Doo-Wop Revue Toasts ‘50s Vocal Harmony, L.A.-Style

Saturday’s Doo-Wop Society of Southern California revue was billed as a “Tribute to Jesse Belvin,” but it often seemed like a tribute to Richard Berry. Author of the classic party anthem “Louie Louie,” Berry died at age 61 last month and had been scheduled to perform at the show with doo-wop group the Pharaohs. Several of the dozen acts included Berry songs in their sets, while the Pharaohs themselves offered a spare, almost somber vocal arrangement of “Louie Louie.”

Berry was one of many ‘50s L.A. musicians influenced by Belvin, the legendary L.A. singer-songwriter who penned the million-seller “Earth Angel” for the Penguins and crooned “Goodnight My Love,” among many others. In 1960, Belvin died in a car accident at age 27, just as his star was rising.

Throughout the sold-out, 4 1/2-hour concert at Long Beach’s Petroleum Club, a cornucopia of local talent celebrated ‘50s vocal harmony, West Coast-style. A cozy ambience prevailed, as much of the audience was personally connected to the music: Some remembered it, others had performed it, and a few, including some of Berry’s and Belvin’s children, called it their legacy.

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Even though the music wasn’t all doo-wop, and the vocal groups were often backed by a band, the mood remained authentic. Highlights included the agile-voiced, energetic Calvanes; “Cherry Pie” crooners Marvin & Johnny; raucous sax player Big Jay McNeely, with whom Belvin started his recording career; and 27-year-old Vicki Tafoya, whose true-blue voice and enthusiasm caught the audience’s ear and won its heart.

Tafoya’s presence gently underscored the point that vocal harmony has enduring appeal. If the grease and grit of ‘50s L.A. doo-wop long ago gave way to the slick ‘90s harmonizing of Boyz II Men, All 4 One, Jodeci, et al, the timeless themes of love, loneliness and loss remain the same. Saturday night was about bringing back the past, but, for a little while, the music did live again.