The Ultimate Sounds of Doo-Wop and Street Corner Harmony

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College launches its 2012-2013 American Classics series with The Ultimate Sounds of Doo-Wop and Street Corner Harmony, a concert of chart-topping artists including Fred Parris and The Satins (“In the Still of the Night”), The Legendary Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”), The Chiffons with original lead singer Judy Mann (“One Fine Day”), The Original Tymes (“So Much In Love”), and Barbara Harris and the Toys (“Lovers Concerto”), hosted by WCBS-FM 101.1’s “Broadway” Bill Lee on Saturday, November 17 at 8pm.

Considered an integral part of the development of rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop was created in the early 1950s by African American teenagers in urban areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Unable to afford the musical instruments necessary to form rock ‘n’ roll bands, these teens mimicked the instrumental backing with their voices, incorporating tight harmonies, simple rhythms and nonsense syllables to create doo-wop’s signature sound. The first doo-wop groups were a cappella, which allowed them to rehearse almost anywhere. City street corners were popular places for groups to practice and try to gain notoriety.