Introduction to The El Dorados The El Dorados are an R&B and doo-wop vocal group from Chicago, Illinois, active during the 50s music era. Formed in 1952, they were initially labeled as “Pirkle Lee and the Five Stars,” formed by Pirkle Lee Moses Jr. Other members of the original lineup consisted of … Read more
Introduction to The Jive Five The Jive Five is an American doo-wop/R&B/soul combo that has gone through lineup changes. They were first formed in New York in the late 50s. During the early 60s music era their first single, “My True Story” gave them their first hit. The group took another shape … Read more
Introduction The Hollywood Flames were an American doo-wop/R&B vocal group formed in Los Angeles, California in 1949. The original lineup consisted of Bobby Byrd, David Ford, Curlee Dinkins, and Willie Ray Rockwell, but the lineup would frequently fluctuate. As often as their roster changes, the Hollywood Flames had also used several monickers … Read more
Introduction to The Four Knights The Four Knights had a prolific two-decade career as one of the in-demand doo-wop vocal groups especially during the 50s music era. They had performed throughout much of their career with the lineup consisting of Gene Alford (lead tenor), Oscar Broadway (bass), Clarence Dixon (baritone) and John … Read more
Introduction to the Casinos Even when the doo-wop era had long already faded during the 60s music scene, the nine-strong vocal group The Casinos managed to achieve a Top 10 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.” They came from Cincinnati, Ohio; however, the Casinos’ sound evoked of Southeastern style. The Casinos … Read more
Introduction to The Aquatones The Aquatones were a 50’s music era doo-wop group out of Valley Stream, New York. They are best known for their 1957 Fargo Records hit song (#21 Billboard Hot 100) “You,” which they wrote. The group consisted of three guys, Dave Goddard, Gene McCarthy, Larry Vannata and one … Read more
Introduction to Little Willie John William Edward John (famous as “Little Willie” because he was small and childlike, even in adulthood) was an African-American R&B singer, whose career was active in 50s music throughout the 60s music scene. He was known for hits such as “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Fever”, … Read more
Introduction to Little Joe and the Thrillers Little Joe and the Thrillers (sometimes called Little Joe Cook and the Thrillers) were an R&B/doo-woop vocal group formed by Joe Cook, who previously sang for gospel groups the Joe Cook Quartet and the Evening Star Quartet. He assembled Little Joe and the Thrillers along … Read more
What is a One-Hit Wonder? Even though many musicians had Top 50 hits, MTV classics, or Rock Radio hits, the songs and their performers had to have reached the Top 40 lists with just one song. Anything less qualifies them as a One-Hit Wonder. There are some arguments here, like in the … Read more
The 1960s is probably the most phenomenal decade when it comes to music — there’s the British Invasion, folk and protest songs movement, the psychedelia and the large-scale festivals that promoted peace and love. But before 1964, American music was still reminiscent of the styles and sounds of the previous decade — … Read more
Introduction to Hank Ballad and the Midnighters Hank Ballard and The Midnighters began in the early 1950’s as a doo wop group named The Royals. The group consisted and had several future stars, such as Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Freddie Pride and Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, perform in the … Read more
Introduction to The Fireflies The Fireflies were a 50s music-era American doo-wop/R&B vocal group whose career lasted ten years (about 1957-1967). As to where they were formed is still a matter of uncertainty. Some sources say that they started in Long Island, New York; others cite that they hailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. … Read more