though I have seen a YouTube vid of Bowzer introducing Kid Kyle.

There are people who LIKE Sha Na Na? And BOWZER?! I do love doo-wop but if someone asked me to think of someone who best exemplifies douchery, I'd have to go with Bowzer. Ugh.
Sha-na-na is credited with creating the 50's revival that, among other things, resulted in me getting into the music. I don't think I'm alone in that. Bauman was a classically trained musician who portrayed a character that was meant to be the 50's version of our modern Guido. I don't think he himself would claim to be a patch on Gerald Gregory of the Spaniels, but he wasn't a shabby bass man.

Of course, there's a lot I'd like to comment on with YouTube links to back me up, but that'll have to wait.

[WordMan]

Johnny Angel - you rock! Thank you for that!

Would you put Dion and the Belmonts in a doo-wop category? Dion was certainly influenced by doo-wop, but their songs are more driving and his vocal is more dominant and Elvis-influenced...

[TriPolar]

That's my favorite too, and since you so rudely stole it (;)) I'll go with A Teenager In Love by Dion and the Belmonts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Xvgv92GBc

And I can't believe nobody mentioned good old Duke Of Earl yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9PoUsRibtE

I feel shame for not putting the Duke at the top of the list. It is quintessentially Doo-Woppy.

[Johnny Angel]

Johnny Angel - you rock! Thank you for that!

Would you put Dion and the Belmonts in a doo-wop category? Dion was certainly influenced by doo-wop, but their songs are more driving and his vocal is more dominant and Elvis-influenced...
I don't think you'll find anybody to argue that Dion and the Belmonts aren't Doo-wop. Many I suspect would give them the distinction I reserve for the Earls as the quintessential representatives of the later, whiter development of the Doo-wop sound particularly associated with the Italian singers and with the Philidelphia area. If that particular sub-genre appeals to you, you may wish to check out these, which I consider outstanding:

The Four J's - Rock 'n' Roll Age (another neglected rock anthem)
Hushabye My Love - Dino and the Diplomats (remarkably I find the more recent cover by the Acapella Swingers even better than the original, for all that it is quite faithful to the feel of the original)

[randwill]

The fact that this excellent rock anthem has not been playing on oldies stations all these years is a travesty. I have only recently become aware of it, though I have the vague impression that it was better known in what's known as the "Carolina Beach Music" scene, which appears to be a subculture that because of the segregated culture of the Carolinas only got exposed to R&B on the beaches.



True. In addition to the many copies that got worn out on juke boxes and record players, It Will Stand was played by nearly every soul music cover band in the Carolinas back in the 60's. Some of us even got to play it actually backing up The Showmen at live performances. For some bands, mine included, and The Showmen themselves, this was the set closer as "It Will Stand" segued into a rousing sing-along version of Hey Baby. "I wanna' know-o-o, if you'll be my girl."

"Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. We're gonna' take a short break, we'll be right back." Great memories.

[Johnny Angel]

True. In addition to the many copies that got worn out on juke boxes and record players, It Will Stand was played by nearly every soul music cover band in the Carolinas back in the 60's. Some of us even got to play it actually backing up The Showmen at live performances. For some bands, mine included, and The Showmen themselves, this was the set closer as "It Will Stand" segued into a rousing sing-along version of Hey Baby. "I wanna' know-o-o, if you'll be my girl."

"Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. We're gonna' take a short break, we'll be right back." Great memories.
I was barely aware of The Showmen when they were mourning the passing of General Johnson a couple of months ago on Destination Doo-wop. And now I still mostly know that one song, but it features the best strategic use of a voice on the verge of cracking that I've heard since the Capris' God Only Knows.

[WordMan]

I don't think you'll find anybody to argue that Dion and the Belmonts aren't Doo-wop. Many I suspect would give them the distinction I reserve for the Earls as the quintessential representatives of the later, whiter development of the Doo-wop sound particularly associated with the Italian singers and with the Philidelphia area. If that particular sub-genre appeals to you, you may wish to check out these, which I consider outstanding:

The Four J's - Rock 'n' Roll Age (another neglected rock anthem)
Hushabye My Love - Dino and the Diplomats (remarkably I find the more recent cover by the Acapella Swingers even better than the original, for all that it is quite faithful to the feel of the original)

Cool - got it; I will check them out.

[FoieGrasIsEvil]

Johnny Angel - you rock! Thank you for that!

Would you put Dion and the Belmonts in a doo-wop category? Dion was certainly influenced by doo-wop, but their songs are more driving and his vocal is more dominant and Elvis-influenced...

I think Dion and the Belmonts are one of the best acts from that era. Songs like Runaround Sue and The Wanderer are just so...perfect. Dion has that edgy, almost snarl-ish and raspy quality to his voice that I find really appealing (like in The Wanderer when he rasps "I got my two fists of iron and I'm going nowhere"...still gets the arm-hair raised).

[WordMan]

I think Dion and the Belmonts are one of the best acts from that era. Songs like Runaround Sue and The Wanderer are just so...perfect. Dion has that edgy, almost snarl-ish and raspy quality to his voice that I find really appealing (like in The Wanderer when he rasps "I got my two fists of iron and I'm going nowhere"...still gets the arm-hair raised).

Couldn't agree more, and I hear the doo-wop all over it, and had heard Dion discuss his doo-wop background but I find his vocal more gritty than I normally associate with doo-wop so I wasn't sure...his stuff totally rocks.

[WordMan]

I don't think you'll find anybody to argue that Dion and the Belmonts aren't Doo-wop. Many I suspect would give them the distinction I reserve for the Earls as the quintessential representatives of the later, whiter development of the Doo-wop sound particularly associated with the Italian singers and with the Philidelphia area. If that particular sub-genre appeals to you, you may wish to check out these, which I consider outstanding:

The Four J's - Rock 'n' Roll Age (another neglected rock anthem)
Hushabye My Love - Dino and the Diplomats (remarkably I find the more recent cover by the Acapella Swingers even better than the original, for all that it is quite faithful to the feel of the original)

WHO THE HELL IS PLAYING GUITAR ON THAT Four J's TRACK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8NIzY6gIyw)(1 minute in)?!?!? Wow!

[FoieGrasIsEvil]

WHO THE HELL IS PLAYING GUITAR ON THAT Four J's TRACK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8NIzY6gIyw)(1 minute in)?!?!? Wow!

That's a pretty damn long solo for those days!

[FoieGrasIsEvil]

Oh yeah, and since no one else has mentioned it, my other favorite songs from that era are from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, like the ubiquitous "Walk Like A Man".

And it seems I was a little incorrect about Dion. "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer" appear to have been released after he left The Belmonts.

[Johnny Angel]

Right. Now that I have a chance to post my own links...

I like a lot of doo-wop and 50's R&B. I have the Time Life set Malt Shop Memories on my mp3 player in the car.

Another favorite is
Earls - Remember Then
A little unusual because they were white.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ-bdlPqJME
Speaking of The Earls, here's another for the sine qua non list: Never (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7MjYMvo0l4).
If you liked that, you should get a listen to the Spanish version Nunca by the Latin Lads (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMu08MjSwWs).

Songs by The Earls were also exactly the kind of thing Sha Na Na were set up do very well:

Sha Na Na - Never (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1YMH3KVTkw)
Sha Na Na - Remember Then (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfZfH33baMs)

Either Pretty Little Angel Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-hgI1aGTtg) by Curtis Lee or Little Bitty Pretty One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8PhP3yIlRw) by Thurston Harris.
Also, get a load of this:

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers - Little Bitty Pretty One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ziaIcKiOzA&feature=fvsr)
Thurston Harris - Hey Bopa Reba (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knHUJydqYx0)

Who Wrote the Book of Love? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW_SKWjrE2U)
Legend has it that during recording, somebody threw a baseball or something against the back wall of the studio. They covered it with the sound of a base drum, and that worked so well that it became essential to the song. Here in this version by the modern group The Acapella Swingers, they use mouth-popping noise to take its place in an acapella arrangement:

Acapella Swingers - Book of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he7pgIBPQUk)

Well, I don't KNOW, DO they???? :)
There were definitely significant female vocalists of the Doo-wop genre. Go ahead and take your pants off, because it'll hurt less than having them blown off:

Lillian Leach & The Mellows - Smoke from Your Cigarette (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl5gF_gdsYc)
Lillian Leach & The Mellows - Loveable Lily (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACl83z8k3qo)
Capris (not the Moon-Out-Tonite guys) - God Only Knows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2xKwJ85lbA)
The Six Teens - A Casual Look (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg19rEHugZc)
The Chantels - Maybe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuUgr_-GFlc)
The Storey Sisters - Bad Motorcycle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KVotWLF6GQ)
Kathy Young - A Thousand Stars (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6OztcWULRI)

I really like the Schoolboys' Please Say You Want Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of9IUfswFIQ).

And of course, Why Do Fools Fall In Love? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUW0n2TdWs)
For the Kid Sound, you might also want to look into:
The Students - I'm So Young (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX5YPpfOINQ)
Dino & The Diplomats - I Can't Believe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm7Ww81Y2A)
Dino & the Diplomats - Hushabye My Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skNUmDMghnY)
The Kodaks - Teenager's Dream (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TMhcXMI6Jw)
Kid Kyle - I'm So Young (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOX_4lPUsRY)

The Orioles, It's Too Soon To Know (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1q7xXXVoCY) ...
There is a lot of good stuff in the Orioles' catalog.

The Orioles - Crying in the Chapel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp1B9QtdNXA)

The Dell Vikings, Come Go with Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1eU_lDQaVM&feature=related)- recorded on a single mic in one of their basements, IIRC...
A very nice take on the song, though you should also listen to the original:

The Federals - Come Go with Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R7GG72rM1s)

I think this fits the bill:

If I Didn't Care - The Inkspots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvwfLe6sLis)
Here's another that Doo-wop fans should be familiar with:

Ink Spots - Java Jive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6IUqrFHjw)
Ink Spots - My Prayer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7KJCns5v3g) (you may recall the Platters' version -- I think of the Platters as an Ink Spots cover band)

Blue Angel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BjRvLzG0Bg) (the incomparable Roy Orbison)
This modern group does a sweet cover of another Roy Orbison tune:

The Del Prince - Lana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWKAlzCh5fg)

"Buick '59" by The Medallions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZxIsaDae7M), who also sang about a '59 Volvo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUH8SE5jbI).
The Medallions - Push Button Automobile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWP1oE0Zg8&feature=related)
The Medallions - Coup De Ville Baby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdLq-wvvWGM)

Surprised that "Angel Baby" by Rosie and the Originals hasn't made the list. My stone fave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LjxfNxbZM4

Haunting and beautiful. Small trivia fact. Rosie disappeared. Never to be heard from again. One song and gone.
Well, she had one hit, but she had other gems:
Rosie & The Originals - Lonely Blue Nights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZGIcC9CoyQ)
Rosie and the Originals - A Thousand Stars in the Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7-GHjlo6Bw&feature=related)

And of course, if you liked Rosie, you'll probably also like Kathy Young:

Kathy Young & the Innocents - Angel Baby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1CjbMvwu3g)
Kathy Young & the Innocents - Sparkle and Shine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwAaNcxV7dI)

Frankie Lymon, Why Do Fools Fall In Love. I have this burned on a CD out in my car (with other oldies) and I play it on a regular basis and never get tired of it. (Whatever happened to those oldies on the oldies radio station? They've all been retired to bin of history, with ragtime and swing.)
Hell, my oldies station never even played these:

Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers - The ABCs of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gp71EcmONk)
Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGmXb1xenrQ)
Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers - Glow Worm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9X-vue7YG8)

[Johnny Angel]

[QUOTE=Quasimodem;13207281]finger on the trigger:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0_2Z3pPNM8/QUOTE]
I've said plenty already, of course, but this is a particularly interesting case. Many attempts to reproduce the doo-wop sound-and-feel even by the original artists, fail. Yet this piece, which is unmistakably 70's soul in its sound is also unmistakably doo-wop. Further, it has a feature that I associate with country music -- beating its central metaphor to death. It's a fascinating case.

[Biggirl]

No! Don't die thread!

I am a sucker for the slow and romantic. The Dells. Stay In My Corner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0toXDKMgHQ).

[samclem]

A very nice take on the song, though you should also listen to the original:

The Federals - Come Go with Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R7GG72rM1s)

How is this not a later "cover" on the original song by the Del Vikings?

[from_a_to_z]

...other gems...Rosie and the Originals - A Thousand Stars Thanks muchly Johnny Angel for all the melodic links. If I could pick a(nother) nit, your link sounds to me more like Kathy Young & The Innocents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK3VjAmv_yY sounds more to me like Rosie & The Originals.

Thanks muchly also for the Latin Lads. Here are Los Cinco Latinos with Estela Raval, doing "La hora del crepúsculo":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VswiTn7EWoo

The El Dorados doing "I'll Be Forever Loving You":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VTFnnXaXn8

Skeeter Davis doing "I Can't Stay Mad At You":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbUQYxfDSxQ

[TriPolar]

Legend has it that during recording, somebody threw a baseball or something against the back wall of the studio. They covered it with the sound of a base drum, and that worked so well that it became essential to the song. Here in this version by the modern group The Acapella Swingers, they use mouth-popping noise to take its place in an acapella arrangement:

Acapella Swingers - Book of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he7pgIBPQUk)

That sounds like doo wop. It was an art form based on street corner music, from kids with no instruments to make music with. They used the doo-wops, hand claps, and ad hoc drumming instead. And the best music still carried these basics into the studios. Plenty of doo-wop has been covered with orchestral music and the finest voices, but the gritty quality of the basics give it character. I prefer the original recordings, tinny and gritty sometimes, to the 'higher quality' covers. The Duke of Earl is one of those doo wop basics because it doesn't require great singing ability. The 'duke-duke-duke' is a timing thing, and the lyrics don't require great range. And any group of people with a little ability can do an entertaining rendition.

[Johnny Angel]

How is this not a later "cover" on the original song by the Del Vikings?
That's entirely on the basis of the fact that the DJ I first heard play it said so. Now that you've called me on it, I checked:

Wikipedia has it from the Del Vikings in 1956 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_Go_with_Me)
This web site's page on The Federals says their version came out in 1957 (http://www.blogg.org/blog-65325-billet-1236862.html)

So, it looks like I should have fact-checked it. Sorry about that.

Say, here's one thing I didn't get around to mentioning previously: The Coasters. They're mostly remembered these days for Yakity Yak, Poison Ivy and Charlie Brown, and so are seen as a kind of novelty act (and indeed there was generally a lot of playfulness in their music), they were really an R&B group to be reckoned with.

First of all, they split off from The Robins, which was also a group that also did a bunch of Leiber & Stoller tunes. If you search for Smokey Joe's Cafe on YouTube, you'll get a lot of performances of varying quality of the Leiber/Stoller broadway show somebody turned out a few years ago. But you can find a few other of their records on YouTube:

Robins - Cherry Lips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JThZCnjSQs&feature=related)
Robins - Since I First Met You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf-7HlHkNnA&feature=related)
Unfortunately, I don't see the one you really want to hear: A Fool Such as I. After hearing this, I just get so annoyed that the Elvis version is so much more famous. You can hear it if you go to the Vintage Vocal Group Harmony Shows Archive (http://www.vocalgroupharmony.com/vghs_wma.htm) and download program #408 (http://www.group-harmony.com/VGHS-WMA/vghs_408.wmv). The song I mentioned starts up about 1:20, and the rest is golden as well.

Also, that same website (http://www.vocalgroupharmony.com/) has other downloadable/streamable Vocal Harmony shows. It's quite an education.

Anyway, in addition to the songs you may already know from The Coasters, you'll want to see if you can find the following, though there is a surprising dearth of this stuff on YouTube:

The Coasters - Brazil
The Coasters - That is Rock and Roll (here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ayjN22uF4Y&feature=related) a cover by a Japanese band called The Checkers)
The Coasters - Shopping for Clothes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XetJMlt3-l4&feature=related)
The Coasters - Three Cool Cats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJJtX0JaROs)
The Coasters - Hey Sexy (the slightly dirty version of Lovey, which is only available on YouTube in a crappy alt take (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plsHw83VuxE))

Really, you might as well listen to any Coasters and Robins you can get your hands on.

[Johnny Angel]

That sounds like doo wop. It was an art form based on street corner music, from kids with no instruments to make music with. They used the doo-wops, hand claps, and ad hoc drumming instead. And the best music still carried these basics into the studios. Plenty of doo-wop has been covered with orchestral music and the finest voices, but the gritty quality of the basics give it character. I prefer the original recordings, tinny and gritty sometimes, to the 'higher quality' covers. The Duke of Earl is one of those doo wop basics because it doesn't require great singing ability. The 'duke-duke-duke' is a timing thing, and the lyrics don't require great range. And any group of people with a little ability can do an entertaining rendition.
Yeah, I really prefer acapella where I can find it. And in fact, I like vocal harmony of multiple eras, though too many singers will tend to wreck it. For example, there seems to be a creature out there called a "Jazz Vocal Choir" that feasts on the souls of good songs and does a macabre dance in their skins. Consider Trickle, Trickle by the Videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV99GJg0tvA). Now prepare yourself:

Crapier by the Dozen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcInQjmVIfI)
Thirty? Forty? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVBrsus6cHY&feature=related)

My guess is that some commonly used book or curriculum for high school choir has Trickle, Trickle in it, so choirs across the country are murdering the tune as something for a bunch of kids to cut their teeth on. Well, it's got to be something, but come on! Isn't that what the Cole Porter songbook is for?

Yet, I've been much happier with the renderings of Duke of Earl you get on YouTube from random groups:

Ridgefield Quartet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkBXDSmts6c)
UCapella (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0W3k_7nToo&feature=related)
Some Kids With a Hat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtDvu4YGvKg&feature=related)

I have no idea what it is about Duke of Earl that it brings out more tollerable YouTube vids. My theory is that a young man can really strut about and get his ego into it. But perhaps as you say it doesn't require a lot of talent. Still, I think charisma would still go a long way.

[TriPolar]

Yeah, I really prefer acapella where I can find it. And in fact, I like vocal harmony of multiple eras, though too many singers will tend to wreck it. For example, there seems to be a creature out there called a "Jazz Vocal Choir" that feasts on the souls of good songs and does a macabre dance in their skins. Consider Trickle, Trickle by the Videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV99GJg0tvA). Now prepare yourself:

Crapier by the Dozen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcInQjmVIfI)
Thirty? Forty? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVBrsus6cHY&feature=related)

My guess is that some commonly used book or curriculum for high school choir has Trickle, Trickle in it, so choirs across the country are murdering the tune as something for a bunch of kids to cut their teeth on. Well, it's got to be something, but come on! Isn't that what the Cole Porter songbook is for?


Yeah, the Pat Boone effect. There oughta be a law.


Yet, I've been much happier with the renderings of Duke of Earl you get on YouTube from random groups:

Ridgefield Quartet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkBXDSmts6c)
UCapella (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0W3k_7nToo&feature=related)
Some Kids With a Hat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtDvu4YGvKg&feature=related)

I have no idea what it is about Duke of Earl that it brings out more tollerable YouTube vids. My theory is that a young man can really strut about and get his ego into it. But perhaps as you say it doesn't require a lot of talent. Still, I think charisma would still go a long way.

Great Links! I loved UCapella singin' in the stairwell. Reminds me of high school. I realized then that doing your own renditions of Alice Cooper wasn't going to work out too well. I should have said it was a young man's thing. A song that basically says 'Look at me! I am great! Don't you want to be my girl?'. And charisma is that thing that's more than a voice or timing that makes an entertainer great.

[Lute Skywatcher]

Something relatively recent but in the Doo-Wop realm: "The Birth of Christ" by Boyz II Men (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlYRqcknVV0).

[Shadowfyre]

Best. Thread. Ever.

I can't wait to read it when I get home and can get access to YouTube but they blocked access to that here at work. Hence, you'll have to do your own YouTube searches if you want to hear any of these.

Although mentioned before, I think The Capris' There's a Moon Out Tonight is one of my favoritest Doo Wop songs.

I have two versions of Silhouettes on the Shade by the Rays, the original and a version labeled simply as "Silhouettes" in my playlist which is newer and has (I think) tighter vocals. I just realized that the newer version might be by The Nylons.

Phil Phillops & The Twilights - Sea of Love
Little Anthony & The Imperials - Tears on My Pillow
The Marcels - Blue Moon

I even have some new* Doo Wop songs:

BoyZ II Men were always good for some new Doo Wop.
Huey Lewis & The News - Naturally
Huey Lewis & The News - It's Alright (not to be confused with "But It's Alright" which is also a good song, but not Doo Wop)
Billy Joel - For the Longest Time
Billy Joel - River of Dreams (might be more gospel, but could easily pulled off as Doo Wop)
Frank Stallone - Take You Back (Yes, that Stallone. The song was featured in Rocky 2)
All 4 One does a good version of So Much In Love. I've heard it used in many weddings since the last verse is about getting married.



*"New" meaning made after 1980.

[Lute Skywatcher]

Here's a girl group (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Delicates) in the realm of Doo-Wop:

Black & White Thunderbird (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSv-Mel47c)

Flip Flip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YOJVXOdggw)

Little Boy of Mine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXR7ZC-023Y)

[Zelski]

I've got two I want to mention.

First off, the Platters are very famous for lots of good songs, but I feel that their best song by far is Twilight Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWHuZa1DxrM). However, this song seems to be overshadowed in most people's minds by Only You (and You Alone), The Great Pretender, the Magic Touch, or Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, none of which are as nearly as beautiful. Most of my friends under age 35 have never heard Twilight Time probably because it doesn't get as much airplay even on Oldies stations. I am told by friends in the Cincinnati area that this song has been defiled as a jingle for the Skyline Chili fast food chain.

The other song I want to mention is not nearly so famous: the Jarmels singing A Little Bit of Soap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauF-y5-7X4). Great backup sounds, three verses, and an awesome reprise of the third verse with heart-rending lead vocals all packed into about two minutes.

[samclem]

I've got two I want to mention.

First off, the Platters are very famous for lots of good songs, but I feel that their best song by far is Twilight Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWHuZa1DxrM). However, this song seems to be overshadowed in most people's minds by Only You (and You Alone), The Great Pretender, the Magic Touch, or Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, none of which are as nearly as beautiful. Most of my friends under age 35 have never heard Twilight Time probably because it doesn't get as much airplay even on Oldies stations. I am told by friends in the Cincinnati area that this song has been defiled as a jingle for the Skyline Chili fast food chain.

The other song I want to mention is not nearly so famous: the Jarmels singing A Little Bit of Soap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauF-y5-7X4). Great backup sounds, three verses, and an awesome reprise of the third verse with heart-rending lead vocals all packed into about two minutes. Pretty much all there songs were great. I have most on vinyl 45's.

I'd disagree with your choice of Twilight Time. Just a personal opinion. Great Pretender was more impressive(enough to have Stan Freberg do a take-off version).

[Girl Next Door]

Love this thread! Can't wait to listen to some of these links. Carry on, folks.

[WordMan]

Here's an obscure one: The Thornton Sisters. An all-black family group who won Amateur Night at the Apollo 6 times in a row!!

Watch Your Step (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9qSfzeX9M&NR=1)
Big City Boy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtJA7aMVNJw)

I'm friends with the sax player, who is now an accomplished physician...

[Biggirl]

People who are enjoying this thread may also enjoy The Sing Off on NBC. It's a singing contest for a capella groups.

Here is last year's winner, Nota, singing All I Want For Christmas. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s1-N-_i-nA)

This year I'm behind The Talk of the Town.

[gonzomax]

Yakkety Yak
Young Blood
My Prayer
Bo Diiddley
Bristol Stomp
Great Pretender
Rama Lama Ding Dong
16 Candles
Life Could be a Dream
Come Softly to me
Get a Job
I was my time.

[Johnny Angel]

Here's a girl group (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Delicates) in the realm of Doo-Wop:

Black & White Thunderbird (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSv-Mel47c)

Flip Flip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YOJVXOdggw)

Little Boy of Mine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXR7ZC-023Y)
Well, it's vocal harmony anyway. Doo-wop is generally considered a sub genre of Rock 'n' Roll. If you like Doo-wop, chances are you're going to like small-group vocal harmony in general. And it's true, right? This clean, sweet completely unsexualized, unrebellious, totally white sound does have the difference that makes people talk about Doo-wop instead of Rock 'n' Roll.

I've got two I want to mention.

First off, the Platters are very famous for lots of good songs, but I feel that their best song by far is Twilight Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWHuZa1DxrM). However, this song seems to be overshadowed in most people's minds by Only You (and You Alone), The Great Pretender, the Magic Touch, or Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, none of which are as nearly as beautiful.
I can hardly fault your choice here, but I would still pick out Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GizJz6BUBkI) as the best of the Platters. And I can still summon from my childhood an amazement at what a good song it is. However, I am always bugged by the line "Laughing friends deride/Tears I cannot hide." You get that in old songs -- friends laughing at your pain. Were friends just assholes in the 50's?

The other song I want to mention is not nearly so famous: the Jarmels singing A Little Bit of Soap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauF-y5-7X4). Great backup sounds, three verses, and an awesome reprise of the third verse with heart-rending lead vocals all packed into about two minutes.
I'm not sure even the Platters are famous anymore. I heard a DJ the other day say that his kids probably didn't know the song Sh-boom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBgQezOF8kY), but his grandkids did because of the movie Cars. In addition to being an exemplar of the genre, it was the first song I ever heard suggested as "The First Rock 'n' roll Record". But this stuff is just slipping out of the collective consciousness.

While this thread is still active, let me call attention to a group that I was not aware of and which never got play even during the surge of interest in Doo-wop of the 80's even on oldies radio: The Nutmegs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nutmegs). For a group that produced some of the most astonishing harmonies of the Doo-wop era is too bizarre to be tragic -- if you have not heard of the Nutmegs, I submit that alien visitations, if they turned out to be true, would be less astonishing than the fact that you have never heard of the Nutmegs. But maybe you'll recognize one of these more often anthologized pieces:

The Nutmegs - Story Untold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBigCIKjce8)
The Nutmegs - A Ship of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go1xp5Sad1M)

But for the rest, I'll skip the stuff that's merely, in my opinion, good. This is the stuff I think you should be aware of. In a word, "Damn."

The Nutmegs - My Sweet Dream (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5xbocOOcRI&feature=related)
The Nutmegs - Down in Mexico (acapella) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Q-Q_-rvtw&feature=related) - from vinyl.
The Nutmegs - Hello (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0im4yO6RnA&feature=related) - not as good as the acapella version which I don't see on YouTube
The Nutmegs - Shifting Sands (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iTdHGpT1KM&feature=related) - A 1972 Acapella recording that surprisingly rivals the earlier recording. Damn.
The Nutmegs - The Way Love Should Be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrSaD88_xJk&feature=related) - there's an acapella version out there, but even this version, damn.
The Nutmegs - Let me Tell You (acapella) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EghkNTanH9o)
The Nutmegs - You're Crying (acapella) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym2tqd0gyK4)

Sadly, I can't find Wide Hoop Skirt on YouTube at all.