The evolution of vocal music (doo wop) into rock is IMHO one of the most critical (and interesting) developments in the evolution of rock 'n' roll. The Beatles made it pretty clear that they viewed Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys as a kind of "guru" in re-intrepreting Chuck Berry'stripped down formula into the template that they would work within (and bust thru) in crafting their own catalog. Wilson was probably the best example of an artist who merged doo-wop style vocals into rock. There were, however, many others.
In the Southeast, Allen Toussaint was doing something quite similar, only without the lunatic production vision that Brian Wilson possessed. The results were compelling in their own way - check out The Showmen ("It Will Stand") for a great example.
Steve Cropper is about to release a record (due this August) of music by The 5 Royales. In a recent interview that I saw with Cropper, he explained that Lowman Pauling was a key influence for him - and, by extension, the entire operation at Stax/Volt.
As you've probably guessed, this subject is of some interest to me. If you're reasonably broad minded and love rock 'n'roll, you might just find that an exploration of the whole doo-wop/girl group genre could prove quite rewarding.
Marty
In the Southeast, Allen Toussaint was doing something quite similar, only without the lunatic production vision that Brian Wilson possessed. The results were compelling in their own way - check out The Showmen ("It Will Stand") for a great example.
Steve Cropper is about to release a record (due this August) of music by The 5 Royales. In a recent interview that I saw with Cropper, he explained that Lowman Pauling was a key influence for him - and, by extension, the entire operation at Stax/Volt.
As you've probably guessed, this subject is of some interest to me. If you're reasonably broad minded and love rock 'n'roll, you might just find that an exploration of the whole doo-wop/girl group genre could prove quite rewarding.
Marty