Jerry, I'm sure you're aware that Richie Haves got his start with Doo Wop. True, it wasn't what he became know for, but it is where he cut his teeth. Doo Wop never did leave the street culture, IMO. It continued on and often while leaving the village--at various intersections--one could hear trios or quartets, even quintets--on street corners doing Doo Wop songs. I imagine you (as did I) had the opportunity to join in on the odd song. Beyond all the definitions, Doo Wop developed in the singers a sense of harmony, timing, rhythm and 'soul'. It called for the singers to be spontaneous, to emote. Very cool.

I recall too a moment that was 'breakthrough' for me--and I know you'll understand this. Was a time near 14th Street and 6th Avenue. Some guys were pullin' on some muscatel (I know because I had a few sips) and doing some songs. They let me join in and I stayed there for a few hours (four maybe). Man oh man. At one point I ended up being asked to do the lead. I didn't really know any songs that would be appropriate, so I started singing "Children Go Where I Send Thee", and these guys (four of them), really got into it. Man, we had a blast. People were stopping and we ended up with about twenty folks standing around listening. The breakthrough? That was my voice. It was the first time I ever let the whole thing go. All of it. Didn't worry about making a mistake, just wanted to express, feel, drive.

There is a warm place in the musical part of my soul for Doo Wop. And for those kids who sang it all over New York City.