
Moonlight-soaked vocal harmonies and reverb-heavy street corner soul. Romantic, nostalgic doo-wop for late nights and slow dances.
The Capris are a seminal Italian-American doo-wop group from Queens, New York, best known for their 1961 hit 'There's a Moon Out Tonight.' Formed in 1957, the group's trajectory is a classic 'sleeper hit' narrative; their signature song was originally a failure in 1958, only finding national success years later after being championed by late-night DJs and reissued by Lost Nite and Old Town Records.
Musically, they are distinguished by their adherence to African-American vocal group traditions rather than the 'teen idol' pop style of peers like Dion. Lead singer Nick Santo's phrasing was heavily influenced by Clyde McPhatter, giving the group a soulful edge. While often labeled a one-hit wonder, their 1982 comeback album 'There's a Moon Out Again!' and the song 'Morse Code of Love' proved their enduring relevance, with the latter becoming a modern doo-wop standard. They remain a cornerstone of the 'Oldies' radio format and a primary example of the Queens vocal group scene.
Shares high-tenor counter-melodies, staccato bass vocal lines, rockabilly, traditional pop (detail)
Shares rockabilly, traditional pop, soul, baritone (subgenre)
Shares rockabilly, traditional pop, soul, saxophone (subgenre)
Shares rockabilly, traditional pop, harmonized, soul (subgenre)
Shares rockabilly, traditional pop, soul, saxophone (subgenre)
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