The Ventures/Days of Doo Wop

Thanks Chief.
From the 1989 CD produced by Jabb Music, Catalog #1. The radio station promo copy contained four songs;
1. Christmas Is
2. O Holy Night
3. Christmas Serenade
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
 
from Spanish Harlem......same boro though
According to the Associated Press, Ronnie (Bennett) Spector grew up with her band mates in Washington Heights. She attended George Washington High School at Audubon Avenue and West 193rd Street. Other GW grads are actor Ron (Hellboy) Perelman and Henry Kissinger. I was told his parents still lived in the Heights long after he became Secretary of State.
 
According to the Associated Press, Ronnie (Bennett) Spector grew up with her band mates in Washington Heights. She attended George Washington High School at Audubon Avenue and West 193rd Street. Other GW grads are actor Ron (Hellboy) Perelman and Henry Kissinger. I was told his parents still lived in the Heights long after he became Secretary of State.
I believe (could be misinformed) she was born in Spanish Harlem, attended grammar school there, PS 92 - yes, I saw where she at some point moved to Washington Heights and attended GW HS, so I guess we can agree to disagree - no big deal in any event.
 
I believe (could be misinformed) she was born in Spanish Harlem, attended grammar school there, PS 92 - yes, I saw where she at some point moved to Washington Heights and attended GW HS, so I guess we can agree to disagree - no big deal in any event.

Excellent idea'

I too was curious about where Ronnie Spector grew up. I had always heard "Spanish Harlem" with her sister Estelle, who also sang in the group and has since passed on.

The address given where they grew up was on 151st St, according to my search "in the Spanish Harlem" district of New York City

It also says they attended PS 92, and later attended George Washington High School

I saw Ronnie Spector perform at the Mohegan Sun Casino in 2019, before the pandemic came in.

It was a GREAT Performance

Another one of our favorites has gone. But the memories and her music lives on.
 
To our more senior members and Doo Wop fans, great news, these days, "OUR Music Lives On"

Seems some of the younger generation of today enjoys it as well

Back in 1963, Paul Anka (who I believe still does live shows), recorded this one called: "Diana"

Following in Paul Anka's footsteps is a very talented young man by the name of Chris Ruggiero who does his version of Paul Anka's hit song "Diana"
Chris Ruggiero also does other famous Paul Anka hits too.
Here is Chris and his group singing "Diana"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyoHCsCs2LI

How many of you remember the 1963 hit by "The Chiffon's" called; "He's So Fine"

Well we now have a young group who call themselves: "The Lovettes" singing that big hit from way back in 1963.
The "Lovettes" also do other famous Chiffon hits and songs too.
Here is The "Lovettes" singing "He's So Fine"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqijGmDM1cI
 
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Fred Parriss, lead singer of the "Five Satins" passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the age of 85. Released in September of 1956 the song "In The Still Of The Nite" was and is a classic in doo-wop history. Believe it or not, it was released as the "B" side as "The Jones Girl" was the "A" plug side until some dj flipped it and it took off into infamy. Rest in peace Fred and thanks for the continued memories.
 
To our more senior members and Doo Wop fans, great news, these days, "OUR Music Lives On"

Seems some of the younger generation of today enjoys it as well

Back in 1963, Paul Anka (who I believe still does live shows), recorded this one called: "Diana"

Following in Paul Anka's footsteps is a very talented young man by the name of Chris Ruggiero who does his version of Paul Anka's hit song "Diana"
Chris Ruggiero also does other famous Paul Anka hits too.
Here is Chris and his group singing "Diana"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyoHCsCs2LI

How many of you remember the 1963 hit by "The Chiffon's" called; "He's So Fine"

Well we now have a young group who call themselves: "The Lovettes" singing that big hit from way back in 1963.
The "Lovettes" also do other famous Chiffon hits and songs too.
Here is The "Lovettes" singing "He's So Fine"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqijGmDM1cI
Willy, sorry, "Diana" 1957 not '63. It was first played on 1010 WINS By "Cousin" Bruce Morrow who had Paul and his dad in the studio. (WINS was a top 40 station until it went all news in 1965.)
 
We are mixing different music genres of the late 40s, 50s and 60s - but it's OK because very few of our members are familiar with R&B, soul music, pop ballads and what used to be called "doo wop music". There is much overlap to begin with and you really have to search for venues which still play these old oldies, sorry to say. I think doo wop would usually: "feature a tenor lead vocalist singing the melody of the song with a trio or quartet singing background harmony", be "characterized by simple syllables, beats, and lyrics", "feature both a cappella vocal harmonies and full swing-like beats throughout a song", and use "the off-beat to keep time". I had to look that up, but it's really music primarily from the 50s that - if you hear it, you will know it is "doo wop".

Paul Anka, by the way, is 80 years old now. He was born in Canada, became a US citizen in the 90s, had a very lengthy music and acting career, overcame COVID and wrote over 500 songs. In addition to hit songs which he recorded, he also wrote Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and Johnny Carson's Tonight Show theme song.

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In regard to Ronnie Spector I know the Wikipedia states "she grew up on 151 St in Spanish (East) Harlem" but I would think it was 115 St not 151 St as it the East side does not go up to 151 St.
Don't let E53/L43 find out about 151st Sreet, They're gonna want the running card changed.
 
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