The best footage of this song – this song peaked in 1956
In February 1956, Fred Parris, the lead singer of The Five Satins, found himself stationed in Philadelphia with the U.S. Army. During a lonely night on guard duty, memories of a recent romantic encounter inspired him to pen “In the Still of the Night.” Eager to bring his composition to life, Parris returned to his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, during a weekend leave. There, he gathered his fellow band members—Al Denby, Eddie Martin, and Jim Freeman—to record the song.
Lacking access to a professional studio, the group recorded the track in the basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in New Haven. The makeshift studio, with its low ceilings and concrete walls, provided unique acoustics that contributed to the song’s haunting ambiance. Marty Kugell, their manager and producer, supervised the session. Vinny Mazzetta played the saxophone solo, while Doug Murray (bass), Bobby Mapp (drums), and Curlee Glover (piano) formed the rhythm section.
Initially released on Kugell’s Standord label with the B-side “The Jones Girl,” the song gained regional popularity. However, as Parris was deployed to Japan shortly after the recording, Bill Baker stepped in as the lead singer to promote the single and record additional material. Despite these challenges, “In the Still of the Night” managed to peak at No. 24 on the national pop charts and No. 3 on the R&B charts.
Over the years, the song’s reputation grew, surpassing its original chart performance. For three decades, it consistently topped the Top 500 Songs countdown on oldies radio station WCBS-FM. Its inclusion in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” introduced it to a new generation, leading to over 10 million copies sold as part of the movie’s soundtrack.
The song’s influence extended beyond its commercial success. The “doo wop, doo wah” refrain in the bridge is often cited as a potential origin for the term “doo-wop,” used to describe the genre. This melodic element became a defining characteristic of the musical style, influencing countless artists in the years that followed.
The Five Satins underwent several lineup changes over the years, but their commitment to harmony and soulful performances remained constant. Their dedication to their craft ensured that “In the Still of the Night” remained a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows.
In 2016, St. Bernadette’s Church celebrated the 60th anniversary of the song’s recording. Fred Parris returned to the church basement, reflecting on the humble beginnings of a track that would become a cornerstone of American music history. The event highlighted the song’s enduring legacy and its significance to the New Haven community.
The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal theme of longing and the ethereal quality of its melody. Listeners across generations have found solace and nostalgia in its harmonious blend of vocals and instrumentation, solidifying its place in the annals of music history.
Fred Parris continued to perform with various iterations of The Five Satins until his passing in January 2022 at the age of 85. His contributions to the music world, particularly through “In the Still of the Night,” have left an indelible mark, influencing artists and delighting fans for decades.
Today, “In the Still of the Night” stands as a testament to the power of heartfelt songwriting and the enduring nature of music created with passion and sincerity. Its journey from a church basement to international acclaim serves as an inspiration to musicians and music lovers alike.
For a visual and auditory experience of this classic, you can watch The Five Satins’ performance of “In the Still of the Night” here:
