Danny & The Juniors were a Philadelphia based quartet comprising of Danny R… Read Full Bio ↴Danny & The Juniors were a Philadelphia based quartet comprising of Danny Rapp, Dave White, Frank Maffei and Joe Terry. They are most widely recognized for their hit single "At the Hop", which was released in 1957 and is one of the best doo wop songs in history. Picking up a cheerful, good-time reputation with their tune, they are sometimes erroneously stated as being an Italian-American band; however, Danny Rapp was of Irish extraction.

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.

Guilty
Danny & The Juniors Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

I believe my love for you
Is a love that will last forever,
An' I'm here to testify
I'm a prisoner of your heart
Baby don't you believe
When I tell you I love you
That I really mean it,
Don't you walk away,

Don't you turn your back on me
I'm guilty of love,
It's a crime of passion
Guilty of love,
An' there's no doubt about it,
No doubt about it
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty,
In the first degree
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty,
In the first degree
I can never forget the times
When I took what you gave me for granted
So I stand accused
An' I plead guilty to the crime
You can lock me away if you want
Just as long as your arms are around me,
An' I won't mind
If you just throw away the key
I'm guilty of love,
It's a crime of passion
Guilty of love,
An' there's no doubt about it,
No doubt about it
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty,
In the first degree
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty,
In the first degree
Guilty of love
I'm guilty of love,
It's a crime of passion
Guilty of love,
An' there's no doubt about it,
No doubt about it
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty,
In the first degree
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,
I'm guilty
Guilty of love,
I'm guilty of love,

I'm guilty,
In the first degree

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of "Guilty" by Danny & The Juniors, the singer passionately expresses his deep and enduring love for someone, believing that his love for them will last forever. He sees himself as a prisoner of this person's heart, willing to testify to the intensity and sincerity of his feelings. The singer pleads guilty to the crime of being in love, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his emotions. Despite any doubts or uncertainties, he unequivocally declares his guilt and acknowledges the depth of his affection in the first degree.

The lyrics also touch on moments of regret and reflection, with the singer acknowledging past mistakes and instances where he may have taken the love he received for granted. He stands accused of not fully appreciating the love he was given and admits fault in this regard. However, he is willing to accept any consequences, even being locked away, as long as he can still feel the presence and embrace of the person he loves. This demonstrates a sense of repentance and a desire to make amends for his past behaviors.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and desperation conveyed through the repeated admission of guilt and the plea for understanding and forgiveness. The singer is not afraid to confront his emotions head-on, openly declaring his culpability in being consumed by love. The intensity of his feelings is likened to a crime of passion, highlighting the uncontrollable and all-encompassing nature of his love. This declaration of guilt serves as a powerful and emotional confession of the depth of his emotional attachment.

Ultimately, the lyrics of "Guilty" capture the tumultuous and powerful experience of being in love, with all its joys, regrets, and vulnerabilities laid bare. The singer's plea of "I'm guilty of love" resonates with anyone who has experienced the overwhelming emotional rollercoaster that comes with loving someone deeply. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and depth of human relationships, where love can sometimes feel like both a blessing and a burden, a crime and a confession all at once.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID COVERDALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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