Editorial Review
Much like Sterling’s New York Times bestseller Hippie, Doo Wop captures the spirit of an era in spectacular visuals, revealing the roots of the 60’s music explosion. With abundant background and enticing images, it covers way more than just the gorgeous harmonies of the unforgettable doo wop groups. The 50’s were rich in cultural events and iconic performances, and this landmark volume traces the development of the music, politics, art, architecture, and popular culture throughout this exciting and remarkable period. Each chapter delves into one or more years and focuses on the transformative events of the day. You’ll meet the pioneers who started it all, including bands like The Drifters; discover how the songs we love emerged from African rhythms and culture; see Marlon Brando roar in to transform squeaky-clean youth in The Wild One; look at the 50’s sex symbols, like Bardot and Monroe; and watch the music—and America—grow up. The pages teem with archival photography, posters, album covers, newspaper articles, magazine covers, lyrics, and more. Lavish illustrations with duotone and full-color imagery carry readers back in time so they’ll enjoy a deep understanding of our musical and cultural history.
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Customer Reviews
Sweet and charming 
2008-07-09
Loved it. Thanks Cousin Brucie for the charming memories. You brought back to me all these memories...and the goold old time. God bless.
Albert...
A Solid Three Stars 
2008-05-30
This book covers the time period primarily during the 1950s and early 1960s, and I am rating it based on my interest level. I have several DVDs on Doo Wop music and enjoy several of the songs of which I have great memories. The book covers a brief musical history of this time period, and includes several photographs mainly of Doo Wop singing groups, several of which I have never heard of. This is a coffee table book printed on slick paper which adds significant weight to it. I always enjoyed listening to the book's author "Cousin Brucie" Morrow during the 1960s on 77WABC in New York, and he is certainly qualified to write on this subject. I guess I am rating this book "only" three stars due to the fact that, although the groups I remember are all included, I am unfamiliar with so many of the groups that are included in the book. If you have a more comprehensive knowledge of the Doo Wop groups of the past I'm sure you will rate it higher than I did.
The Best of the Best 2008-05-03
What a MAGNIFICENT BOOK! Warm, beautiful, richly illustrated, nostalgic...all the good stuf. Everything about American Oldies, pop culture of yesteryears. The whole universe of Doo Wop and Rock!. You will love this masterpiece!!!Mr. Bruce Morrow began his illustrious and sometimes stormy career at New York Top 40 station WINS. He became a living legend on WABC. Bruce Morrow was born in Brooklyn on October 13, 1937, and attended New York University. In 1959, Mr. Morrow adopted the moniker "Cousin Brucie", while working at WINS in New York. During his time at WABC, "Cousin Brucie" was extremely well-known for hosting the legendary Palisades Park rock concerts. In August 1965, he introduced the Beatles during their historic Shea Stadium concert. In 1994, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani proclaimed West 52nd Street "Cousin Brucie Way" in recognition for his enormous contributions to music and for preserving America's cultural and musical heritage. In 1988, Mr. Morrow was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Mr. Morrow is a great asset to our world. This is an outstanding human being with a heart larger than the world we live in, and a musical knowledge mightier and richer than the Encyclopedia Britannica. Without the commitment of Bruce Morrow, Rock "n" Roll, the "Oldies" Doo Wop and America's musical treasures of yesteryears would have ceased to be a reminder of America's musical greatness. The world is prettier, the sun shines brighter, American families are happier, and music radiates beauty and love when our world is inhabited by people like Bruce Morrow. I wish this man could live for ever!. Once he said: "God closes the door and opens a gate." He was referring to what has happened to him since the afternoon of Black Friday, June 3, 2005, when he was told on the phone, that his three shows on Infinity Broadcasting's WCBS-FM (101.1 kc) -- 33 years of Golden Oldie rock history -- were cancelled. Allegedly, the station decided to adopt a new format. What format? They are nuts! But Bruce, the gentle giant is bigger than life...he is confident something good will come out of it. He is sitting at the kitchen table with his wife Jodie reflecting on the situation. "Within two hours of the announcement of the change at WCBS-FM hitting the press, I started getting calls from other stations in New York. Also from Sirius Satellite and XM Satellite Radio. And signed on with Sirius -- probably the best contract in my life." Said the delightful Bruce Morrow. "Cousin Brucie" is now heard on Sirius 6-60's Vibrations.
Nostalgic...delightful...a treasure 2008-05-03
American pop culture, the golden days of American music, the sweet memories, the time of innocence and the fever of the youth...all are captured here in this magnificent book. A true treasure!
The times and the music. 2008-04-08
I am not a huge Doo Wop fan but my wife is. We attended a book signing at B&N seeing The Cuz, hearing him speak, getting some pictures and the book. My wife, her brother and his wife all love the book. They enjoy both the number of pictures and the text. Bruce Marrow is one of the principles of this sound and can speak with authority about it. In addition, he has a great love and respect for the people and the music. This comes through in both his speaking and writing. He wanted an affordable book that would be fun and informative. This book is both and well worth having.
It's good... 
2008-04-04
Much like Sterling’s New York Times bestseller Hippie, Doo Wop captures the spirit of an era in spectacular visuals, revealing the roots of the 60’s music explosion. With abundant background and enticing images, it covers way more than just the gorgeous harmonies of the unforgettable doo wop groups. The 50’s were rich in cultural events and iconic performances, and this landmark volume traces the development of the music, politics, art, architecture, and popular culture throughout this exciting and remarkable period. Each chapter delves into one or more years and focuses on the transformative events of the day. You’ll meet the pioneers who started it all, including bands like The Drifters; discover how the songs we love emerged from African rhythms and culture; see Marlon Brando roar in to transform squeaky-clean youth in The Wild One; look at the 50’s sex symbols, like Bardot and Monroe; and watch the music—and America—grow up. The pages teem with archival photography, posters, album covers, newspaper articles, magazine covers, lyrics, and more. Lavish illustrations with duotone and full-color imagery carry readers back in time so they’ll enjoy a deep understanding of our musical and cultural history.
Doo You Want to Dance? 2008-02-27
Ever have one of those moments when you start dancing in the middle of your living room for no good reason or grab your sweetheart's arm and take her for a spin around your cramped kitchen? That is the feeling of unbridled joy you get when reading this glorious musical collage crafted by our favorite "Cuz" - Bruce Morrow.
DOO WOP is a book to be judged, not by what it includes or omits, but rather by where it takes us. By transporting us back to the 50's and 60's, this gorgeous compilation allows us to wrap our arms around the world and love ourselves again.
I have given this book to several close friends who accepted it with such deep enthusiasm that it raised our friendship to a whole new level. If you have a friend who loves music, do not hesitate - buy this book - they will be forever grateful. If you have a colleague who could use a little music in his or her life, this book is guaranteed to get their feet tapping again. And when you start thumbing through your own copy, don't be shy - get up and dance.
Thanks for those Memories 2008-01-12
I purchased 2 of these books as gifts. I kept one and have enjoyed it so much! Not just the photos, and memories but also the "behind the scenes information about the groups. THANK YOU COUSIN BRUCE! I would highly recommend this great book.
It's Your Personal Story...Your Life as told by... 2007-12-13
...Cousin Brucie. If you grew up in 50s and early 60s, it's must reading. You've heard Cousin Brucie's voice for decades, now you can get closer to him and his music. In reading his book you also become an expert on the roots, the stars, and the milestones of the Doo Wop and Rock `n Roll era. It's a rare chance to relive delicious memories as Cousin Brucie shares his. Extraordinary photos, complete with a Doo Wop Dictionary, make it an ideal birthday or holiday gift (be sure you take your own trip down memory lane before you pass it on). Remember Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers' hit Why Do Fools Fall in Love? You'll fall in love with this book.
The Music that will last forever 2007-12-13
I loved the book. The photos were great and it was a comprehensive
overview of a very neglected genre of American music.
My only complaint is that there was no index in the back listing names
of groups or songs in alphabetical order. The book was fun to peruse.
