This is possibly the most famous doo-wop song ever - I think just about everybody has heard its chorus. I find it irresistible.
The Monotones were from the Baxter Terrace housing project in Newark, New Jersey. Formed in 1955, they won first prize on Ted Mack's Amateur Hour in 1956. "Book Of Love" reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the R&B chart, selling over one million copies.Followup singles did not achieve any success and the Monotones disbanded in 1962, with the occasional reunion here and there to sing "Book Of Love" again, because why not? All six of the original members of the group have passed away; lead singer Charles Howard Patrick was the last living member, dying in 2020. The Baxter Terrace housing project has also passed away, as it was demolished in 2009.
Created March 17, 2026.