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Silhouettes

Music by Bob Crewe

Originally Performed by The Rays

In May 1957, songwriter Bob Crewe saw a couple embracing through a windowshade as he passed on a train. He quickly set about turning the image into a song. Frank Slay, who owned the small Philadelphia record label XYZ with Crewe, added lyrics, and they soon had a complete song ready to record. The story has frequently been reported that Slay heard The Rays audition for Cameo-Parkway Records, for which he worked, and immediately decided that they were the perfect group for "Silhouettes". However, Slay and Crewe were actually already familiar with the group, as "Silhouettes" was their third single with them.

The song received a break when popular local disc jockey Hy Lit fell asleep with a stack of newly released records on his record player. "Silhouettes" happened to be the last to play, and so it repeated until he woke up. He began to play the song on his show. It became popular enough that Cameo-Parkway picked it up for national distribution, and it eventually reached number 3 on Billboard Top 100, while also hitting the top five on both the sales and airplay charts. It was the group's only top 40 hit

    Release Date: 1957


Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-17 of 17 items.


Close Harmony For Men : <span style="color:red;">Silhouettes</span> - 4 Charts and Parts CD : TTBB : Sheet Music & Parts CD : 884088138622 : 08746911

Close Harmony For Men : Silhouettes - 4 Charts and Parts CD

'Silhouettes' was a hit single by the Rays in 1957. Tom Gentry's arrangement is an audience pleaser that can incorporate visual enhancements such as sunglasses, leather jackets, and choreography. Be sure to let the 'doo-wop' swing feeling be natural and unrushed, with hte melody always prominent in the texture. Keep the diction clear and precise so that the audience can understand the humor of the story on the text 'you're on the wrong block.' Feel free to experiment with the smoothness of the bass line by having the section sing on an open vowel such as 'du' rather than 'dm.' Four copies of the sheet music arrangement plus a CD featuring the full performance plus part-predominant tracks (Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass), sung with lyrics.

Songlist: Silhouettes, CD features part-predominant tracks, sung with lyrics., Full Performance, Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 9536b | Sheet Music & Parts CD | $19.95 | A Cappella


Deke Sharon : Contemporary A Cappella Songbook I : SATB : Songbook : 073999416497 : 0793595290 : 08741649

Deke Sharon : Contemporary A Cappella Songbook I

Designed to be introductory primers for high school or other beginning groups, the Contemporary A Cappella Association Songbooks nonetheless adhere to a fine musical standard (unlike some beginning arrangements, which can be watered down and unsatisfying). There are informative performance notes and recommendations for transposing parts, to permit performance by all male or female ensembles. In addition, a discography suggests definitive recordings of these popular songs, which can help facilitate the learning process and educate the ear. Easy to use, the CASA songbooks are an excellent resource.

Songlist: Good Old Acapella, Under the Boardwalk, In the Still of the Nite (I'll Remember), Only You (And You Alone), Zombie Jamboree (Back to Back), Silhouettes, The Longest Time, Up On The Roof, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

More details
Voicing: SATB | 1002b | Songbook | $11.95 | A Cappella


Roger Emerson : Classic Pops for Guys : TTBB : Songbook : 888680609689 : 00157711

Roger Emerson : Classic Pops for Guys

Develop enthusiasm and skill with this value packed collection for men's chorus that will add to your repertoire and be fun to rehearse! Includes: ABC (The Jackson 5), The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Tokens), Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson), Pretty Little Angel Eyes (Curtis Lee), Silhouettes (The Rays).

Songlist: ABC, Silhouettes, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Man In The Mirror, Pretty Little Angel Eyes

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 4432b | Songbook | $3.95


Various Arrangers : Sing In The Barbershop Quartet - Rock In Harmony  : TTBB : Songbook & 1 CD : 884088270414 : 1423461800 : 00333014

Various Arrangers : Sing In The Barbershop Quartet - Rock In Harmony

These great collections let men sing four-part a cappella harmony with a professionally recorded barbershop quartet. The books include TTBB parts and the CDs feature full performances. Just turn on the CD, open the book, pick your part, and sing along!

Songlist: Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Happy Together, Hello Mary Lou, In My Room, The Longest Time, Silhouettes, Under the Boardwalk

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 5473b | Songbook & 1 CD | $14.95 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Doo Wop Barbershop : TTBB : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Doo Wop Barbershop

What a fascinating blend of two great uniquely American styles of vocal harmony! 'Silhouettes' was a hit single by the Rays in 1957. Tom Gentry's arrangement is an audience pleaser that can incorporate visual enhancements such as sunglasses, leather jackets, and choreography. Be sure to let the 'doo-wop' swing feeling be natural and unrushed, when the audience can understand the humor of the story on the text 'you're on the wrong block.' Feel free to experiment with the smoothness of the bass line by having the section sing on an open vowel such as 'du' rather than 'dm.' "Under the Boardwalk." has become one of the most recognized popular songs ever recorded. Allow the syncopated rhythms to sound free and agile while maintaining a god connected flow to the singing. These songs will add a cool touch of nostalgia to your repertoire and are surefire audience pleasers.

Songlist: Under the Boardwalk, Silhouettes, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Crazy Little Thing Called Love

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 6055b | Sheet Music Collection | $7.95 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Men's Doo-wop : TTBB : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Men's Doo-wop

Doo wop a cappella has influenced so much of today's sound and here we present some cool arrangements of some of the all-time classics. Here is Ed Lojeski rendition of The Nylons hit "Silhouettes" which has an irresistible energy and drive that make this an audience favorite! "Under The Boardwalk", the 1964 classic hit by the Drifters, should be in every group's repertoire as should the 1962 Gene Chandler hit "Duke of Earl". Would you believe the '50s hit "Book of Love" was inspired by a toothpaste commercial? It's a terrific male parody on "how to keep your girl" put in an a cappella "street-style" setting and the Boyz 11 Men version of "Under The Boardwalk" is bound to be a crowd pleaser!

Songlist: Under the Boardwalk, Book of Love, Duke of Earl, In the Still of the Nite, Silhouettes

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 8710b | Sheet Music Collection | $10.45 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Doo Wop Barbershop for Ladies : SSAA : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Doo Wop Barbershop for Ladies

Here's a great collection of 1950's doo wop classics that will add a touch of nostalgia to your concert. Smooth a cappella harmonies will delight your audience and the arrangements are super fun to rehearse and perform.

Songlist: Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, In The Still of the Nite, Sh-boom, Silhouettes

More details
Voicing: SSAA | 9944b | Sheet Music Collection | $12.95 | A Cappella


Close Harmony For Men : <span style="color:red;">Silhouettes</span> - Parts CD : TTBB : Parts CD : 884088138639 : 08746912

Close Harmony For Men : Silhouettes - Parts CD

'Silhouettes' was a hit single by the Rays in 1957. Tom Gentry's arrangement is an audience pleaser that can incorporate visual enhancements such as sunglasses, leather jackets, and choreography. Be sure to let the 'doo-wop' swing feeling be natural and unrushed, with hte melody always prominent in the texture. Keep the diction clear and precise so that the audience can understand the humor of the story on the text 'you're on the wrong block.' Feel free to experiment with the smoothness of the bass line by having the section sing on an open vowel such as 'du' rather than 'dm.' The CD features part-predominant tracks, sung with lyrics.

Songlist: Silhouettes, Part-predominant CD, Full Performance, Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 9536c | Parts CD | $14.95 | A Cappella


Ac Rock : U R What U R : 1 CD

Ac Rock : U R What U R

Ah, sweet rock 'n roll! Say what? Yes, "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" (CCNY) is sweet. "Silhouettes" takes us back in time to the stone age of rock. A rap/reggae intro to "Get Off Of My Cloud" makes it into an original all over again. Bob Dylan is here.You won't even know its "Like A Rolling Stone" until a minute or so has passed. The Beatles are here. OK, lets go out with one of the intriguing tunes in rock n' roll, "Bohemian Rhapsody". Four singers with great voices and unusually fine arranging skills apply themselves to the world of rock with grand results.

Songlist: Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Silhouettes, Get Off My Cloud, More Than Words, Break My Stride, Like A Rolling Stone, Things We Said Today, Carry On Wayward Son, Bohemian Rhapsody

More details
2765c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


The Alley Cats : Strike 3 : 1 CD

The Alley Cats : Strike 3

If butter melts in your mouth, the Alley Cats arrangement of 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' will melt in your mind! It is beautiful, smooth, and just melts away the bands of every day tensions from around the heart. Then you'll just have to swoon to one of the sweetest versions of 'Only You' which you will ever hear. Thank goodness they launch into a upbeat 'Blue Moon' or you would end up in a emotional puddle on the floor! If you ever were touched by the romantic songs of the fifties and sixties (and a sound alike or two from the seventies), this recording is for you. Frankly, we've never heard a better recording of era's music. The voices are beautiful, the slides into falsetto breaks is seamless, and the arrangements keep true to the originals while filling out the instrumental parts with vocals. The Alley Cats have presented all of the greatest songs of an era, 'Silhouettes,' 'Twilight Time,' 'Earth Angel,' 'Stand By Me,' and more, sixteen cuts in all. The tempos and arrangements vary so you never become complacent and let a tune slide by out of predictability, but rather have to pay attention to each sweet riff. We gush, we enthuse, and we have only this to add, 'yip yip yip yip, mum mum mum mum, get a job!' With your first paycheck be sure to get the Alley Cats, 'Strike 32.'

Songlist: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Only You (And You Alone), Blue Moon, So In Love, Rockin' Robin, Silhouettes, Twilight Time, Stand By Me, Get A Job, Earth Angel, I Really Love You, Remember, Little Bitty Pretty One, At the Hop / Jump Jive 'n Wail, I Wonder Why, You Belong To Me

More details
2570c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


Brylcream : Street Corner Bop : 1 CD

Brylcream : Street Corner Bop

Pull up a street corner and enjoy the tight, sweet harmonies of Brylcream, from Naples, Florida, which is John 'Wopp' Mina, Richie Beattie, Tom 'Cool-T' Welter, 'Billy D' Louth, and Randy 'Rep' Porter. All covers, several nicely arranged by John Mina. Some favorites: 'Trickle, Trickle,' 'Duke of Earl,' 'Bring It On Home,' 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,' 'Silhouettes,' 'All Shook Up,' 'In The Still of the Night,' and 'Gloria.' The obligatory warning for purists: about half of the songs are accompanied by the 'Lords of Cool.' But make no mistake, Brylcream sings them slick, smooth & creamy, and a 'Little Dab' didn't do us - we want more!

Songlist: Dr. Doo Wop Album Intro, Trickle, Trickle, Duke of Earl, Lords of Cool Intro, Morse Code of Love, Little Darlin, The Wanderer, Bring it on Home, Another Saturday Night, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp), Silouettes Intro (group), Silhouettes, All Shook Up, Ready to Go Intro, So In Love, Happy Days, In the Still of the Night, Gloria - Rich Beattie, Little Star, Mary's Boy Child

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2554c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


Fabulous Delacardos : Flat Top, Sock Hop, Doo Wop : 1 CD

Fabulous Delacardos : Flat Top, Sock Hop, Doo Wop

'Hotter than a drive-in on a July night, smoother than a pocketful of jello... Here are The Fabulous Delacardos' That's what it says right here on the notes!We've never had a pocket full of jello, ourselves. In 1981 for a 20th class reunion of one of the members, the five men and one woman decided to recreate the music they loved as they grew up. They sing a New York style with a distinctly southern twist for they are from Tennessee. As an aside, the fine woman's voice you will hear belongs to Christy Little who ran for a Juvenile Court Judge in 1998.The 28 tunes are those that any one who went to high school in the late fifties or early sixties will have to remember fondly, or else turn in your Baby Boomer ID.

Songlist: One Fine Day, Sixteen Candles, I Go To Pieces, Stagger Lee, Love Potion #9, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Silhouettes, Dedicated To The One I Love, Sh-Boom, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, So In Love, Come Go With Me, Be My Baby, Blue Moon, Cab Driver, Runaround Sue, Rockin' Robin, The Wanderer, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, In The Still Of The Night, Hearbreak Hotel, What's Your Name, Sincerely, Sixteen Tons, Da Doo Ron Ron, Under the Boardwalk, Sea Of Love, Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay

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8224c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


Now & Then : A Cappella Starlight Sessions : 1 CD : COL-CD-6900

Now & Then : A Cappella Starlight Sessions

Collectables is pleased to present the best in contemporary Acappella and Doo Wop originally released on the Starlight label. These out-of-print classics feature the most popular vocal groups currently performing. Featuring the Doo Wop classics recorded by Now And Then "Happy Days", "Silhouettes" and "The Longest Time."

Songlist: Happy Days, We Were Meant to Be, Give Our Love Just One More Chance, Breakin' Up is Hard to Do, Silhouettes, Yesterday, Girl, I Love You So, The Longest Time, Hello, Donna, Duke of Earl, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Give My Broken Heart A Break, All I Have to Do Is Dream, Baby, My Love is For Real, Alfredo's Love Song, In the Still of the Night, Barbara Ann, Sixty Minute Man, Amazing Grace, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

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7531c | 1 CD | $11.95 | A Cappella


The Nylons : Illustrious : 1 CD : ATT 1375

The Nylons : Illustrious

The Nylons have long been one of our favorite groups, most recently wowing the audience at the West Coast Summit. What we love about them is that they don't just cover a song, they "vocally sculpture" it, giving it a new dimension from the original. "Illustrious" is a "best of" collection from The Nylons' many CDs and huge number of live performances, and it's a treat! 13 songs: the live cuts "Duke of Earl" and "Chain Gang," "Love Potion #9/Spooky," the quintessential version of"The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Up On The Roof," "Silhouettes," "Town Without Pity," "Remember," "Kiss Him Goodbye"...the hits just keep on coming. The Nylons simply sing and perform rings around most Doo-Wop groups, and never was this fact so evident as it is on "Illustrious." Great stuff!

Songlist: Duke Of Earl, Love Potion #9 / Spooky, Rock and Roll Lullaby, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Silhouettes, Town Without Pity, Up The Ladder To The Roof, Remember, Happy Together, Chain Gang, Kiss Him Goodbye, Drift Away

More details
6996c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


Perfect Blend : Encore : 1 CD : 6144

Perfect Blend : Encore

A Perfect Blend is 'Hollywood,' Gary, Trina, Gibson 'T' and Ernie. That's all we know from the liner notes, besides the names of the tunes and the fact that the CD was recorded at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia. But from the first notes of 'The Sun's Message' to the lingering echoes of 'Moonlight, Wine and Music,' we know something else - these 5 can flat-out sing. We also know that the folks at Sigma know their business - this is as clean, crisp and on-key as any doo-wop CD we've heard. Easily handling complex arrangements like a fine sports car handles a mountain road, A Perfect Blend remains smooth, sweet and professional throughout. Mostly covers here, possibly a couple of originals (at least we haven't heard them before). Some of our favorites: 'Smile,' 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' 'I Made It Through The Rain,' 'Silhouettes' and a rocking 'Drip Drop,' but they're all good. Suffice to say that this is one of the best doo-wop CDs we've heard, and the voices are, well, a Perfect Blend. Encore!

Songlist: The Sun's Message, Smile, A Change Is Gonna Come, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, Don't Have To Shop Around, Stars In The Sky, I Made It Throught The Rain, Never Let Me Go, Share, Silhouettes, Gloria, Our Anniversary, Drip Drop, Moonlight, Wine and Music

More details
2561c | 1 CD | $12.98 | A Cappella


Quiet Storm : <span style="color:red;">Silhouettes</span> : 1 CD : 1322

Quiet Storm : Silhouettes

"Silhouettes" is the debut recording by Quiet Storm - Kamau Akiba, Martin Bentley, Richard Hidlebird and Vincent Tucker. As much as we appreciate authentic Doo-Wop by pioneers who were cutting their harmonic teeth on east coast streetcorners before these guys were born, make no mistake-Quiet Storm can sing leads, deep, honey-smooth basslines and harmonize their butts off. And if you'll listen to the title tune, one of our favorite Doo-Wop chestnuts, you'll notice that it has a fresh new arrangement! Next, listen to the spoken material in "Farewell My Love," written by Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr.; and then to the Bass lead in "Sixty Minute Man," and you'll realize that this is some of the most fun and entertaining Doo-Wop you've ever heard. "I Only Have Eyes For You" is a walking blues delight, "Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie" by Sun Ra and others, is big fun, and "My Autumn Love," "Ten Commandments of Love," "Baby, Please" and "This I Swear" all show off the remarkable voices of the four guys who call themselves Quiet Storm. If you'd like to see where Doo-Wop is going, treat yourself to "Silhouettes," one of the best of the year!

Songlist: Silhouettes, No One, Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie, Farewell My Love, My Autumn Love, Sixty Minute Man, I Only Have Eyes For You, Ten Commandments of Love, Baby Please, This I Swear

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8136c | 1 CD | $9.95 | A Cappella


Tuxedo Junction : Tuxedo Junction : 1 CD

Tuxedo Junction : Tuxedo Junction    Out of Print

Even if you don't give a fig about barbershop, you'll find yourself appreciating the warm and heartfelt performance of this foursome from Austin, Texas. Yes, it's four part harmony in the barbershop style, for certain, but their tastes are as sprawling as the great state they call home. Standards are the majority, with special kudos for a standout arrangement of "When I Fall In Love"; the luscious harmonic motion of the coda is pure honey. Other pleasures are "Peg O' My Heart," "It Had To Be You" and their namesake, "Tuxedo Junction," as well as the doo wop favorite, "Silhouettes," Larry Gatlin's "Alleluia," the Beach Boys' "In My Room" and our nomination for the most sylvan of melodies, "Lullaby."

Songlist: Tuxedo Junction, Java Jive, It Had To Be You, When I Fall In Love, Jeepers Creepers / Them There Eyes Medley, I Can Dream, Can't I?, Peg O' My Heart, Birth Of The Blues, Midnight Blues, Lida Rose / will I Ever Tell You?, In My Room, Silhouettes, Alleluia, Lullaby

More details
5448c | 1 CD | $14.98 | A Cappella


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-3 of 3 items.


Silhouettes : TTBB : Ed Lojeski : Bob Crewe : The Nylons : 1 CD : 08258305 : 073999534979

Ed Lojeski : Silhouettes

1950's-'60s chart hits the '80s with a hot a cappella rendition of The Nylons! Irresistible energy and drive make this an audience favorite!

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Bob Crewe Performed By: The Nylons

More details
Voicing: TTBB | Sheet Music | $2.15 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08258305


Silhouettes : TTBB : Tom Gentry : Bob Crewe : Sheet Music : 08746911 : 884088138622

Tom Gentry : Silhouettes

'Silhouettes' was a hit single by the Rays in 1957. Tom Gentry's arrangement is an audience pleaser that can incorporate visual enhancements such as sunglasses, leather jackets, and choreography. Be sure to let the 'doo-wop' swing feeling be natural and unrushed, when the audience can understand the humor of the story on the text 'you're on the wrong block.' Feel free to experiment with the smoothness of the bass line by having the section sing on an open vowel such as 'du' rather than 'dm.' Four copies of the sheet music arrangement plus a CD featuring the full performance plus part-predominant tracks (Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass), sung with lyrics.

Arranger: Tom Gentry | Composer: Bob Crewe

More details
Voicing: TTBB | Sheet Music | $1.95 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08746911 | Digital Version Available


Silhouettes : SATB : Tom Gentry : Sheet Music : 00334025

Tom Gentry : Silhouettes

'Silhouettes' was a hit single by the Rays in 1957. Tom Gentry's arrangement is an audience pleaser that can incorporate visual enhancements such as sunglasses, leather jackets, and choreography. Be sure to let the 'doo-wop' swing feeling be natural and unrushed, when the audience can understand the humor of the story on the text 'you're on the wrong block.' Feel free to experiment with the smoothness of the bass line by having the section sing on an open vowel such as 'du' rather than 'dm.'

Arranger: Tom Gentry

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $3.20 | A Cappella |
00334025 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: SSAA, SSAA

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