Doo Wop Chart Topper For The Marcels 2 Wds
The Marcels: Who Are They?
Formed in 1959, The Marcels were an American doo-wop group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The quintet comprised of Cornelius Harp, Fred Johnson, Ronald Mundy, Richard Knauss, and Gene Bricker. They were best known for their hit single, "Blue Moon," which topped the charts in 1961.
What is Doo-Wop Music?
Doo-wop is a genre of music that emerged in African American communities in the 1940s. It is characterized by its harmonic vocals, simple beat, and often romantic lyrics. The genre was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s and influenced many other genres, including rock and roll and soul music.
The Marcels' "Blue Moon"
In 1961, The Marcels released their version of "Blue Moon," originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The song features a unique doo-wop arrangement that includes a famous "bomp-baba-bomp" introduction. It quickly became a hit and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, as well as in other countries like Canada and the UK.
"Heartaches": The Marcels' Second Big Hit
After the success of "Blue Moon," The Marcels released "Heartaches" as their second single. The song was originally written in 1931 by Al Hoffman and John Klenner and had been previously recorded by many other artists. However, The Marcels' doo-wop version became a hit, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961.
The Marcels' Other Hits
Although "Blue Moon" and "Heartaches" were The Marcels' biggest hits, they also had other successful singles, including "My Melancholy Baby" and "Summertime." However, they were not able to replicate the success of "Blue Moon," and the group disbanded in 1973.
The Marcels' Legacy
The Marcels' unique doo-wop arrangements and harmonies influenced many other artists in the genre. Their version of "Blue Moon" is considered one of the most iconic doo-wop songs of all time and has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley and The Mavericks.
In Conclusion
The Marcels were a quintessential doo-wop group that left an indelible mark on the genre with their unique arrangements and harmonies. Their hit single "Blue Moon" remains a classic and continues to be celebrated by music lovers all over the world.
