The special was inspired by a 1994 CD box-set of doo wop music which was also a development and production partner WQED in the program and dvd.
Doo Wop 50 was videotaped live at The Benedum Center For The Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 11 & 12, 1999.
It showcased many doo-wop groups that had existed since the 1950s, and was hosted by former Impressions lead and soul soloist Jerry Butler.
[1] Doo Wop 50 became the highest-producing pledge drive special in the history of PBS at that time, garnering more than $75 million for its member stations.
Herb Reed's Platters Norman Wright's Dell Vikings The Skyliners The Penguins Gene Chandler with Pure Gold Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge Lee Andrews & the Hearts The Cleftones The Capris The Marcels The Jive Five The Legends of Doo Wop Earl Lewis and The Channels The Cadillacs The Golden Group Memories The Chantels The Chantels featuring Arlene Smith The Moonglows featuring Harvey Fuqua Jerry Butler The Harptones The Flamingos The Channels, The Legends of Doo Wop, The Golden Group Memories, The Cadillacs The Spaniels