In the golden age of doo-wop, few groups captured the essence of the genre quite like The El Dorados. With their smooth harmonies and infectious energy, they carved out a legacy that still resonates with music lovers today.
Formed in Chicago in 1952, the group originally performed under the name Pirkle Lee and the Five Stars before adopting the moniker The El Dorados. Led by Pirkle Lee Moses Jr., the ensemble featured a talented lineup of vocalists, including Louis Bradley, Arthur Basset, Jewel Jones, James Maddox, and Richard Nickens.
After a string of early releases, The El Dorados struck gold with their 1955 hit “At My Front Door” (Crazy Little Mama), which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 17 on the pop chart. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics made it an instant classic, cementing their place in doo-wop history. Their follow-up single, “I’ll Be Forever Loving You,” also found success, landing in the R&B Top Ten in early 1956.
Despite their success, the group faced lineup changes, with Basset and Nickens departing, leading The El Dorados to continue as a quartet. By 1957, the original group had disbanded, but Moses Jr. kept the name alive, forming a new version of The El Dorados with members of The Kool Gents. Meanwhile, some of the original members moved to California and rebranded as The Tempos.
The El Dorados continued to evolve, with various iterations performing throughout the decades. In the late 1970s, two competing versions of the group merged, ensuring their legacy endured. Even after Moses Jr.’s passing in 2000, the group remained active, with longtime member Norman Palm leading performances under the name Pirkle Lee Moses Jr.’s El Dorados.
The El Dorados’ contributions to doo-wop and R&B remain undeniable. Their music continues to inspire new generations, proving that the magic of harmonies and heartfelt lyrics never fades. Whether through their timeless hits or the enduring spirit of their performances, The El Dorados will always be remembered as pioneers of a sound that shaped an era.
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.
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