An American doo-wop group, formed in Manhattan in 1953.

The group never had a Top 40 pop hit, or even a record on the national R&B charts, unlike rivals such as the Drifters, the Flamingos and the Clovers, yet they are still considered one of the most influential doo-wop groups, both for their lead singer, Willie Winfield and their pianist/arranger, Raoul Cita. The Harptones may have been the first doo-wop group to number a full-time arranger among their members, and Cita knew how to work to Winfield's strengths.

The groups origins date back to 1951, when classmates at a Harlem school began harmonising as the Skylarks. They made their professional debut via the Apollo Theatre's amateur talent contest, but were booed off the stage. After several line-up changes, in 1953 they combined with another Harlem doo-wop group, the Winfield Brothers, as the Harps. THey returned to the Apollo and this time earned top honours. They were also invited to audition with MGM Records, but were finally signed to Bruce Records.

They quickly achieved local success, but Bruce Records did not have a strong enough distribution capability for national success. When Bruce folded in 1955, they moved to Paradise Records, but again were not well promoted nationally.

After several more label changes, they finally achieved some national recognition in 1961. However, real success eluded them and WInfield quit in 1964.

Cita re-formed the group in 1970 and Winfield returned. The group continued to play doo-wop revival events throughout the decade.

The group continues to tour.