IT’S ALL ABOUT DOO WOP

Martha Reeves: As an Alabama-born, Detroit Motown influenced, church reared teenager and lead singer of Martha and the vandellas, Martha presented a more churchier southern-styled sound. Her style was typlified in the many hits including “Dancin In The Streets”, “Heat Wave”, “Nowhere to Run”, “Honey Child”, “Jimmy Mack”, “Quick Sand” and “Wild One”. Martha and The Vandellas quickly became Motowns’ most successful all-female group after the Supremes. Along the way, the voice of Martha became universally recognizable. Winner of many awards and accolades, Martha holds the eighth seat on Detroit’s City Council. She often serves as host and featured performer in It's All About Doo Wop.

Jimmy Merchant and THE TEENAGERS: One of only 2 original founding members alive and co-writer of "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", Jimmy continues to sing and lead his group on stage. Jimmy appeared in the movie about the life and times of Fankie Lymon and The Teenagers that was also titled, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love". Jimmy was an integral part of all the great Teenager hits including
"The ABC's of Love", "Goody Goody", "I Promise To Remember"and "Be My Girl".

Arlene Smith’s CHANTELS: The songwriter and lead singer for the Chantels, revolutionized the music business with “Maybe”, “The Plea” “He’s Gone” and “Look in My Eyes”, all songs presented from a uniquely feminine viewpoint. The Chantels enjoyed a whirlwind of pop stardom and headlined the Apollo, Paramount and Howard Theaters, appeared on American Bandstand and toured with Alan Freed. Their performance on the PBS “Doo Wop 50s” special earned top accolades. Arlene also acts and teaches performing arts.

Joe Billingslea and The contours: In 1960, A group of Detroit teen singers benefited from a call by Jackie Wilson to Berry gordy of Motown Records. After 2 auditions they became the third male group to sign with Motown. During a seven year deal they scored with “Do You Love Me”. Within 2 weeks of release it was #2 on Billboard charts. With sales over 1 million, it set a record as Motown’s fastest rising hit. They also scored with “Shake Sherry”, “Can You Do It”, “Can You Jerk Like me?” and Stevie Wonders “Just a little misunderstanding” Their stage show with back flips and leg splits, along with great singing has given them continued all-time favorite status on the concert circuit.

The Dubs with Cleveland Still : Reared in New York, they recorded a multitude of hits including “Could this Be Magic”, “Chapel of Dreams” and “Don’t Ask Me”. Their beautiful and smooth harmonies, coupled with a flawless stage show, continue to leave audiences awed and breathless.

The Elegants: A White New York Doo wop group headed by Vito Picone, who hit it big time in 1958 with their chart topping #1 single, “Little Star”. They released a number of solid ballads and continue in their long standing tradition of "smooth and pleasing".