Various
Indispensable Doo Wop - Vocals Group 1934-1962 (3cd)
Merging the best of gospel, jazz, blues and rock, the rhythm & blues vocal groups were no doubt the cream of American popular music during the 1930s, '40s, '50s and early '60s. Belatedly tagged doo wop, astounding African-American groups - both virtuoso and obscure, such as The Ink Spots and The Robins - came together as a founding genre. Their very influential style and artistic power left a tremendous mark on both soul and rock music, as early as some of Elvis Presley's greatest hits like 'Don't Be Cruel', The Drifters, Dion, The Beach Boys and even Lou Reed, whose rare first 1962 recording is included here. Bruno Blum tells the story of the street corner tradition singers, who became short-lived wonders, thanks to a handful of irresistible tunes. This TRIPLE-CD set is a truly indispensable anthology.