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Doo-Wop is a related R&B form based on vocals using phonetic syllables in order to introduce rhythm and harmonic movements. It was introduced in the 1950’s in the streets of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. It saw its beginning in the African American communities which also enjoyed rhythm and blues and became wildly popular in the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s. Often times acknowledged with street corner vocalists who saw in Doo-wop the perfect media to express their individual talents. Formed into groups of 4 or 5 teenagers, each had a role and singing talent to bring in to the group and as such they brought a carefree approach to the genre. This particular attitude also meant that they could be manipulated and indeed taken advantages off by a variety of the music industry’s business people such as agents, and record companies’ contact people. It was even a common policy for label owners to list their own name (instead of the name of the musicians) as the actual composer of the music since he was already known in the music industry and would make the marketing of the record much easier, or so he told them. The young musicians were also made to agree that they would be paid by session instead of being paid by the number of records sold and signed agreements that permitted their agents and record companies to pay studio and promotional costs directly from their own royalties. And just as this wasn’t enough, original rights to the songs had to be passed on to the record companies who also insisted that the musician perform for free on major promotional shows. Finally, agents took a 50 pc cut from all of the musicians’ income. The irony in the above unsavory practices is that they were often times initiated by smaller record companies. These companies and the groups they badly represented might have survived if the musicians had not bee so cheated of mechanical and performance rights! Famous doo wop music groups include The Dubs who in 1957 released one of doo wop classics: “could this be magic”. A sweet and endearing ballad, it featured lead vocalist Richard Blandon. 1962 saw the re-release of “you belong to me” by the Duprees, a most gifted Italian Doo Wop music group. “you belong to me” had previously been recorded by Patty Page, Jo Stafford, Dean Martin and Joni James. “Little Star” released in 1958 by a white doo wop group based in New Yord, The Elegants achieved notoriety and was top of both R&B and Pop charts! The Elegants were led by Vito Picone. The Five Satins, best known for “In the Still of the Night” who was a true classic and the only hit of this magnitude by the Five Satins. The group was led by Fred Parris in 1954 and he wrote their biggest hits “In the Still of the Night” in the basement of a local church. By the time the song scaled the charts, Parris had been drafted into the army. Doo Wop music has held and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Known in some circles as the “Music of the Streets” its popularity diminished with the introduction of British early rock otherwise known as the British Invasion in the mid 1960’s. To this day Doo wop music is still a favorite for a large and international audience. Music lovers from as far as Japan, Germany, France and many more countries contribute in maintaining its popularity. Concerts and shows are held on a regular basis and continue to charm and enthrall their audience.