About the song
“In the Still of the Nite,” originally “(I’ll Remember) In the Still of the Nite,” is a timeless classic penned by Fred Parris and performed by his group, the Five Satins. Released in 1956, the song initially achieved moderate success, peaking at No. 24 on the national pop charts. Over time, however, it has become synonymous with the doo-wop genre and is celebrated as one of its most iconic tracks.
Fred Parris drew inspiration for the song while stationed on guard duty in the U.S. Army, where a passing woman sparked his creativity. The recording session itself holds a historical charm—it took place in the basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The Five Satins, typically a quintet, performed with four members on this recording: Al Denby (low tenor), Eddie Martin (baritone), Jim Freeman (bass), and Fred Parris himself. Marty Kugell produced the song, and the soulful saxophone solo was delivered by Vinny Mazzetta.
Originally released on Kugell’s Stanford label with “The Jones Girl” as its B-side, the song’s popularity grew with time and reissues. Despite its initial chart position, “In the Still of the Nite” garnered enduring airplay and acclaim. It found new life in the 1980s as part of the *Dirty Dancing* soundtrack, contributing significantly to its resurgence and cultural impact.
The song’s influence extends beyond its chart success; it has been featured prominently in various films and television series, including *The Buddy Holly Story*, *Dirty Dancing*, *The Irishman*, and *The Offer*. Recognized for its evocative harmonies and poignant lyrics, “In the Still of the Nite” secured a place in Robert Christgau’s “Basic Record Library” and ranked No. 90 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Remarkably, “In the Still of the Nite” holds a unique distinction in music history. Alongside its chart appearances in 1956 and 1960, it is one of only three songs (excluding Christmas records) to have charted on the Hot 100 three separate times by the same artist with the same version. This longevity underscores its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
Moreover, the song’s plaintive refrain, featuring the iconic “doo wop, doo wah” chant in the bridge, is often cited as one of the origins of the term “doo-wop,” solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the genre’s legacy. Another contender for this honor is “When You Dance” by the Turbans, which also contributed to defining the musical style.
“In the Still of the Nite” remains not just a song, but a cultural touchstone—a testament to the enduring power of doo-wop and the evocative storytelling of Fred Parris and the Five Satins.
Video
Lyrics
In the still of the night
I held you
Held you tight
‘Cause I love
Love you so
Promise I’ll never
Let you go
In the still of the night
I remember
That night in May
The stars were bright above
I’ll hope and I’ll pray
To keep
Your precious love
Well before the light
Hold me again
With all of your might
In the still of the night
So before the light
Hold me again
With all of your might
In the still of the night
In the still of the night