The Top Notes were an American R&B vocal duo active in the early 1960s, comprised of Howard Guyton and Derek Martin. Their musical style was a blend of R&B, soul, and pop, and they were best known for their original recording of "Twist and Shout," which later became a major hit for the Isley Brothers and the Beatles. Despite their short-lived career, The Top Notes' raw, energetic sound had a significant influence on the development of soul music. Their work, particularly "Twist and Shout," is considered a classic of the early 1960s R&B genre.