In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Doo Wop - CDs | Doo Wop DVDs | Doo Wop Groups | Doo Wop Christmas

Doo Wop Arrangements Mixed Voices | Doo Wop Arrangements Male Voices | Doo Wop Arrangements Female Voices | Doo Wop Songs

Acapella Doo Wop

Doo-wop: a distinctly American musical form that flourished in the 1950's, emerging from urban centers such as New York and Chicago. It's vital statistics? Groups comprised of four to five members, bass/baritone/tenor (or a first and second tenor) and lead, singing in three or four part harmony; frequent use of falsetto; predominance of "nonsense syllables"; dynamic bass parts; instrumentation subservient to vocals or nonexistent; simple but heavy backbeats and lyrical themes that espouse love and longing for "the one." It's pedigree? The vocal harmony groups of the 1940's, such as the Ink Spots and the Mills Bros., rhythm and blues, which incorporated elements of jazz and swing; country and gospel. Each of these individual cells would develop into the matrix called rock and roll, of which doo-wop is considered a part.

The "Rock 'n Roll Jubilee Ball," presented by legendary dee jay Alan Freed in 1955, featured acts the Clovers, Drifters, Harptones and Moonglows, a spectrum of talent that was representative as any of the musical trends of this dynamic period. A bevy of independent record labels sprung up to support and popularize the new music, including Chess, Vee Jay, King, Jubilee, Atlantic, Gee, Laurie and Dootone, and the personalities behind these often one room operations were practically as notorious as the artists themselves: George Goldner, Herb Abramson, Bess Berman, Syd Nathan.

As for the artists, they started young and often burned out early, and frequently realized meager rewards save the excitement of seeing their names on a theater marquee. With few exceptions, the acts were not adequately financed, and though technology was advancing at an unheard of pace (which provided new outlets and opportunity in the form of radio and television), the recording process was generally primitive, with groups rushed in and out of the studio in assembly line fashion. Indeed, that is why so many of the groups of this period sang "acapella": it was simply cheaper, as the producers didn't need to pay for a band! By the way, "acapella" as a moniker (as distinct from the Italian term "a cappella," which, strictly defined, means "in the church style") evolved after a conversation between Donn Fileti, Leo Rogers (of Bruce Records) and Wayne Stierle, according to Wayne in his liner notes for the Moonglows "Glowing in Acapella." However it's described or whatever it's called, doo-wop in general and acapella doo-wop in particular represents a golden age in American vocal harmony, with a loyal following that remains vital to this day.

Displaying 151-166 of 166 items.

Mac Huff : A Teenager in Love

Review: Dion & the Belmont's 1959 hit makes a great showcase for younger choirs with this Discovery Pop arrangement by Mac Huff.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part, 2-Part

As Performed by: Dion & The Belmonts

Mac Huff : Only You (And You Alone)

Review: Who can forget the smooth sound of the Platters in this 1955 hit! Show off your guys' group in style with this sensational arrangement of a doo-wop classic!

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Platters

Mac Huff : Put Your Head on My Shoulder

Review: This 1959 Paul Anka hit was recently covered by new singing sensation Michael Bublé. Guys of all ages will have a great time with this new arrangement.Available separately: TTBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:10.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB, TTBB

Mac Huff : Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Review: Spread a little Christmas cheer '50s-style with this fun doo-wop setting! Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: SATB, SAB

Mac Huff : Since I Don't Have You

Review: Your men's group will be the hit of the show with the smooth vocal textures of this 1959 pop hit by the Skyliners. Available separately: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:35.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB, TTBB

As Performed by: Skyliners

Mark Brymer : Up the Ladder to the Roof

Review: Based on the Nylons' version of this song, this accompanied arrangement is alive with rhythmic and vocal style! Available: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

As Performed by: Nylons

Roger Emerson : Forever Doo-Wop (Medley)

Review: Relive rock 'n roll's golden era with this fun medley. Includes: Book of Love; Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight; In the Still of the Nite, Save the Last Dance for Me, Sh-Boom, A Teenager in Love. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 7:00.

Sheet Music Available: SAB, SATB

Roger Emerson : Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Review: The perfect introduction to the sounds of a by-gone era, this 1954 hit was originally recorded by The Spaniels. Classic doo-wop!Available separately: TBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

Sheet Music Available: TBB

As Performed by: Spaniels

Roger Emerson : Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

Review: 1993

Sheet Music Available: SSA, SSA

As Performed by: Billy Joel

Roger Emerson : Mr. Bass Man

Review: The pop novelty number by the '60s artist Johnny Cymbal has been covered by everyone from Sha Na Na to the Muppets and will be a hit on your stage as well, with a hilarious doo-wop bass line that will be an absolute blast to perform! Available separately: SATB, 3-Part Mixed, TBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:35.

Sheet Music Available: SAB, SATB, TBB, TBB, SATB, SAB

As Performed by: Sha Na Na

Roger Emerson : Stand By Me

Review: Roger Emerson's creative setting of this Ben E. King classic provides a variety of staging options for your group. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD.

Roger Emerson : The Great Pretender

Review: You don't have to pretend to like the 1956 #1 hit by The Platters - Emerson's arrangement has it all! Available: SATB, TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.

Sheet Music Available: SATB, TTBB

As Performed by: Platters

The Four Seasons : Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)

Review: This 1964 pop hit by The Four Seasons offers their signature harmonies and style in this well-crafted TTB setting. Great showcase for a soloist and potential for choreography. Performance Time: Approx. 2:35.Available separately: TTB and ShowTrax CD.

Sheet Music Available: TTB

As Performed by: Four Seasons

Audrey Snyder : Up on the Roof

Review: Here is a song that celebrates the idea of having a place of your own, where you can go to be alone to relax, contemplate and dream. First recorded by The Drifters in 1962 and then again in 1979 in a soulful version by James Taylor, this arrangement is especially crafted for younger choirs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Sheet Music Available: 3-Part, 2-Part

As Performed by: James Taylor

Roger Emerson : Blue Moon

Review: Younger and developing mixed and treble choirs will enjoy performing this jazz inflected doo-wop song from the 1930s, but made popular in 1961 by the vocal group the Marcels. A perfect selection for enhancing blend and articulation and a quick learn!

Sheet Music Available: SAB, 2-Part, SAB, 2-Part

Roger Emerson : In the Still of the Night

Review: Here is a classic 1950s Doo Wop song masterfully arranged for middle level singers. Young men will embrace this classic style and your audience will smile as your young singers bring this classic style to life. Stylistic notes are offered by the arranger encouraging the singers to have fun while growing as musicians.

Sheet Music Available: TB, TB

There are MORE PAGES! (click on a note below)


Page:	1	2	3	4