Doo wop diminished on the radio, but it's live in Stroudsburg August 18.

By BETH BRELJE
Pocono Record Dial Diva
July 23, 2007

You can still see the pyramids along the Nile, but you can't find doo wop on the radio so much anymore.

101.1 FM WCBS radio in New York recently switched to an "updated" oldies format, dropping the '50s except during special programs.

If you think life could be a dream if only doo wop was on the air, check out East Stroudsburg University's student-run station, 90.3 FM WESS Fridays.

Oldies, including doo wop, start to hoot and howl like a lovesick owl at 3 p.m. on the Sal Williams show. Sal, 21, is station manager.

He started listening to oldies in fifth grade after a Byrds song caught his attention.

On a station where jocks play what they want, Williams thought it would be cool to play oldies.

"I love doo wop music. It's the baseline of today's music. This area has a void of oldies now, and it is a disappointment to people who are looking for it," Williams said.

Warming the air-chair after Sal Williams, it's the Six Strings " More or Lesh show with Tom Crowley, 55, of Reeders from 6 p.m. to midnight. Six Strings has been on the air for more than 11 years.

In case the Lesh reference did not give it away, Crowley is a Grateful Dead fan.

He has found a gem of an album, combining doo wop and the Dead by the Persuasions.

Occasionally, he plays their version of "Black Muddy River," on his show.

"Doo wop songs are about love and life. The music connects with the audience by live voice," Crowley said.

The human voice in stunning harmony and nonsensical vocal riffs is the hallmark of doo wop music.

We may never know who put the bomp in the bomp bah bomp bah bomp but I'd like to thank the man who is bringing famous doo wop artists to the Sherman Theater Aug. 18, including Kenny Vance and the Planotones, Vito Picone and the Elegants, The Del-Vikings, Cleveland Still and The Dubs, and The Passions.

"This music was followed by the Beatles. They were inspired by this music," said Norman Wasserman, president of Friend Entertainment, the Long Island producer who arranged the show.

Tickets are $32.50, $39.50 and $45. Contact the Sherman Theater by phone, (570) 420-2808, or check online for tickets.

If you can name the four songs referenced in this column, you might just be a doo wop or oldies fan.

Doo Wop Legends Return to Brooklyn
05/24/2006 COURIER LIFE PUBLICATIONS
Kenny Vance and The Planotones lead an all-star cast of doo-wop legends at the Abraham Lincoln High School auditorium on Saturday, June 10.

Kenny Vance and The Planotones lead an all-star cast of doo-wop legends at the Abraham Lincoln High School auditorium on Saturday, June 10. In what promises to be the music event of the year, The Warbasse Nursery School is hosting an Oldies Doo-Wop Extravaganza Saturday night, June 10th at the Abraham Lincoln High School auditorium. This one night only show begins at 7:30 p.m. and features such rock greats as Kenny Vance and The Planotones, Earl Lewis and The Channels, Herb Cox and The Cleftones, The Del-Vikings and The Encounters. Proceeds from this fundraising concert will benefit the Warbasse Nursery School.

The Warbasse Nursery School located at 2785 West 5th Street in Brooklyn has been providing quality early childhood programs for children both with and without disabilities since 1968. Over the past several years the school has been presented The Outstanding Early Childhood Program Award for quality and excellence, presented to them by The New York State Education Department and was chosen as a model inclusion program by Exceptional Parent Magazine.

Kenny Vance, Earl Lewis and The Channels, Herbie Cox and The Cleftones and The Encounters all found stardom singing on the street corners of NYC. The Cleftones had a major smash hit with “Heart & Soul” while Earl Lewis and The Channels scored big with a New York classic “The Closer You Are”. Start singing “Dom Dom Dom Dom Dooby Dooby Dom” and people of all ages break into “Come Go with Me” by the The Del-Vikings. This line up of vocal group greats is tribute to the music that will live for forever.

Advertisement P&G Soaps If you love the Oldies and you long for those “Doo Wop Days” mark Saturday night June 10th on your calendar. For ticket information please call (718)266-5585.

I always get annoyed when our usually "politically correct" media make some snide comment about the older audience and/or performers that appear on "oldies" shows. They'll often plug a show, but in a condescending sort of way. Well, when performers are "out there" on the road for some 50 years (and some even longer), they not only deserve respect for their achievements but for their still great performances.

This show was no exception.

Opener Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five tore it up as usual. In spite of having an upcoming surgery on his leg and declaring recent rumors about his "being on his deathbed," false, Pitt proved that he is still one of the great voices in R&B/Doo-wop. His "My True Story" is always a show-stopper and he deserved the spontaneous standing ovation he garnered. When the MC (Norman Wasserman) stated that "all the acts on this show were headliners" he wasn't kidding. This was no "opening act"- these were living legends.

Earl Lewis, who had his first hit in 1956, looked youthful and energetic and his voice hasn't lost a note. A great showman, with a warm personality, he still has a voice like an angel, and his rousing finale of "Shout" once again got the appreciative audience that nearly filled the large venue on their feet.

Leslie Gore remains a charming pro with a still solid voice. She reminisced about Quincy Jones discovering her and having a #1 within weeks of her first recording at age 16. Although selections from her new album seemed to lose some of the audience, they ate up "It's My Party" and her other catchy classics.

Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners also provided beautiful harmonies and their classic "Since I Don't Have You," remains timeless.

Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, lived up to his name. Coming out with a bang (or a boom if you will), the pace never let down as he performed his rock and roll classics like "Palisades Park." This was authentic rock and roll from "back in the day" and with a wailing band behind him, the audience was literally dancing in the aisles. What a pleasant surprise.

Cudos to Friend Entertainment for a great mix of R&B, doo-wop & rock and roll. I've always loved "oldies shows," and in spite of some looking down on them, they're a joy to experience.

Doo Wop Rocks the Rafters at Queens College

What a night! Combining sentimental favorites, fast tempo golden oldies and some bold new arrangements the performers keep the fans applauding. By the end of the evening, as Freddie “Boom- Boom” Cannon sings “Palisades Park,” the crowd is dancing in the aisles!

Five separate bands play back up to the five distinct acts. But first, producer Norm Wasserman does some stand up comedy. Then, Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five begin the festivities. Among their selections is their blast from the past, “I’m a Happy Man,” (Whoa, ma baby, yeah, ya look so good!).

There’s more banter from Norm, then Earl Lewis and the Channels emerge in their bright white double-breasted suits. They sing some favorites including “The Closer You Are.”

“It’s My Party,” and “I’ll cry if I want to… You would cry too if it happened to you!” Lesley Gore sings this and other mega hits from her teen days with a wry smile. Some new songs with haunting arrangements raise eyebrows among oldies purists. Others find the interpretations a great musical opportunity for Ms. Gore. Go for it!

After intermission it’s clear that this show will run for 3 ½ solid hours. What a bite of the golden oldies apple! Now, here’s Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners. Their lovely female singer/instrumentalist tells the audience that she’s originally from Flushing. Nice touch. The group sings with energy and good humor. Their musical menu includes their hit, “Since I Don’t Have You.”

Tonight’s closer is Freddie (Boom, Boom) Cannon. He good-naturedly warns the audience and musicians that he’s going to make them work. He does. Two powerful solos from the saxophonist and guitar player send “JES” Entertainment man, Gary Fuchs and dozens of others into the aisles for unabashed dancing to the music! The clock has once again returned to the 1950’s and 60’s for everyone who is young at heart.

At exactly 11:00 P.M. the lights go dim. But more great memories are just a phone call away. On January 21, 2006, they’ll be rockin’ the oldies at Queensborough Community College. The Del Vikings and the original Chantels are among the headliners. There are Dining, Dancing, Doo Wop shows this spring as well as fundraisers that Friend Entertainment will eagerly arrange. The Fab Faux, a great Beatles tribute band will appear at Queens College on March 18. You can also expect legends such as Ben E. King, Shirley Alston Reeves and more of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge. Call (718) 423-8394 for all the details.

As always, save me a seat on the aisle!