If you’ve ever taken a stroll down memory lane into the golden age of doo-wop, you’ve likely encountered the Five Satins and their iconic ballad, “In the Still of the Night.”
This soulful tune – recorded in the basement of a church in 1956 – is synonymous with the genre, resonating through decades as a hallmark of love, nostalgia, and timeless music.
In 1956, a 19-year-old Fred Parris was working guard duty in Philadelphia with the U.S. Army, lovesick for his sweetheart, Marla, who was in Connecticut, living with her fiancé’s parents.
The young soldier – known now as the visionary leader of the Five Satins – had just spent a weekend with “the girl of [his] dreams” and couldn’t shake her from his mind.
“There were other nights that we spent together,” the late singer told Smithsonian Magazine in 2004. “But there’s only one first time.”
“When I arrived at camp, I went straight to the day room. There was a piano there and I started playing the chord in my head and the words in my heart. Before I realized it, it was time to go to guard duty. It was a cold, black night, and the stars were twinkling. The setting was very apropos for my feelings and emotions,” added Parris, who died in 2022 at 85.
Pairing those raw emotions and feelings with spellbinding tunes, Parris wrote the legendary doo-wop song, “In the Still of the Night.”
‘Song was blessed’
The hypnotic harmonies in the timeless track became acoustical magic after it was recorded in 1956 by the Five Satins “on a couple of tape recorders” in the ice-cold basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut.
“Because we did it at the church,” Parris said in a 2013 interview with the Florida radio show “Doo Wop Revival,” “I think the song was blessed. And so was I…it lasted a long, long time”
Unfortunately, the song lasted longer than Parris’ relationship with Marla.
“She went to California to visit her mother…She never came back,” he said.
Timeless track
Though “In the Still of the Night” climbed the charts and peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, its true staying power wasn’t in chart rankings – it was in how it resonated with listeners. The song became a staple of school dances, romantic evenings, and later, oldies playlists. It perfectly encapsulated the dreamy, heartfelt vibe of 1950s youth culture.
Although it was initially just a modest hit, the song’s distinctive opening, “Shoo-doo-shoo-be-doo,” coupled with its poignant melody and silky vocals, set the stage for a track that would transcend generations.
Over the years, “In the Still of the Night” has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beach Boys, Debbie Gibson and Boyz II Men, the latter two who introduced the song to a new generation.
Also, the melodic magic became immortalized after the song made memorable appearances in films like Dirty Dancing and The Irishman, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
“In the Still of the Night” is more than just a song – it’s a feeling, a moment, and a memory. Its rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless message of love ensure it remains a classic. It stands as a shining example of doo-wop’s ability to blend simplicity with emotional depth, creating a masterpiece that transcends time.
For those who have yet to experience it, listening to “In the Still of the Night” is like stepping into a beautifully preserved piece of history, where the music speaks directly to the soul.