The comments about folk music are right on. Folk music will never be popular music for any period of time. It takes the "Folk" out of folk music. I comfortably live in Doo Wop, Folk music and old gospel, black and white. All three forms of music come up through folks... folk folks, religious folks and urban kids.

Many years ago, a talent scout from Nashville was going around to open mic nights looking for new talent. I was singing at an open mic night and he came over and told me how much he liked my music and songwriting. Barry Sadler, who had a massive hit with the Ballad of the Green Berets was one of his artists and was with him. He invited me to come down to Nashville. I was recently divorced and was raising two young sons on my own and had a responsible job. There was no way I could accept the offer. In honesty, I wouldn't have, even if I was single. I've always played music the way I want to play it, for my own pleasure and the pleasure I give to a small audience. I never regretted turing down opportunities. I have no criticism of those who seek commercial success.

I see much in common with Doo Wop and folk music. People in the southern mountains sat on the front porch with a few friends, singing for the pure pleasure of it. Doo Woppers gathered under street lamps or in tiled bathrooms or empty rooms and sang for the pure pleasure of it. Some get discdovered when they're young and not immersed in family life and long-term jobs. For most, getting discovere3d is not the thing. The joy of singing is.

I like the term Group Harmony. That covers Doo Wop, folk, country and any form of music where people sing together. It may not have commercial excess, but people love to sing. I've been surprised over the years to realize that not only does God like to sing, but in the bible He constantly encourages people to sing.

Singing harmony is what comes naturally.