The Fontanas

The Fontanas: A Blast from the Past

The Fontanas, a doo-wop group hailing from Brooklyn, New York, were a fixture in the 1950s and early 1960s music scene. Their vibrant sound, featuring tight harmonies and catchy lyrics, earned them a devoted following and helped define the era’s musical landscape.

The Sound of Doo-Wop

The Fontanas’ music is firmly rooted in the doo-wop genre. Characterized by its focus on vocal harmonies, simple instrumentation, and often nostalgic lyrics, doo-wop was a dominant force in the 1950s. The Fontanas, like many of their peers, embraced this sound with gusto, delivering catchy tunes about love, heartache, and teenage life.

Most Known Songs

The Fontanas had a string of hits during their career, but some stand out for their enduring popularity:

• “The Way You Walk” (1959)
• “Sally Was A Good Old Girl” (1959)
• “I’m So Young” (1959)
• “The Girl Who Stole My Heart” (1960)
• “You Know It’s True” (1960)

Similar Artists

The Fontanas shared the doo-wop scene with numerous other talented groups, including:

• The Platters
• The Coasters
• The Silhouettes
• The Drifters
• The Chantels

Friends and Collaborators

Beyond their music, The Fontanas were known for their camaraderie and collaborations with other artists. They often appeared on the same bills and shared a common bond with their fellow doo-wop performers. Notably, they were known to be close friends with the legendary Dion DiMucci, whose own career path mirrored the Fontanas’ rise and fall.

A Legacy of Harmony

While their popularity may have faded with time, The Fontanas’ music continues to resonate with those who appreciate the golden age of doo-wop. Their harmonies, their catchy melodies, and their heartfelt lyrics remain a reminder of a bygone era and a testament to their enduring talent. The Fontanas, like so many other pioneers of this musical style, left an undeniable mark on the history of popular music.