I was in grade school in the 50's. I recommend Peggy Lee singing "Fever" or the Platters singing "The Great Pretender" or the Coasters doing any of their hits. The Coasters had a lot of humor in their songs "Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy," "Along Came Jones," and more.
"Did you write the Book of Love? Do you have faith in God above?" (The opening lines of the first verse in Don McLean's epic "American Pie".) Yes, he referenced this song.
Good point, and this song was use in the soundtrack of the movie "American Graffiti" in 1973. A whole new generation learned about these songs as a result.
Perhaps that's why they were called the the Monotones. They do seem to be singing in unison, all baritones. I think i hear an alto in there somewhere, but you're right, Harri - it's a chorus of baritones.
So glad I just saw this pop up!!!! LOVE This!!! Harri, if you want a treasure trove of doo-wop and surf music to react to, you must check out the “American Graffiti” Soundtrack. It’s a movie that takes place in California in the early 60’s over the course of one night, just before the High School kids go off to the next phases of their lives. I was about 12 when I saw it and it opened my heart to this music. And those hot cars ❤️
I agree about the great soundtrack of American Graffiti. I first saw that movie in a theater in Santa Monica when I was in my late 20s, not long after its release. It really brought back memories of my high school years.
So much gum being chewed in the audience. 😂 Yes I've heard this song many times. I really like your show and also the two of you, talkin bout the music. Thanks
The immense legacy of doo-wop music is often ignored. People think the '60s erased its influence from pop music but it's musical shadow was cast as far flung as Frank Zappa's work ("Ruben and The Jets") and a great trivia question is what is Steve Miller talking about in "The Joker" when he name checks The Pompatus of Love. It's from Vernon Green & The Medallions doo-wop classic "The Letter." Of course, we don't know what Vernon meant by pompatus either. Green claimed he said puppetudes. Whatever that is. LOL.
Love this song, always. Wonderful group great ,e,pories. Also love, The Ten Commandments of lovce by the Moonglows. Ande For your Precious love, Jerry Butler. I used to ask the same thing, who wrote it? All grown up nw and 74, I concluded, God wrote the Book of love, Because Jesus is love:)
The book of love is written by every person who's ever been in love. Less a book than a never ending story. Nice simple little song. I know I heard it plenty growing up.
Re your query, Harri (hey, that rhymed!), Marvin Gaye was a member of a group called the Marquees early in his career. But he wasn't with the Monotones.
Hey mate Australian legend John Farnham is in hospital with cancer. Would be awesome if you can do a live reaction to John doing a cover of the Beatles song “help” live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. This dude is regarded as the voice down under
Fun fact this song is referenced in Don McClean's "American Pie" in the lines... "Did you write the Book of Love? And do you have faith in God above? If the Bible tells you so Do you believe in rock 'n' roll? Can music save your mortal soul? And can you teach me how to dance real slow?"
Good explanation, but It's not likely that group thought of it this way. Most people had never heard the word stereo in 1955 when the group first started. The first mass produced stereo disc came out in 1957, the same year this song was first released. It was a stereo demonstration disc and only 500 copies were pressed. And it was only available to people in the music industry. At the time a stereo cartridge to play those records cost almost $400. It wasn't until mid 1958 when they got the cost down to about $30 for the cartridge. The first stereo albums came out for the general public in March of 1958, but of course it didn't start becoming popular until the cartridge price came down and 1959 was when it really took off.
It’s actually a very tongue-in-cheek name for a group. Someone who sings in monotone can not carry a melody. I don’t think they were referring to the upcoming advent of stereo.
This was a one hit wonder, but these guys are "all those guys"....just great singing, back when if you had a good Doo Wop singing group and a good song, from Dion and the Belmont's to the Monotones, etc., no one stopped you from getting a hit. You don't hear any computer crap, and frankly this music is all for the singing and fun. And they connected to the teens of all races through music. But yes the downside was the music industry ripped a lot of youngsters off back in the day and right up to today...even the Beatles , and Rolling Stones; and Berry Gordy, boss of Motown, apparently ripped off songwriters Holland, Dozier, Holland. He wouldn't pay them more after they made millions for Motown. Mr. Dozier just passed away. I "wonder" if Stevie Wonder got robbed blind also...bad pun, I know...😁
The Monotones were a six-member doo-wop vocal group in the 50's. They are considered a one-hit wonder as their only hit single was "The Book of Love" in 1958.
And think... the Monotones were black, and the audience was white. (Think of the times, guess I'm a bit woke, or whatever) Back when walls were being broken down.
These groups, mostly black, did almost as much as the good Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King to end segregation and inequality. I don't think they. or the mostly white teens and young adults that listened and loved their music, and then grew into adulthood, get nearly enough credit.
I was in grade school in the 50's. I recommend Peggy Lee singing "Fever" or the Platters singing "The Great Pretender" or the Coasters doing any of their hits. The Coasters had a lot of humor in their songs "Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy," "Along Came Jones," and more.
This is REAL music. miss this so much. DOO WOP
"Did you write the Book of Love? Do you have faith in God above?" (The opening lines of the first verse in Don McLean's epic "American Pie".) Yes, he referenced this song.
Thank you !!!
Good point, and this song was use in the soundtrack of the movie "American Graffiti" in 1973. A whole new generation learned about these songs as a result.
Song was covered by Sha NaNa trying to bring this style of music back. For those of us who loved this stuff it never faded away.
Perhaps that's why they were called the the Monotones. They do seem to be singing in unison, all baritones.
I think i hear an alto in there somewhere, but you're right, Harri - it's a chorus of baritones.
Harry, you're on a hot streak...we can NEVER forget this great music. "The Monotones"...what a great name...
So glad I just saw this pop up!!!! LOVE This!!! Harri, if you want a treasure trove of doo-wop and surf music to react to, you must check out the “American Graffiti” Soundtrack. It’s a movie that takes place in California in the early 60’s over the course of one night, just before the High School kids go off to the next phases of their lives. I was about 12 when I saw it and it opened my heart to this music. And those hot cars ❤️
I agree about the great soundtrack of American Graffiti. I first saw that movie in a theater in Santa Monica when I was in my late 20s, not long after its release. It really brought back memories of my high school years.
So much gum being chewed in the audience. 😂
Yes I've heard this song many times.
I really like your show and also the two of you, talkin bout the music.
Thanks
The Monotones were a one hit wonders doo-wop group from the 50's.
50s R&B classic. The Monotones were from Newark, NJ. This was their only national hit.. a one-hit wonder.
Hi Mr. Harri, It is Mon•o•tones (3 syllables).. Try "Into The Night".. ♠W.G.
Harri I was born in 61 so this was still being played on radio; all the 50s stuff was. Also my mum loved The Platters and The Inkspots.
Ah yes...that old book again...played at many a sock hop...an old standard back in the late 50's and early 60's...Ty brother Harri
So glad to see you young guys enjoying our music...I was 12..I remember this.i song..loved it..
Always loved this song! There are so many great oldies! Keep On Rockin'
The immense legacy of doo-wop music is often ignored. People think the '60s erased its influence from pop music but it's musical shadow was cast as far flung as Frank Zappa's work ("Ruben and The Jets") and a great trivia question is what is Steve Miller talking about in "The Joker" when he name checks The Pompatus of Love. It's from Vernon Green & The Medallions doo-wop classic "The Letter." Of course, we don't know what Vernon meant by pompatus either. Green claimed he said puppetudes. Whatever that is. LOL.
The Nylons!
I am from the mid boomer generation. But when I heard groups like Boyz to Men years ago, I heard Doo Wop.
Another great song to dance to. These were the songs of my day. 😍
They were so good
This was a very popular song with a lot of air play. Too bad they didn't remain together. Good reaction Harri and Tevian. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Love this song, always. Wonderful group great ,e,pories. Also love, The Ten Commandments of lovce by the Moonglows. Ande For your Precious love, Jerry Butler.
I used to ask the same thing, who wrote it? All grown up nw and 74, I concluded, God wrote the Book of love, Because Jesus is love:)
The book of love is written by every person who's ever been in love. Less a book than a never ending story.
Nice simple little song. I know I heard it plenty growing up.
I was three years old when this was released, so I have been hearing this song for my entire life. Fond memories! Thanks Harri🌺✌️
Re your query, Harri (hey, that rhymed!), Marvin Gaye was a member of a group called the Marquees early in his career. But he wasn't with the Monotones.
Hey mate Australian legend John Farnham is in hospital with cancer. Would be awesome if you can do a live reaction to John doing a cover of the Beatles song “help” live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. This dude is regarded as the voice down under
Fun fact this song is referenced in Don McClean's "American Pie" in the lines...
"Did you write the Book of Love?
And do you have faith in God above?
If the Bible tells you so
Do you believe in rock 'n' roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?"
Wondering if this was American Bandstand show, everyone is chewing gum, because the major sponsor was a gum company
Lord Of Mercy. White boy I was. Got swatted pretty often for listening to that "@" music.
Marvin Gaye was in the New Moonglows (aka The Marquees), not this band.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but it is Mono Tones (As opposed to stereo tones)
Good explanation, but It's not likely that group thought of it this way. Most people had never heard the word stereo in 1955 when the group first started.
The first mass produced stereo disc came out in 1957, the same year this song was first released. It was a stereo demonstration disc and only 500 copies were pressed. And it was only available to people in the music industry.
At the time a stereo cartridge to play those records cost almost $400. It wasn't until mid 1958 when they got the cost down to about $30 for the cartridge. The first stereo albums came out for the general public in March of 1958, but of course it didn't start becoming popular until the cartridge price came down and 1959 was when it really took off.
Marvin Gaye was a part of The Moonglows.
Remember this song well (I'm 66...in a couple of weeks) but not the group's name. Saddening. Guess I deserve anonymity more.
That is not Moon but rather Mono-tones. Mono came before stereo, it was a thing.
It’s actually a very tongue-in-cheek name for a group. Someone who sings in monotone can not carry a melody. I don’t think they were referring to the upcoming advent of stereo.
@@labajadaman but he was not saying mono
Check out..A casual look by the six teens...I think the lead was 14...wow...
❤❤❤❤❤
This was a one hit wonder, but these guys are "all those guys"....just great singing, back when if you had a good Doo Wop singing group and a good song, from Dion and the Belmont's to the Monotones, etc., no one stopped you from getting a hit. You don't hear any computer crap, and frankly this music is all for the singing and fun. And they connected to the teens of all races through music. But yes the downside was the music industry ripped a lot of youngsters off back in the day and right up to today...even the Beatles , and Rolling Stones; and Berry Gordy, boss of Motown, apparently ripped off songwriters Holland, Dozier, Holland. He wouldn't pay them more after they made millions for Motown. Mr. Dozier just passed away. I "wonder" if Stevie Wonder got robbed blind also...bad pun, I know...😁
The Monotones were a six-member doo-wop vocal group in the 50's. They are considered a one-hit wonder as their only hit single was "The Book of Love" in 1958.
Who’s the boss brought me here?
Watch the audience trying to sing along and chew gum at the same time.
I wonder wonder who?
Back in the day when black and white people were not allowed to mix in the audience.
It's mono tones... Not moon tones
And think... the Monotones were black, and the audience was white. (Think of the times, guess I'm a bit woke, or whatever) Back when walls were being broken down.
These groups, mostly black, did almost as much as the good Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King to end segregation and inequality. I don't think they. or the mostly white teens and young adults that listened and loved their music, and then grew into adulthood, get nearly enough credit.