This doo-wop vocal quartet was formed in Queens, New York, USA, in 1954, originally named simply the Hearts. Three of the band members, Albert Crump (lead), Wally Roker (bass) and Vernon Seavers (baritone), met while attending Woodrow Wilson High Sch…

This R&B vocal group was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, in 1952. If there were any group that best signalled the birth of rock 'n' roll - by which R&B emerged out of its black subculture into mainstream teen culture - it was the Moonglows. The group…

This white vocal doo-wop quintet comprised of members drawn from two Pittsburgh, USA groups. Jimmy Beaumont (lead vocals), Wally Lester (tenor) and Jackie Taylor (bass) had sung with the Crescents, while Janet Vogel and Joe VerScharen (baritone) were…

This vocal quintet, initially called the Carnations, was formed in 1953 in New York, USA, and consisted of Earl Carroll (b. Gregory Carroll, 2 November 1937, New York City, New York, USA), LaVerne Drake, Bobby Phillips, Johnny Willingham and James "P…

One of the final Italian doo wop groups to make a wave in the early 60s the Duprees were in some senses not a rock roll act at all They relied on updates of pre-rock pop standards for most of their material dressed up in classy big band arrangements…

An R&B vocal group formed in 1953 in Harlem, New York City, New York, USA. The members were lead Willie Winfield, first tenor Nick Clark, second tenor William Dempsey, baritone Bill "Dicey" Galloway, bass Billy Brown and pianist/arranger Raoul J. Cit…

This vocal ensemble was formed in 1952 in Gary, Indiana, USA. The Spaniels were universally recognized as one of the great R&B vocal harmony groups of the 50s, whose magnificent body of work was not truly reflected in their moderate chart success. Th…

This R&B vocal group from Brooklyn, New York, USA, consisted of Jimmy Weston (lead), Johnny Lee (first tenor), Willie Ephraim (second tenor), Nathaniel McCune (baritone) and Roosevelt Mays (bass). In 1957, the Danleers signed with composer/manager Da…

This R&B vocal group, formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1951, was renowned for producing the tightest and most gorgeous harmonies of the rock 'n' roll era. For much of their history they consisted of Zeke Carey (b. 24 January 1933, Bluefield, Virg…

Formed in the mid-50s in Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA, the Elegants were a white doo-wop group. They achieved a US number 1 single, "Little Star", in 1958, only to disappear from the charts permanently thereafter. The group was compris…

This R&B vocal group came from New York City, New York, USA. James Sheppard (b. c.1936, Queens, New York, USA, d. 24 January 1970, Long Island, New York, USA) was lead and songwriter successively for two R&B groups, the Heartbeats and Shep And The Li…

Formed in 1955 in Newark, New Jersey, USA, the Monotones recorded one of the most memorable doo-wop novelty songs of the 50s, "Book Of Love". The group was a sextet, Warren Davis, George Malone, Charles Patrick, Frank Smith, and John and Warren Ryane…

Formed in Newark, New Jersey, USA, c.1958, the Fiestas were known for their R&B hit "So Fine", released on Old Town Records the following year. The group consisted of Tommy Bullock (lead vocals), Eddie Morris (tenor), Sam Ingalls (baritone) and Prest…

Regarded as the first true "girl group", this New York vocal quintet - Arlene Smith (b. 5 October 1941, New York, USA), Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Lois Harris and Jackie Landry - were all members of a high-school choir when they auditioned for produce…

Bronx-based doo-wop foursome The Halos enjoyed a modest hit in 1961 with the song Nag but they were more widely heard as a back-up group working with other artists of the late 1950s and early 60s Al Cleveland Arthur Crier Phil Johnson and Harold Jo…

Little Anthony the Imperials enjoyed one of the longest career runs of any doo wop group adapting their honey-smooth style to fit the sweet uptown soul sound of the mid-60s Right from the beginning Little Anthonys aching way with a ballad was the gr…

Formed in Passaic, New Jersey, USA, the Shirelles are arguably the archetypal "girl-group"; Shirley Owens (b. 10 June 1941, Passaic, New Jesey, USA), Beverly Lee (b. 3 August 1941), Doris Kenner (b. Doris Coley, 2 August 1941, North Carolina, USA, d.…

Chicago harmony group the Dells are not only one of the most influential of all R&B vocal groups, but also one of the longest lasting, with all the original members remaining together through five decades. Though they began in the doo-wop era (as the…