A Journey Through Doo-Wop History
The Edsels, an American doo-wop group from Campbell, Ohio, emerged in the late 1950s and left an indelible mark on the music scene. Originally known as The Essos, the group changed their name to The Edsels to align with the new Ford automobile of the same name.
The group consisted of George “Wydell” Jones Jr. (lead vocals), Larry J. Greene (first tenor), James Reynolds (second tenor), Harry Greene (baritone), and Marshall Sewell (bass). They were one of the few doo-wop groups to sign with a major record label, Capitol Records, which was a significant achievement during that era.
The Edsels are best known for their hit song “Rama Lama Ding Dong,” written by lead singer George “Wydell” Jones Jr. The song was recorded in 1957 and released in 1958 under the erroneous title “Lama Rama Ding Dong.” It didn’t gain popularity until 1961 when a disc jockey in New York City began playing it as a segue from the Marcels’ doo-wop version of “Blue Moon.” The song eventually peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In addition to “Rama Lama Ding Dong,” the group recorded over 25 songs, including “What Brought Us Together,” “Bone Shaker Joe,” and “Do You Love Me,” which helped them secure their major recording contract. The Edsels made multiple appearances on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, further cementing their place in music history.
Despite their brief encounter with fame, The Edsels’ influence on the doo-wop genre remains significant. The group continues to perform today, with James Reynolds performing alongside his five sons as The Reynolds Brothers. The Edsels’ legacy lives on through their timeless music and the impact they had on the doo-wop scene.
Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder
Originating in the 1950s, the sock hop was a social dance put on normally by school groups. Because they were usually held in gymnasiums, shoes were forbidden, and the dancers danced in their socks.
Join me every Saturday night at 8pm on KNCT as we bring back the music that was the heart and soul of that wonderful tradition. In the meantime, check out past episodes below.
As always, be sure to keep a little Doo-wop in your heart and it will put a smile on your face.
knctsockhop@gmail.com
Playlist for Tonight’s Episode 709
| Rama Lama Ding Dong | The Edsels |
| Dear Lady Twist | Gary U.S. Bonds |
| Good Thing Baby | Gene McDaniels feat. The Sultans |
| Knock! Knock! (Who’s There?) | The Orlons |
| Shoopy-Pop-A-Doo | The Fluorescents |
| Mr. Lee | The Bobbettes |
| I Remember | The Five Discs |
| Oop Shoop | Shirley Gunter & The Queens |
| Everyday Of The Week | The Students |
| Tell Me, Who’s The Girl | Annette Funicello |
| Rag Doll | The Four Seasons |
| Break It To Me Gently | Brenda Lee |
| See You Later Alligator | Bill Haley |
| Party Doll | Buddy Knox & The Rhythm Orchids |
| Judy’s Turn To Cry | Lesley Gore |
| Ya Ya | Lee Dorsey |
| Wild Weekend | The Rockin’ Rebels |
| Roustabout | Elvis Presley |
| I’m Into Something Good | Herman’s Hermits |
| I Want You, I Need You, I Love You | Elvis Presley |
| Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter | Herman’s Hermits |
| Tonight I Fell In Love | The Tokens |
| The Time Has Come | Frank Foster & The LA Untouchables |
| It Must Be Love | Johnny Maestro & The Crests |
| The Boy From New York City | The Ad Libs |
| I Will Follow Him | Peggy March |
| Mockingbird | Inez & Charlie Foxx |
| What A Guy | The Raindrops |
| Western Movies | The Olympics |
| Soul Man | Sam & Dave |
| Love Is Like A Heat Wave | Martha Reeves & The Vandellas |
| She’s About A Mover | Sir Douglas Quintet |
| Do You Want To Know A Secret | The Beatles |
| Softly In The Night | The Cookies |
| It Hurts | The Rialtos |
| Before I Go | The Connotations |
| Rubber Biscuit | The Chips |
| Surfin’ Safari | The Beach Boys |
| Why Do Fools Fall In Love | Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers |
| Sweet Little 16 | Chuck Berry |
| Bim Bam Boom | The El Dorados |
| High School Confidential | Jerry Lee Lewis |
| The Whispering Bells | The Dell-Vikings |
| Rock Me My Baby | Buddy Holly & The Crickets |
| Denise | Randy & The Rainbows |
| If You Can’t Rock Me | Ricky Nelson |
| You Were Mine | The Fireflies |
| Dream Angel Goodnight | The Tokens |
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