Cara Mia mine by Jay and The Americans (Or was it Italian-Americans) is very much in the dramatic, romantic tradition. Mario Lanza meets the Penguins.

I don't claim to know anything about this. It's why I'm asking. I've talked a little with a new-found friend who has been singing Doo Wop since the 60's, and he doesn't see any Italian connection. He grew up in Queens, New York, but his influences were the first generation groups like the Five Satins, the Harptones, the Clefs and all the rest.

In more recent times, I've seen many blank "fashion" and music trends come out of the black community to be imitated by whites. The earliest groups you could call Doo Wop.. the Ravens, The Delta Rhythm Boys and the Orioles were all black. It may just be that as it grew in popularity and got more airplay, white kids picked it up.
If I had known any other kids in my little farm town in Wisconsin who wanted to sing rhythm and blues, I would have formed a group in no time flat.

The very first song I ever wrote was Foam Rubber Dice... with a nice bass lead in, Jimmy..

Jerry