doo-wop

Thân thiện

A group of friends sings doo-wop harmonies on a street corner.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A genre of Black vocal-harmony music: "doo-wop" is a style of music, typically performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment), that originated in Black communities in the 1950s, particularly in New York City. It evolved from gospel singing and is characterized by tight, close four-part harmonies. The name comes from the nonsense syllables (like "doo-wop") sung by the backing vocalists.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The radio station played classic doo-wop from the 1950s all weekend.
  • His favorite musical genre is doo-wop because of its rich harmonies.
  • The group performed a doo-wop version of the popular song.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic descriptor: The term can be used to describe music, performances, or groups that embody the characteristics of this genre.
  • The band has a strong doo-wop influence in their vocal arrangements.
• In historical or cultural context: Often used when discussing the history of American popular music, rhythm and blues, or the evolution of vocal groups.
  • Doo-wop was a crucial bridge between gospel and early rock and roll.

Variants and Related Words

• Doo-wopper (n, informal): A performer or enthusiast of doo-wop music.
  • The concert was filled with old-school doo-woppers.
• A cappella (adj/adv): Singing without instrumental accompaniment, a common feature of doo-wop.
  • They sang the doo-wop tune a cappella.

Synonyms

• Vocal harmony music: A general term for music focusing on blended vocal parts.
• Street-corner harmony: An informal term referencing the informal, urban origins of the style.
• 1950s harmony group music: A descriptive phrase specifying the era and format.

Related Phrases

• To sing doo-wop: The act of performing in this style.
  • They learned to sing doo-wop by listening to old records.
• Doo-wop group: A musical ensemble that specializes in this genre.
  • He was the lead singer of a famous doo-wop group.

Related Idioms

No common idioms are directly derived from the term "doo-wop." It is primarily used as a straightforward noun to label a music genre.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a genre (usually a cappella) of Black vocal-harmony music of the 1950s that evolved in New York City from gospel singing; characterized by close four-part harmonies; the name derived from some of the nonsense syllables sung by the backup