ABSTRACT
Doo-wop, the popular name for vocal group rhythm and blues of the 1950s and early 1960s. The style generally includes the following musical qualities: group harmony; a wide range of vocal parts; nonsense syllables; a simple beat; light instrumentation; and simple music and lyrics. Above all, the focus is on ensemble singing. Single artists fit the genre only when backed by a group (the possibility that the group may not be mentioned on the record label is immaterial). Solo billing simply means that this individual is more prominently placed in the musical arrangement (e.g., Dion, Bobby Day, Thurston Harris), as opposed to typical group productions.
