The Top 25 Doo-Wop Groups of All Time

Doo-Wop: Top 25 Acts

Doo-wop emerged in the 1950s as an integral force in the shaping of early rock and roll. The genre was marked by vocal groups, predominantly male and black. More than a dozen lists were aggregated to come up with this DMDB list of the top 25 doo-wop groups of all time. See other lists of Acts/Music Makers by Genre. The Platters 1. The Platters 2. The Drifters 3. The Coasters 4. The Flamingos 5. The Clovers 6. The Orioles 7. Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers 8. The Spaniels 9. Dion & the Belmonts 10. The Dominoes 11. The Moonglows 12. The Cadillacs 13. The Del-Vikings 14. The Five Satins 15. Little Anthony & the Imperials 16. The Crests 17. The Harptones 18. The Dells 19. Hank Ballard & the Midnighters 20. The Five Royales 21. The Skyliners 22. The Cleftones 23. The Four Seasons 24. The Diamonds 25. The Penguins Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: Lists of Acts/Music Makers by Genre Dave’s Music Database: The Top 100 Doo-Wop Songs of All Time First posted 3/5/2026; last updated 6/29/2026.

Today in Music (1960): The Drifters “Save the Last Dance for Me” hit #1

Save the Last Dance for Me The Drifters

Writer(s): Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman (see lyrics here) First Charted: August 26, 1960 Peak: 13 BB, 16 CB, 2 GR, 15 HR, 11 RB, 2 UK, 11 CN, 14 AU, 11 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.2 UK Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 7.0 radio, 41.10 video, 83.23 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Drifters have been one of the longest-lasting and most successful R&B groups of all time, forming originally in 1953 and going through multiple incarnations into present day. The group landed eleven top-ten R&B hits in their first couple of years, but were disbanded by manager George Treadwell in 1958. He replaced them with the group the Five Crowns. The new lineup featured Ben E. King (later of “Stand by Me” success) as the lead singer. The new version of the Drifters reached #2 on the pop charts in 1959 with “There Goes My Baby.” They found even greater success a year later with “Save the Last Dance for Me,” the only #1 pop hit in the group’s long history. The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who’d had success a year earlier with Dion & the Belmonts’ “A Teenager in Love” (#5 BB) as well as top-ten hits by Fabian. The went on to write several top-five hits for Elvis Presley, including the #1 song “Surrender” in 1961. Pomus explained that he and Shuman wrote many of their hits after Shuman would return from periodic vacations to Mexico. Shuman would provide fragments of Latin beats and melodies and Shuman would write lyrics that sounded like they were translated into English. DM Pomus wrote the lyrics for “Dance” about remembering his wedding and, because he was in a wheelchair due to polio, watching his wife dance with other people. However, in the song he reminds her who will be going home with her. RC Pomus said, “We knew we wrote a good one, but we had no reason to think that this was much better than ten other songs.” SJ Originally Jimmy Clanton, a New Orleans singer, wanted to record the song. When Atlantic Records called to say they wanted the song for the Drifters, Pomus said they talked Clanton out of the song by adapting a song they’d written as “Go, Bobby, Go” into “Go, Jimmy, Go” and telling Clanton they’d written it for him. SJ It was a top-five hit for him. Even then, the Drifters’ version of “Save the Last Dance for Me” was relegated to the B-side of a song called “Nobody But Me.” It was Dick Clark, the host of American Bandstand, who suggesting pushing the other song instead. Resources: RC Rod Couch (2015). The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era: 1955-2015. Pages 280-1. DM Dave Marsh (1989). The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. New American Library: New York, NY. Page 300. SJ Bob Shannon and John Javna (1986). Behind the Hits: Inside Stories of Classic Pop and Rock and Roll. Warner Brothers, Inc.: New York, NY. Page 172. SF Songfacts Related Links: First posted 1/18/2024.

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 box set released

First posted 11/11/2020; updated 11/16/2020.

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Various Artists

Released: October 15, 1991 Recorded: 1947 to 1974 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US and UK) Genre: R&B

Tracks: Song Title by Act [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts. Tracks, Disc 1: Lowe Groovin' by Joe Morris That Old Black Magic by Tiny Grimes Annie Laurie by Tiny Grimes (11/20/1948, B-side of “Midnight Special”) Midnight Special by Tiny Grimes (11/20/1948, 12 RB) The Applejack by Joe Morris Cole Slaw by Frank Culley (5/14/1949, 11 RB) Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee by Stick McGhee (4/2/1949, 26 US, 2 RB) So Long by Ruth Brown (9/17/1949, 4 RB) I'll Get Along Somehow (Parts 1 & 2) by Ruth Brown Hey Little Girl by Professor Longhair Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Professor Longhair Tee Nah Nah by Harry Van Walls Danny Boy by Al Hibbler (8/12/1950, 9 RB) * Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere by Joe Morris (10/7/1950, 1 RB) Teardrops from My Eyes by Ruth Brown (10/28/1950, 1 RB) One Monkey Don't Stop No Show by Stick McGhee Don't You Know I Love You by The Clovers (6/9/1951, 1 RB) Shouldn't I Know by The Cardinals (10/6/1951, 7 RB) Chill Is On by Big Joe Turner (12/15/1951, 3 RB) Chains of Love by Joe Turner (6/30/1951, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Fool, Fool, Fool by The Clovers (9/29/1951, 1 RB) One Mint Julep by The Clovers (4/19/1952, 2 RB) Wheel of Fortune by The Cardinals (3/15/1952, 6 RB) Sweet Sixteen by Big Joe Turner (4/12/1952, 3 RB) 5-10-15 Hours by Ruth Brown (4/12/1952, 1 RB) Gator's Groove by Willis Jackson Tracks, Disc 2: Ting-a-ling—The Clovers by The Clovers (7/26/1952, 1 RB) Daddy Daddy by Ruth Brown (9/6/1952, 3 RB) The Midnight Hour by Ray Charles (9/11/1952) A Beggar for Your Kisses by Diamonds Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean by Ruth Brown (3/14/1953, 23 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Good Lovin' by The Clovers (7/25/1953, 2 RB) Wild Wild Young Men by Ruth Brown (6/20/1953, 3 RB) Mess Around by Ray Charles (6/19/1953, 3 RB) Honey Hush by Joe Turner (9/19/1953, 53 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Soul on Fire by LaVern Baker Money Honey by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (10/31/1953, 1 RB) Lovey Dovey by The Clovers (3/20/1954, 2 RB) Such a Night by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (3/13/1954, 2 RB) Tipitina by Professor Longhair White Christmas by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (12/18/1954, 6 US, 2 RB) Honey Love by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (9/11/1954, 21 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Whatcha Gonna Do by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (3/26/1954, 2 RB) Shake, Rattle and Roll by Joe Turner (5/8/1954, 22 US, 1 RB) Sh-Boom by The Chords (7/3/1954, 5 US, 2 RB) Oh What a Dream by Ruth Brown (8/7/1954, 1 RB) * Jam Up by Tommy Ridgley After the Lights Go Down Low by Al Hibbler * Tomorrow Night by LaVern Baker (1/15/1955) Tweedle Dee by LaVern Baker (1/15/1955, 14 US, 4 RB, sales: 1 million) I Got a Woman by Ray Charles (1/22/1955, 79 US, 1 RB) Greenbacks by Ray Charles (10/29/1955, 5 RB) Tracks, Disc 3: Door Is Still Open by The Cardinals (4/2/1955, 4 RB) Flip, Flop and Fly by Joe Turner (3/19/1955, 2 RB) A Fool for You by Ray Charles (7/2/1955, 1 RB) This Little Girl of Mine by Ray Charles (7/9/1955, 9 RB) Play It Fair by LaVern Baker (10/22/1955, 2 RB) Adorable by The Drifters (11/5/1955, 1 RB) Smokey Joe's Cafe by The Robins (12/3/1955, 79 US, 10 RB) Ruby Baby by The Drifters (5/12/1956, 10 RB) In Paradise by The Cookies (3/31/1956, 9 RB) Chicken and the Hawk by Joe Turner (1/14/1956, 7 RB) Devil or Angel by The Clovers (12/31/1955, 6 US, 3 RB, airplay: 1 million) Drown in My Own Tears by Ray Charles (2/25/1956, 1 RB) Hallelujah, I Love Her So by Ray Charles (5/31/1956, 5 RB, airplay: 1 million) Jim Dandy by LaVern Baker (12/15/1956, 17 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Down in Mexico by The Coasters (3/17/1956, 8 US, 8 RB) Corrine Corina by Joe Turner (4/21/1956, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Treasure of Love by Clyde McPhatter (5/26/1956, 16 US, 1 RB, 27 UK) Love, Love, Love by The Clovers (6/23/1956, 30 US, 4 RB) It's Too Late by Chuck Willis (7/7/1956, 3 RB) Lonely Avenue by Ray Charles (10/20/1956, 6 RB) Since I Met You Baby by Ivory Joe Hunter (11/17/1956, 12 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Lucky Lips by Ruth Brow (2/9/1957, 25 US, 6 RB, sales: 1 million) Without Love (There Is Nothing) by Clyde McPhatter (1/12/1957, 4 RB) Fools Fall in Love by The Drifters (3/9/1957, 69 US, 10 RB) Midnight Special Train by Joe Turner Empty Arms by Ivory Joe Hunter (4/6/1957, 2 RB) C.C. Rider by Chuck Willis (4/20/1957, 1 RB) Searchin' by The Coasters (5/6/1957, 3 US, 1 RB, 30 UK, sales: 1 million) Tracks, Disc 4: Young Blood by The Coasters (5/6/1957, 8 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Mr. Lee by The Bobbettes (8/3/1957, 6 US, 1 RB, 1 CN) Long Lonely Nights by Clyde McPhatter (8/5/1957, 49 US, 1 RB) * Betty and Dupree by Chuck Willis (2/3/1958, 15 RB) What Am I Livin' For by Chuck Willis (5/5/1958, 25 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes by Chuck Willis (5/5/1958, 9 RB) Yakety Yak by The Coasters (5/31/1958, 1 US, 1 RB, 12 UK, sales: 1 million) Lover's Question by Clyde McPhatter (10/4/1958, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) I Cried a Tear by LaVern Baker (12/8/1958, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Night Time Is the Right Time by Ray Charles (1/5/1959, 95 US, 5 RB) Charlie Brown by The Coasters (2/2/1959, 2 US, 2 RB, 12 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million) What'd I Say (Parts 1 & 2) by Ray Charles (7/6/1959, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) There Goes My Baby by The Drifters (6/1/1959, 2 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Along Came Jones by The Coasters (5/18/1959, 9 US, 14 RB) Let the Good Times Roll by Ray Charles (1/11/1960, 78 US) Poison Ivy by The Coasters (8/24/1959, 7 US, 1 RB, 15 UK, sales: 1 million) Dance with Me by The Drifters (10/12/1959, 15 US, 2 RB, 17 UK, sales: 1 million) Just for a Thrill by Ray Charles (5/23/1960, 16 RB) This Magic Moment by The Drifters (2/13/1960, 16 US, 4 RB, airplay: 3 million) Save the Last Dance for Me by The Drifters (9/5/1960, 1 US, 1 RB, 2 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 6 million) Shopping for Clothes by The Coasters (10/3/1960, 83 US) Spanish Harlem by Ben E. King (12/31/1960, 10 US, 15 RB, airplay: 3 million) Young Boy Blues by Ben E. King (10/14/1961, 66 US) Stand by Me by Ben E. King (5/8/1961, 4 US, 1 RB, 1 UK, 1 CN, airplay: 7 million) Gee Whiz Look at His Eyes by Carla Thomas (1/28/1961, 10 US, 5 RB) Saved by LaVern Baker (4/10/1961, 37 US, 17 RB) Just Out of Reach of My Two Empty Arms by Solomon Burke (9/4/1961, 24 US, 7 RB) Tracks, Disc 5: Little Egypt (Ying-Yang) by The Coasters (4/24/1961, 23 US, 16 RB) Amor by Ben E. King (7/29/1961, 18 US, 10 RB, 38 UK) Last Night by The Mar-Keys (7/1/1961, 3 US, 2 RB) I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) by The Ikettes (1/13/1962, 19 US, 3 RB) You Don't Miss Your Water by William Bell (4/28/1962, 95 US) I Found a Love by The Falcons (3/31/1962, 75 US, 6 RB) Cry to Me by Solomon Burke (1/22/1962, 44 US, 5 RB) Don't Play That Song (You Lied) by Ben E. King (4/21/1962, 11 US, 2 RB) Green Onions by Booker T. & the MG's (8/11/1962, 3 US, 1 RB, 7 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Up on the Roof by The Drifters (11/3/1962, 5 US, 4 RB, airplay: 5 million) See See Rider by LaVern Baker (12/1/1961, 34 US, 9 RB) I (Who Have Nothing) by Ben E. King (6/29/1963, 29 US, 16 RB) If You Need Me by Solomon Burke (4/20/1963, 37 US, 2 RB) These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding (3/23/1963, 83 US, 20 RB) Hello Stranger by Barbara Lewis (5/4/1963, 3 US, 1 RB) On Broadway by The Drifters (3/16/1963, 9 US, 7 RB, airplay: 6 million) Just One Look by Doris Troy (6/8/1963, 10 US, 3 RB, 1 CN) Do the Mashed Potatoes (Parts 1 & 2) by Nat Kendricks & The Swans (2/13/1960, 84 US, 8 RB) Land of 1000 Dances by Chris Kenner (6/29/1963, 77 US) Walkin' the Dog by Rufus Thomas (10/5/1963, 10 US, 4 RB, sales: 1 million) Release Me by Esther Phillips (10/27/1962, 8 US, 1 RB, airplay: 5 million) Mercy, Mercy by Don Covay (9/5/1964, 35 US, 1 RB) Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters (6/27/1964, 4 US, 4 RB, 45 UK, airplay: 3 million) And I Love Him by Esther Phillips (4/17/1965, 54 US, 11 RB) Hold What You've Got by Joe Tex (12/19/1964, 5 US, 1 RB) Mr. Pitiful by Otis Redding (2/6/1965, 41 US, 10 RB) Baby I'm Yours by Barbara Lewis (6/19/1965, 11 US, 5 RB, airplay: 2 million) Tracks, Disc 6: Teasin' You by Willie Tee (2/27/1965, 97 US, 12 RB) Got to Get You Off My Mind by Solomon Burke (3/6/1965, 22 US, 1 RB) * I Want to Do Everything for You by Joe Tex (8/28/1965, 23 US, 1 RB) * I've Been Loving You Too Long by Otis Redding (5/15/1965, 21 US, 2 RB) A Sweet Woman Like You by Joe Tex (12/4/1965, 29 US, 1 RB) * In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett (6/26/1965, 21 US, 1 RB, 12 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) See-Saw by Don Covay (10/30/1965, 44 US, 5 RB) Respect by Otis Redding (9/4/1965, 35 US, 4 RB, airplay: 2 million) You Don't Know Like I Know by Sam & Dave (1/1/1966, 90 US, 7 RB) When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge (4/9/1966, 1 US, 1 RB, 2 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million, airplay: 7 million) 634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.) by Wilson Pickett (2/12/1966, 13 US, 1 RB, 36 UK) * Hold on, I'm Comin’ by Sam & Dave (4/9/1966, 21 US, 1 RB, sales: 2 million, airplay: 1 million) Cool Jerk by The Capitols (4/9/1966, 7 US, 2 RB) Neighbor, Neighbor by Jimmy Hughes (5/28/1966, 65 US, 4 RB) Land of 1000 Dances by Wilson Pickett (7/30/1966, 6 US, 1 RB, 22 UK) Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd (8/27/1966, 28 US, 1 RB, 19 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding (12/3/1966, 25 US, 4 RB, 46 UK) Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett (11/19/1966, 23 US, 6 RB, 28 UK, airplay: 1 million) When Something Is Wrong with My Baby by Sam & Dave (2/11/1967, 42 US, 2 RB) Sweet Soul Music by Arthur Conley (3/11/1967, 2 US, 2 RB, 7 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin (3/4/1967, 9 US, 1 RB, 5 CN, sales: 1 million) Do Right Woman-Do Right Man by Aretha Franklin (6/3/1967, 37 RB, sales: 1 million) Show Me by Joe Tex (3/4/1967, 35 US, 24 RB) Tramp by Otis & Carla (5/6/1967, 26 US, 2 RB, 18 UK) Funky Broadway by Wilson Pickett (8/5/1967, 8 US, 1 RB, 43 UK) Hip Hug-Her by Booker T (3/25/1967, 37 US, 6 RB) Soul Man by Same & Dave (9/9/1967, 2 US, 1 RB, 24 UK, sales: 2 million) Tracks, Disc 7: Respect by Aretha Franklin (4/10/1967, 1 US, 1 RB, 10 UK, 3 CN, 14 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin (9/30/1967, 8 US, 2 RB, 11 CN, 36 AU, airplay: 2 million) Soul Finger by The Bar-Kays (5/20/1967, 17 US, 3 RB, 33 UK, sales: 1 million) Baby I Love You by Aretha Franklin (7/1/1967, 4 US, 1 RB, 39 UK, 3 CN, 51 AU, sales: 1 million) Skinny Legs and All by Joe Tex (10/28/1967, 10 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin (11/30/1967, 2 US, 1 RB, 43 UK, 4 CN, 51 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) I'm in Love by Wilson Pickett (12/2/1967, 45 US, 4 RB) Memphis Soul Stew by King Curtis (9/16/1967, 6 RB) Sweet Sweet Baby, Since You've Been Gone by Aretha Franklin (3/2/1968, 5 US, 1 RB, 47 UK, 6 CN, 76 AU) * Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (1/8/1968, 1 US, 1 RB, 3 UK, 7 CN, sales: 4 million, airplay: 7 million) Tighten Up by Archie Bell & the Drells (3/30/1968, 1 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Slip Away by Clarence Carter (7/6/1968, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Think by Aretha Franklin (5/2/1968, 7 US, 1 RB, 26 UK, 6 CN, 49 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) Too Weak to Fight by Clarence Carter (11/2/1968, 13 US, 3 RB, sales: 1 million) * Can I Change My Mind by Tyrone Davis (12/21/1968, 5 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * First Time I Ever Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack (3/4/1972, 1 US, 4 RB, 14 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 3 million) Take a Letter, Maria by R.B. Greaves (10/18/1969, 2 US, 10 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton (1/3/1970, 4 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) The Ghetto by Donny Hathaway (1/10/1970, 87 US, 23 RB) Turn Back the Hands of Time by Tyrone Davis (3/7/1970, 3 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Compared to What by Eddie Harris & Les McCann (1/10/1970, 85 US, 35 RB) Call Me by Aretha Franklin (1/21/1970, 13 US, 1 RB, 11 CN) * Tracks, Disc 8: Don't Play That Song (You Lied) by Aretha Franklin (8/8/1970, 11 US, 1 RB, 13 UK, 13 CN, sales: 1 million) Precious Precious by Jackie Moore (12/5/1970, 30 US, 12 RB) * Groove Me by King Floyd III (10/10/1970, 6 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Patches by Clarence Carter (7/18/1970, 4 US, 2 RB, 2 UK, sales: 1 million) Don't Knock My Love, Pt. 1 by Wilson Pickett (4/24/1971, 13 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * Funky Nassau (Parts 1 & 2) by The Beginning of the End (5/1/1971, 15 US, 7 RB, 31 UK) Thin Line Between Love and Hate by The Persuaders (8/14/1971, 15 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin (10/23/1971, 9 US, 2 RB, 12 CN, sales: 1 million) Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin (3/11/1972, 5 US, 1 RB, 13 CN, sales: 1 million) * You've Got a Friend by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (6/12/1971, 29 US, 8 RB) Clean Up Woman by Betty Wright (11/20/1971, 6 US, 2 RB, sales: 1 million) Could It Be I'm Falling in Love? by The Spinners (12/30/1972, 4 US, 1 RB, 11 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack (1/20/1973, 1 US, 2 RB, 6 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU, sales: 1 million, sales: 5 million) Where Is the Love? by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (6/3/1972, 5 US, 1 RB, 1 UK, sales: 1 million) I'll Be Around by The Spinners (8/19/1972, 3 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 2 million) Feel Like Makin' Love by Roberta Flack (6/15/1974, 1 US, 1 RB, 34 UK, 1 CN, sales: 1 million, airplay: 3 million) One of a Kind (Love Affair) by The Spinners (4/28/1973, 11 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) * Sideshow by Blue Magic (4/20/1974, 8 US, 1 RB, sales: 1 million) * Mighty Love by The Spinners (1/19/1974, 20 US, 1 RB) Love Won't Let Me Wait by Major Harris (3/15/1975, 5 US, 1 RB, 37 UK, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) * Songs added to the reissue. Total Running Time: 10:20:44

Rating: 4.766 out of 5.00 (average of 10 ratings) Quotable: “Should be a part of any collection that presumes to take American music -- not just rock & roll or rhythm & blues – seriously” – Bruce Eder, All Music Guide Awards:

About the Album: “This eight-CD set should be a part of any collection that presumes to take American music -- not just rock & roll or rhythm & blues -- seriously. Atlantic Records was one of dozens of independent labels started up after the war by neophyte executives and producers, but it was different from most of the others in that the guys who ran it were honest and genuinely loved music. Coupled with a lot of luck and some good judgment, the results trace a good chunk of the history of American music and popular culture.” AMG Disc one opens with cuts which slot in somewhere midway between jazz, bop, and ‘race’ music (as the term was used then). Disc two is pure, distilled R&B, the stuff filling the airwaves of black radio and the jukeboxes in the "wrong" parts of town in 1952-54. Surprisingly, the material on Disc three, covering 1955-57, isn’t very different in content or character from Disc two, despite the fact that it covers the period when white teenagers were starting to listen to and buy these records in large numbers.” AMG Disc 2 captured some of the songs celebrated as quintessential to the birth of rock and roll, such as the Chords’ “Sh-Boom” and Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll” “It’s only with Disc four that one sees the consequences of the late ‘50s – Ray Charles in his final days with the label, juxtaposed with the Drifters in their post-1958 incarnation and the start of the company's relationship with Stax/Volt Records.” AMG Highlights include Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” and Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” The latter was one of those rare songs to hit the charts in two separate runs – first hitting the top 10 pop charts in 1961 and again in 1986 as the title song from the movie of the same name. “Disc six (1965-67) is practically a mini-tribute to Stax/Volt, filled with the best-known sides of Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Booker T. & the MG’s.” AMG The standout track is the iconic “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. Redding’s original version of “Respect” is also featured, but it’s on the next disc that we get Aretha Franklin’s cover of the song, which she turned into a classic anthem for female empowerment. “Discs seven and eight run from the late '60s and the heyday of Aretha Franklin to some great early-‘70s soul, including Roberta Flack and the Spinners.” AMG Among the highlights from the two discs are Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” The booklet, with a full sessionography and biographical notes on each artist, would be worth 20 bucks on its own.” AMG Notes: The original box set was released in 1985. When it was rereleased in 1991, it was expanded to eight discs from seven. Songs in the track listing marked with an asterisk (*) are the ones which were added to the reissue.

Resources and Related Links: AMG All Music Guide by Bruce Eder