Doo Wop 50 is a television and dvd special created and produced by TJ Lubinsky, grandson of Herman Lubinsky (founder of Savoy Records). The special was inspired by a 1994 CD box-set of doo wop music which was also a development and production partner WQED in the program and dvd. It aired in December 1999.
Doo Wop 50 was videotaped live at The Benedum Center For The Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 11 & 12, 1999. It showcased many doo-wop groups that had existed since the 1950s, and was hosted by former Impressions lead and soul soloist Jerry Butler. It was followed by Doo Wop 51 and the American Soundtrack and My Music series as seen on public television.[1] Doo Wop 50 became the highest-producing pledge drive special in the history of PBS at that time, garnering more than $75 million for its member stations.
The American Soundtrack/My Music series has become a mainstay for public tv stations, Lubinsky owns the copyright to the special and the American Soundtrack/My Music series.
Groups on the program
Part One
Herb Reed's Platters
- "This I Swear"
- "Since I Don't Have You"
Gene Chandler with Pure Gold
Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge
- "Sixteen Candles"
- "Worst That Could Happen"
- "Little Girl of Mine"
- "Heart and Soul"
- "My True Story"
- "What Time Is It?"
- "Just to Be with You"
- "Oh Rosemarie"
- "Guardian Angel"
Earl Lewis and The Channels
- "That's My Desire"
- "The Closer You Are"
Part Two
- "Zoom"
- "Gloria (Leon René song)"
- "Speedoo"
- "Look at My Eyes"
The Chantels featuring Arlene Smith
- "Maybe"
The Moonglows featuring Harvey Fuqua
- "Sincerely"
- "Ten Commandments of Love"
- "Sunday Kind of Love"
- "Life Is but a Dream"
- "I Only Have Eyes for You"
- "Lovers Never Say Goodbye"
The Channels, The Legends of Doo Wop, The Golden Group Memories, The Cadillacs
- "Gloria Medley"
- "Stormy Weather"
- "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight"