Hushabye: The Mystics, The Music and The Mob Book

Hushabye: The Mystics, The Music and The Mob • book by Al Contrera

A 234-page paperback telling the remarkable true story of The Mystics, the Brooklyn vocal group whose 1959 hit “Hushabye” brought their close-harmony doo-wop sound to a national audience. Written by Contrera, an original founding member of the group, this illustrated book offers a first-hand account of their journey from singing on street corners to the world of recording and touring.

Alongside the music, Contrera explores the realities of growing up in a Brooklyn neighbourhood influenced by organised crime, and the pressures, setbacks and personal struggles that accompanied the group's rise. The story includes the shocking case of the Mystics' lead singer being wrongly imprisoned after becoming an innocent witness to a violent incident. It provides a personal perspective on the people and circumstances behind the sweet harmonies of 1950s doo-wop.

With its mix of rock ’n’ roll history, music-business stories and authentic memories from inside the group, Hushabye is an absorbing choice for fans of vocal harmony, early rock ’n’ roll and the New York music scene. This paperback edition features 234 pages and black-and-white illustrations, making it a worthwhile addition to a collection of vintage music books and artist biographies.