When you think of America in the 1950's, likely at some point your mind goes to Doo-Wop.

When you think of America in the 1950’s, likely at some point your mind goes to Doo-Wop. For such short-lived popularity on the charts, Doo-Wop has lived a much more full life in nostalgia.

Doo-Wop originates from the barbershop quartets of the late 19th, early 20th centuries. Barbershop is a very specific style of singing, with its own rules, chord progressions, and vocal blending.

Doo-Wop’s beginnings come from 2 groups who modified the traditional barbershop style and created something uniquely their own.

The Ink Spots were an extremely popular group that formed in the late 1920’s. Their influence was felt so keenly that many groups formed in the late 40’s and early 50’s modeled themselves after The Ink Spots.

The other group that paved the way for what we recognize as Doo-Wop were The Mills Brothers. According to the New York Times, “The Mills Brothers’ popularity, versatility and influence were unusual in an era when black performers, like themselves, were segregated from whites. Yet their affability and musicianship made them one of the most influential singing groups in the country, winning admirers like Bing Crosby, Mel Torme and Dean Martin.

With 2,246 recordings made by 1981, their last year performing together, the Mills Brothers may have recorded more songs than anyone else. They have been awarded 36 gold records, for million sellers, and sold more than 50 million records.”

The Mills Brothers popularized simulating the sound of instruments with their voices, adding another element to the evolution of Doo-Wop.