When I search the web using the phrase “vocal group,” the returned results are almost always related to doo-wop or a cappella music.  I love doo-wop music, and enjoy singing a cappella, but there’s lots of vocal group, harmony-oriented music out there that isn’t doo-wop and is performed with instruments. 

There’s The Boswell Sisters (30’s precursors to The Andrews Sisters, but, because of their N’Awlins accents, much earthier).  And what about The Ink Spots and The Mills Brothers? And later, The Beach Boys and The Mamas & The Papas?   All feature harmony vocals; none is doo-wop.  Even The Flamingos, a fine group often featured on doo-wop collections, are most outstanding on their ballads, which transcend the doo-wop style.

And then, farther afield, there’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Sons of the Pioneers, The Soul Stirrers. 

Maybe somewhere there’s a website that features all kinds of vocal group music, and not just doo-wop and a cappella (not that there’s anything wrong with those).