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.
Lightning Strikes
Danny & The Juniors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I lose myself looking for help
In you, not like before
Like no one else, like no one else
I can't contain these burning lights will find you
And I can't fight it
Lightning, lightning strikes, strikes, strikes
Strikes
It's you
You're like a drug I can't give up
It's you, my mind and soul
Tell me where you're from cause I know what else
I can't explain these burning lights will find you
And I can't fight it
Lightning, lightning strikes, strikes, strikes
Lightning, lightning strikes
Strikes
The lyrics to "Lightning Strikes" by Danny & The Juniors convey a sense of emotional turmoil and a deep connection to someone. The singer feels lost and seeks solace in this person, describing them as unlike anyone else. The intensity of their emotions is likened to burning lights that they cannot contain. Despite their efforts, they cannot resist the powerful force of attraction and the overwhelming feeling of being struck by lightning.
The repetition of the phrase "lightning strikes" emphasizes the intensity and impact of this connection. It suggests that this person has a profound effect on the singer, leaving them unable to resist their allure. The lyrics also allude to the addictive nature of this relationship, comparing it to a drug that the singer cannot give up. The emotions experienced are described as being beyond explanation, further emphasizing the overwhelming power and depth of the connection.
Overall, "Lightning Strikes" explores the theme of a passionate and consuming love that defies explanation but is impossible to resist. It captures the electrifying and captivating nature of a profound emotional bond.
Line by Line Meaning
In you
I find myself immersed and lost in your presence
I lose myself looking for help
I become so consumed with seeking guidance within you
In you, not like before
When I'm with you, I feel different from my past experiences
Like no one else, like no one else
There is a unique quality about you that I haven't found in anyone else
I can't contain these burning lights will find you
I can't restrain these intense emotions that will eventually lead me to you
And I can't fight it
I am unable to resist or oppose these feelings
Lightning, lightning strikes, strikes, strikes
It feels as if a sudden and powerful force, akin to lightning, is impacting me
Lightning, lightning strikes
The sensation of being struck by lightning persists
It's you
You are the one who elicits these intense emotions within me
You're like a drug I can't give up
Your presence has addictive qualities that I am unable to let go of
It's you, my mind and soul
You occupy both my thoughts and deepest being
Tell me where you're from cause I know what else
Share with me your origins, as I sense there's more to you than meets the eye
I can't explain these burning lights will find you
I struggle to articulate the intensity of these passionate emotions that will inevitably guide me to you
And I can't fight it
I am powerless in resisting or opposing this irresistible force
Lightning, lightning strikes, strikes, strikes
Once again, the sensation of lightning striking persists
Lightning, lightning strikes
The impact of being struck by lightning continues
Strikes
These powerful sensations and emotions are surging through me
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CTM Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PER HOOGENDOORN, STEVE AOKI, TONY CLAESSENS, MIRIAM NERVO, OLIVIA MARGARET NERVO
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.