Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Sep 07 2025

Some music historians estimate that there were over 1,000 doo-wop groups who recorded commercially during the late 50s and early 60s. The historians also claim that thousands more of these vocal harmony groups existed but never made it into a studio or onto vinyl, performing instead at local venues, street corners, school dances, and amateur contests.

The groups who were fortunate to record commercially often found themselves at the mercy of their recording companies and promoters who had limited marketing budgets.

This of course resulted in many recordings falling into the category of “should’ve been a hit.” Such was the case for a talented early 60s doo-wop group from LA whose trajectory reflects both the promise and pitfalls of the early 60s music industry.

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So why were there so many of these groups? Probably because of:

  • A low barrier to entry: Doo-wop required minimal instrumentation – often just voices – making it accessible to teenagers across the country.
  • Regional popularity: Cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Baltimore were hotbeds for doo-wop, each with thriving local scenes.
  • Cultural influence: The genre was especially popular among African American, Italian American, and Latino teens in urban neighborhood
  • Independent labels: The rise of small labels (like Vee-Jay, Gee, Herald, and End Records) looking to cash in on the trend led to a surge in recordings, many by short-lived or one-hit-wonder groups.

Our featured LA group was originally known as the Calvanes. They had a smooth, harmony-rich sound that fit comfortably alongside contemporaries like the Penguins and the Medallions. Initially known for local performances and a few minor recordings, they captured the attention of RCA Records in the early 60s, leading to a contract that promised national exposure and greater success.

Rebranded as the Nuggets for their RCA debut, the group recorded a beautifully arranged ballad that showcased their vocal prowess and emotional depth. The song featured all the hallmarks of a doo-wop classic: tender lyrics, lush harmonies, and a yearning lead vocal that conveyed the heartbreak and hope of young love. It had the potential to be a crossover hit, appealing to both pop and R&B audiences during a period when the lines between those genres were increasingly blurred.

Sadly, the lack of exposure was a tragic loss for a song so full of feeling and craftsmanship. Instead, it remains a lost treasure, known mostly to collectors and genre enthusiasts who recognize its beauty and mourn the loss of the Nuggets’ “Before We Say Goodnight,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time and a first time play on Treasure Island Oldies.

YouTube listing of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az078JchdBg

 This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.