/r/doowop
As a musical genre, doo-wop features vocal group harmony with the musical qualities of many vocal parts, nonsense syllables, a simple beat, sometimes little or no instrumentation, and simple music and lyrics. It is ensemble single artists appearing with a backing group. Solo billing usually implies an individual is more prominent in the musical arrangement.
The name Doo-wop is given to a style of vocal-based rhythm and blues music that developed in African American communities in the 1940s and achieved mainstream popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s.
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/r/doowop
The Cadillacs were a Rock and Roll and Doo-Wop group originating from Harlem, New York. The band got its start as "The Carnations" in 1953 with founding members Earl Carroll (lead vocalist), Bobby Phillips whose family took in Carroll after his mother passed away when young, Lavern Drake (bass vocalist), and Gus Willingham. When the band had gained notoriety from performing at local school functions and other events, they would eventually be noticed by Esther Navarro, a secretary for the Shaw Artist Agency. Prior to the audition, James "Poppa" Clark was added to round out the band and due to the name "The Carnations" already being used by another band, "The Cadillacs" name was born. The band would start recording in July 1954, but the original lineup was short lived when Willingham and Clark left, but replacements were found in Earl Wade and Charles Brooks.
The group continued to do well and gain popularity through 1954 and 1955 until they had they're big hit, the flip side to this song, "Speedoo" (the name coming from Earl Carroll's nickname "Speedy" on account of his slow moving demeanor). Speedoo and today's song, "Let Me Explain" were both recorded in September 1955 and released in October. Neither song moved much at first but thanks to Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed booking the group for his Christmas show, the group, complete with choreography, beat band after band in their two week run. The Freed show was also a huge turning point in the popularity and visibility of Rock and Roll, often featuring acts by performers of all races, and attracting listeners of all races as well. "Speedoo" hit the billboard chart before the R&B chart and stayed there for four months on into 1956.
Another change up happened when LaVerne Drake left and was replaced with Jimmy Bailey. Sadly, they couldn't get a follow up record hit, but they still remained one of the most heavily booked groups, well into 1957. Sadly, everything kind of fell apart from there. The group left manager and writer Esther Navarro, split into two rival groups of Cadillacs with Earl Carroll leading the "Original Cadillacs" as they were known, with Navarro and Jimmy Bailey leading the other "Cadillacs, both of which were recording on Jubilee Records and amidst the mess basically cancelled each other out. Sometime in early 1958 the groups called a truce, sort of got back together but as more of a comedic doo-wop group than the band they once were earlier in the decade...but remarkably this got them on the charts again in October 1958, reaching into the Top 40 and doing the Alan Freed competition once again.
In 1959, Earl Carroll walked away from the band he had founded and the band continued on with no more hits to speak of. They recorded on a number of labels before calling it quits in the early 1960's. Carroll would go on to join "The Coasters" in 1961 where he would stay for over 20 years. Amazing, he reformed The Cadillacs with veteran member Bobby Phillips along with Johnny Brown and Gary Lewis and kept it going through the 1980's and eventually putting out a comeback record in the early 90's. The group would be inducted in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.
There are now rules for the sub Reddit. The first rule I made after a user reported an AI generated song being posted on here by a user who spams other subreddits with AI generated songs. By the way to that user. Sorry I didn’t notice your report, i’ve been pretty busy with other stuff outside of Reddit.
Hey all! I found this song on youtube, and have not been able to find the name, artist, or anything about it online. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about it or recognizes it. Thanks in advance and have a good day!
More than just Doo Wop in here and more just 60's music. Been trying to get my friend into this era lately! He likes Dion quite a bit (went through his first 3 albums or so). Are there any songs that I'm missing that would make this a GREAT starter kit playlist? What do you think of what I have so far?
Yes I left out Motown Groups such as The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, and The Miracles as well as a group like the Four Seasons. Either their pre cursor groups were Doo Wop or they started as Doo Wop but Doo Wop was already dying out by the time they came around.
Pulled this out of a random album in an antique store and decided it needed a place on my channel. I saw the 45rpm version already posted here a year ago, but just in case people want their yearly dose of The Cadillacs, here's my 78 rpm transfer.
I probably learned more about doowop from him than any other. Sad loss and way too young.
Recorded in ‘58, released in ‘58, but didn’t really take off until it was re-released again in ‘61. That’s when it hit the charts, an all time Doo-Wop classic right here 👌🏼
He’s the one with the black hair and glasses singing bass.
Just curious if y’all had to pick one who would it be. For me I’m torn between the Five Discs and the Nutmegs. It would probably be the Nutmegs for me though cause I really enjoy their a capella stuff such as the song Shifting Sands. Comment down below your favorite.
For me, it’s many different styles of rock music (rockabilly, hard rock, folk rock..ect). Jazz, blues, soul, and video game soundtracks. I have a lot of others but ya know, you get the picture.