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Doo-wop

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Genre

Doo-wop is vocal harmony singing from the rhythm and blues of the 1950s. Groups of four or five singers rehearsed on street corners in cities such as New York: a lead singer, with beneath him a little chorus that sings sounds and syllables instead of words. Many doo-wop ballads are in 12/8, with a slow, swaying rhythm. The style left its traces in the girl groups, in the early Beatles and later in the backing vocals of Lauryn Hill.

Listening

Listening tip. In Earth Angel, hear the little chorus beneath the lead voice and the swaying rhythm in 12/8, in which every beat is divided in three.

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: Genres