Initially formed in 1955 as "The Juvenairs", their song, "Do the Bop," came to the attention of charismatic celebrity Dick Clark, who suggested that they rename it "At the Hop". The song was not initially a success. Yet, after being played on Clark's Bandstand, it was picked up by ABC-Paramount Records, and it then stayed at the top of the U.S. charts for seven weeks. It went on to sell over two million copies worldwide. The song was followed by the similar sounding "Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay", which also made it into the Top 20 and has been later included in various collaboration albums just like "At the Hop".
In 1960, Danny and the Juniors were signed to Dick Clark's Swan Records label, and they released one more record, "Twistin' USA". It made it into the Top 40 and became their final hit single. They went on to release several more singles, but the group sadly were not able to repeat their earlier successes.
Dave White left the group in the early 60s to concentrate on writing and production. White was very successful in this venture, composing a number of hits, including "You Don't Own Me" for Leslie Gore (also famously covered in new wave style by Klaus Nomi) as well as "1-2-3" and "Like A Baby" for Len Barry. In the late 60s, the Juniors also appeared on Guyden Records, Mercury Records, and Capitol Records, where they re-recorded "Rock 'n' Roll Is Here To Stay" in 1968.
In 1976, "At the Hop" was re-issued, and it made its way into the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart.
Danny Rapp was found dead in a hotel in Arizona on April 5, 1983, of an apparent suicide.
Members
Danny Rapp (born Daniel Earl Rapp, May 9, 1941, Philadelphia – died April 5, 1983) — lead vocalist
Joe Terry (born Joseph Terranova, January 30, 1941, Philadelphia – died April 15, 2019) — lead/baritone vocalist
Dave White (born Dave White Tricker, September 1, 1939, Philadelphia - died March 17, 2019, Las Vegas) — 1st tenor vocalist
Frank Maffei (born December 15, 1939, Philadelphia) — baritone/2nd tenor vocalist
Bobby Maffei — 1st tenor vocalist
Awards and recognition
Danny & the Juniors were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003, and the group was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame on November 22, 2013.
At The Hop
Danny & The Juniors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop
Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can stop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks gonna get their kicks at the hop
Let's go
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Let's go
Well, you can rock it you can roll it
Do the stomp and even stroll it at the hop
When the record starts spinnin'
You chalypso when you chicken at the hop
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop
You can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks gonna get their kicks at the hop
Let's go
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop
"At the Hop" is a song by Danny & The Juniors that was written in 1957. The song's lyrics are about teenagers wanting to go to the hop and dance to the latest music. They sing about different dance moves and encourage everyone to come along and dance. The chorus of the song repeats "Let's go to the hop" multiple times, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the dance.
The lyrics also highlight the popularity of certain dance moves at the time, such as the cha-cha, the chicken, and the stomp. These were all popular dances that teenagers would do at dances like "the hop." The song also celebrates the smoothness of the DJ or "jockey" who would play the cool and trendy music at these events.
Overall, the song captures the excitement and energy of teenage culture in the 1950s. It's an upbeat song that encourages people to get up and dance, and celebrates the joy of being young and carefree.
Line by Line Meaning
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Nonsensical syllables used for rhythm and style in the song
at the hop
Referring to a popular dance party or gathering
Well, you can rock it you can roll it
The dancers have the freedom to express themselves and move however they want
You can stop and you can stroll it at the hop
Dancers can switch up their moves and also take a break from the faster-paced dancing
When the record starts spinnin'
The music is playing and the party is getting started
You chalypso when you chicken at the hop
Instructions for dance moves: combining the cha-cha and calypso or chicken dance
Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop
Join in on the popular dance trend that everyone is doing at these gatherings
Let's go to the hop
Encouraging others to attend the dance party
Come on, let's go to the hop
Further encouragement to join in on the fun
Well, you can swing it you can groove it
More freedom for dancers to move and express themselves
Where the jockey is the smoothest
The DJ is playing the best music and creating a great atmosphere for the party
And the music is the coolest at the hop
The music being played is trendy and enjoyable for all
All the cats and chicks gonna get their kicks at the hop
Everyone attending the party is going to have a great time and enjoy themselves
Do the stomp and even stroll it at the hop
More dance move instructions for attendees
Let's go
Expressing excitement and readiness to attend the party
Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah
Reiterating the nonsensical syllables used for rhythm and style in the song
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Arthur Singer, Dave White, John Madara
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matrox
I was a tyke when this was getting original radio airplay. Late 50s and 60s the best time to be a kid.
@JR-zv6qm
Imagine teens in the late '50's hearing this for the 1st time - they must have been crazed.
@tbascoebuzz4782
I was only about 8 or 9 with two older teenage sister, now in their 80’s…and I can vouch for the fact they’d scream and jump up, hold hands and begin dancing together. Right there in front of God and everyone, on our front porch!!
@MTG1207
Absolutely bewildered
@eliseoruiz8567
Sha na na hace en 1969 una muy buena versión en Woodstock!! ✌️😄🎸
@davidfiler7439
Nope, there's no way of dodging the baby jesus, all those horrendous sins will come back to haunt you at the Pearly Gates! @@tbascoebuzz4782
@thompson63
And then 5 yrs later the Beatles
@LeStraTele
It's December of 2023. I still get excited when I hear this song. I can't even imagine what kids of the 50's thought.
@ricardoviedma4068
Rock'n Roll, I Gave You the Best Year's of my Life .
@100PercentOS2
When singers are talented they don't need gimmicks to draw large crowds. I was 11 years old when this song came out and I have loved it ever since. But back then the music was great too. Not like that trashy music of today.