Distaff Doo-Wop

Distaff-doo-wop refers to to the contributions of females to the body of doo-wop works. Earlier contributions were made by Shirley Gunter and the Queens, the Bobbettes, Tonnettes, Chantels and Shirelles. On occasions woman lead singers fronted male groups, Zola Taylor with the Platters, Pat Spann the Cleftones and Barbara Lee with the Aquatones. With these few exceptions, women did not play a prominent role in doo wop until the 1962-1963 Neo-doo wop and Tin Pan Alley sound grew in favor.

Prominent Examples

Group Song Tempo Year
Blue Belles
Bobbettes
Chantels
Cookies
Delrons
Poni-Tails
Shirley Gunter and the Queens
Rosebuds
Shirelles
Tonettes

You'll Never Walk Alone
Mr. Lee
Maybe
Don't Say Nothin' Bad
Whever A Teenager Cries
Born Too Late
Oop-Shoop
Dearest Darling
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Oh What A Baby

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1963
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1963
1964
1958
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1957
1960
1958