Everybody who lived through the 1950s and 1960s knows Doo Wop. Doo Wop: The Music, The Times, The Era, by "Cousin Brucie" Morrow with Rich Maloof is for those who didn’t have the privilege of listening to this music as it was being made, as well as for those who lived it, who lived through it, and danced to it. Or maybe you didn’t dance to it; maybe you and your favorite guy or girl watched the submarine races while listening to it. Cousin Brucie is one of the broadcasting icons from that era. Everybody who listened to radio knew Cousin Brucie, and everybody listened to radio.
The cover photo is an instantly recognizable tailfin of a 1959 Cadillac. Many liked those fins, but just as many thought them ugly, gaudy, tacky, and a hundred other not too nice adjectives. The book, however, is a whole ‘nother story. If you’re looking for something beautiful, you can stop looking. If you’re looking for anything other than an in-depth examination of the whole doo wop trend, such as any of the particular groups who were famous in that era, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a book that relates the story of doo wop from its murky beginnings with the Andrews Sisters, the Mills Brothers, and several other groups of the 1940s and early 1950s, on up through the most recognizable groups such as the Coasters and the Drifters, look no more, 'cuz you’ve found it.
On the upper end of the timescale, it also includes several groups that most people would not lump into the doo wop category, such as the Beach Boys and the Temptations. But Morrow skillfully weaves them into the mix, convincing the reader that the Andrews Sisters and Beach Boys absolutely do belong in this book. He’ll make you a believer.
Article comments
1 - Layla Baker
This book was awesome! Have you heard any news about the upcoming one in October? "Rock and Roll...and the beat goes on." by Cousin Brucie. Features over 300 photos, record labels, album covers and quotes of amazing artists from The Beach Boys, to Eric Clapton...the Allman Brothers and Bob Dylan. It's all about the music and culture. The time-changing era of the 1960s.