The Top Notes

The Top Notes
Promotional photograph of two mean in light-colored shirts and dark bow ties.
Derek Martin and Howard Guyton, while members of "The Pearls" (1956)
Background information
OriginDetroit, Michigan
New York City
GenresRhythm and blues, doo-wop
Years active1960–1963
LabelsAtlantic (1960–61)
Festival (1962)
ABC-Paramount (1963)
Past membersDerek Martin
Howard Guyton
George Torrence Jr.
Roy
Johnny
Barbara Wells
Dionne Warwick
Rosco King

The Top Notes were an American R&B vocal group, centered around the singers Derek Martin and Howard Guyton. They released a number of singles in the early 1960s, among which was the first recording of "Twist and Shout", which was a hit when recorded by the Isley Brothers and later by the Beatles.