The Marcels were an American doo-wop group known for infusing traditional pop music with rhythm and blues elements. Formed in 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, their most notable lineup included Cornelius Harp, Richard Knauss, Fred Johnson, Gene Bricker, and Ron Mundy. The group's biggest hit, a distinctive rendition of "Blue Moon" that topped the Billboard charts in 1961, is characterized by its unique introductory bass vocal riff. The Marcels' innovative blending of genres significantly influenced the evolution of doo-wop music in the early 1960s.