This beautifully-done DVD is like a History Channel documentary on the Doo-Wop phenomenon of the 1950s and 60s, starting with its streetcorner roots in cities like NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore and SF, and progressing into the recording and performance mainstream of American culture. Along the way we hear fascinating interviews with people like Ronnie (I) Italiano, DJs Don K. King and Bobby Jay, Louis Lymon (Frankie's Brother and a star in his own right), Pookie Hudson of the Spaniels (who wrote "Goodnight, Sweetheart" to his first love, not to write a hit), Earl "Speedo" Carroll of the Cadillacs, and Arlene Smith of the Chantels (who talks about being 12 years old when they scored their first hit with "Maybe"). We hear about and see vintage footage of the first Doo-Wop sex symbol, Sonny Till, The Ravens singing what arguably is the first Doo-Wop song, "Count Every Star," and the 1940s roots groups, The Deep River Boys, the butter-smooth Mills Bros. and SF's Golden Gate Quartet. We hear why and how a cappella, nonsense syllables and silly lyrics were used by poor young singers to create a full sound and "get noticed," the bombshell effect on the recording industry of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" ... I could rave on and on here, but I'll just give you the Chapter headings to give you a taste of what's here: "The Early Years," "Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers," "Romance and Innocence," "The Urban Streets," "The Girl Groups," "The Tour Bus" (which goes into the racism the mostly Northern groups encountered in the South), "The Business of Doo-Wop," "The Cadillacs" and "The End of An Era." Lots of great vintage footage here, of singers, cities, recording studios, live performances with star-studded playbills in lights-this is a sumptuous feast for the a cappella, R&B and pop music fan, as well as anyone who is interested in the amazing cultural history of the 50s and 60s. Enough said--"The Doo-Wop Sound" is a winner from beginning to end! |
