Emerging from the early 1960s New York scene, Sha Na Na wasn’t your typical rock & roll band. Founded on a shared passion for the golden age of doo-wop (roughly the mid-1950s), the group took a unique approach. Clad in leather jackets and sporting the iconic pompadour and ducktail hairstyles, they were a walking, singing homage to a bygone era. Their music, however, wasn’t simply a nostalgic recreation. Sha Na Na infused their doo-wop covers with a healthy dose of rock & roll energy, creating a sound that resonated with a new generation.
Their 1971 debut album, simply titled Shanana, became a cornerstone of their act. One of the standout tracks on the album is their cover of “I Wonder Why”, originally recorded and released in 1960 by the doo-wop group Dion and the Belmonts. Composed by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, the songwriting duo behind numerous doo-wop classics, “I Wonder Why” perfectly encapsulated the genre’s signature themes of teenage love and longing.
Sha Na Na’s version respects the original’s doo-wop foundation. The tight harmonies, prominent backing vocals, and a driving rhythm section all harken back to the golden age. Yet, the band injects a subtle rock & roll energy. The lead vocals, often delivered by Donny York, carry a touch more grit than the smoother style often associated with doo-wop. The instrumental breaks showcase the band’s tighter musicianship, adding a layer of rock & roll intensity that wasn’t present in the original.
While not their own composition, Sha Na Na’s “I Wonder Why” became a signature song for the group. It perfectly embodied their mission: to revive and reinterpret the music of a bygone era for a new audience. The song’s success wasn’t limited to album sales. Sha Na Na’s energetic live performances, often featuring choreographed dance routines, further cemented their place in popular culture. “I Wonder Why” became a staple in their setlist, a crowd-pleaser that perfectly captured the infectious energy of both doo-wop and rock & roll.