Pronunciation: [dˈuːwəp] (IPA) 
Doowop is a style of music that originated in the 1950s. The spelling of the word doowop is derived from the distinctive vocal sounds used in this genre. The word is pronounced as /ˈduːwɑːp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "doo" sound is made by the lips while the "wop" sound is made by the back of the tongue hitting the roof of the mouth. The spelling of doowop accurately represents the vocalization style used in this musical genre.
Doowop is a genre of music that emerged in African-American communities in the United States in the 1940s and peaked in popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. It is characterized by its distinctive vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and a rhythmic emphasis on the backbeat. The term "doowop" is believed to have originated from the distinctive sound made by vocal harmony groups singing the nonsense syllables "doobee-doo-wah" or "doo-wop" as accompanying backing vocals.
In doowop music, the vocal harmonies often feature a lead vocalist supported by a group of backup singers who provide intricate vocal arrangements and tight harmonies. The lyrics typically revolve around themes of love, romance, and teenage life. The vocal stylings in doowop often involve falsetto and tenor voices, creating a smooth and melodic sound.
The instrumental accompaniment in doowop is usually simple, with a basic rhythm provided by percussion instruments like drums and tambourines, and occasional use of piano, saxophone, or guitar. The rhythm serves as a foundation for the vocal harmonies, which remain the centerpiece of the genre.
Doowop had a significant influence on the development of other genres such as rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary pop music, with artists incorporating its distinctive harmonies and melodic sensibilities into their compositions. Doowop remains an important and cherished part of American music history.
The word "doowop" is believed to have originated as an onomatopoeic term for the vocal harmony sound prevalent in rhythm and blues and rock and roll music during the 1950s and early 1960s. The term imitates the nonsensical syllables often used in the vocal harmonies of the genre, characterized by the repeated use of "doo" and "bop" or similar sounds. It is said to have been coined by African American vocal groups who created the style, mimicking the sounds they made while singing. The spelling variation "doo-wop" became popular over time.
