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.
Rock'n'roll Is Here to Stay
Danny & The Juniors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Rock, rock rock, oh baby
Rock 'n roll is here to stay,
It will never die
It was meant to be that way,
I don't care what people say,
Rock 'n roll is here to stay
(We don't care what people say,
Rock 'n roll is here to stay)
Rock 'n roll will always be
Our ticket to the end
It'll go down in history,
Just you watch, my friend
Rock 'n roll will always be,
It'll go down in history
(Rock 'n roll will always be,
It'll go down in history)
Everybody rock,
Everybody rock,
Everybody rock,
Everybody rock
Rock, roll, everybody rock
Everybody rock 'n roll,
Everybody rock 'n roll,
Everybody rock 'n roll
Everybody rock 'n roll,
Rock, roll, everybody rock 'n roll
Rock 'n roll is here to stay,
It will never die
It was meant to be that way,
Though I don't know why
I don't care what people say,
Rock 'n roll is here to stay
Rock 'n roll will always be
Our ticket to the end
It'll go down in history,
Just you watch, my friend
Rock 'n roll will always be,
It'll go down in history
If you don't like rock 'n roll,
Think what you've been missin'
But if you like to bop and strawl,
Come on down and listen
Let's all start to have a ball,
Everybody rock 'n roll
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby
The song "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay" by Danny & The Juniors is an upbeat and optimistic celebration of the endurance and cultural significance of rock 'n roll music. The lyrics confidently assert that rock 'n roll is not a passing fad but a lasting art form that will continue to captivate audiences and define an era. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the catchy, rhythmic quality of the genre and encourages listeners to join in dancing and singing along.
The line "It was meant to be that way, though I don't know why" suggests that there is something innate and inexplicable about the appeal of rock 'n roll. Perhaps it is the raw energy, rebellious spirit, or emotional expressivity that sets it apart from other genres. The lyrics also challenge critics who dismiss rock 'n roll as trivial or vulgar, proclaiming "I don't care what people say, rock 'n roll is here to stay." This attitude reflects a broader cultural shift in the 20th century towards valuing youth culture and popular music as legitimate forms of artistic expression.
Overall, "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay" is a classic example of the confidence and exuberance of 1950s rock 'n roll, and a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of the genre. The song's upbeat melody and lyrics continue to inspire nostalgia and celebration of the heyday of rock 'n roll.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby,
Let's get excited and pumped up for some rock and roll music!
Rock 'n roll is here to stay,
Rock and roll music will always be present and popular.
It will never die
Rock and roll music will never cease to exist.
It was meant to be that way,
The popularity of rock and roll music was always predetermined.
Though I don't know why
The reason for why rock and roll music became so popular is unknown.
I don't care what people say,
Regardless of negative opinions or criticisms, rock and roll will remain popular.
(We don't care what people say, Rock 'n roll is here to stay)
We are a community of rock and roll fans who will continue to enjoy and support the genre.
Rock 'n roll will always be,
Rock and roll music will always have a presence in our society.
Our ticket to the end
Rock and roll music will never go out of style and will always remain relevant.
It'll go down in history,
Rock and roll music will become part of our culture's historical legacy.
Just you watch, my friend
The influence and popularity of rock and roll music will stand the test of time.
Everybody rock,
Let's all enjoy and participate in rock and roll music!
Everybody rock 'n roll,
Let's all enjoy and participate in rock and roll music!
If you don't like rock 'n roll,
If someone does not enjoy rock and roll music,
Think what you've been missin'
They are missing out on an amazing cultural experience.
But if you like to bop and strawl,
If someone enjoys dancing and moving to the beat,
Come on down and listen
They should join in the experience and listen to rock and roll music.
Let's all start to have a ball,
Let's all have a great time enjoying and participating in rock and roll music.
Rock, rock, rock, oh baby
Let's continue to get excited and pumped up for rock and roll music!
Rock, roll, everybody rock 'n roll
Let's all enjoy and participate in rock and roll music!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
strangersound
"It's Still Rock And Roll To Me"
What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearing?
"Can't you tell that your tie's too wide?"
Maybe I should buy some old tab collars?
"Welcome back to the age of jive.
Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey?
You can't dress trashy till you spend a lot of money."
Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound
Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me
What's the matter with the car I'm driving?
"Can't you tell that it's out of style?"
Should I get a set of white wall tires?
"Are you gonna cruise the miracle mile?
Nowadays you can't be too sentimental
Your best bet's a true baby blue Continental."
Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me
Oh, it doesn't matter what they say in the papers
'Cause it's always been the same old scene.
There's a new band in town
But you can't get the sound from a story in a magazine...
Aimed at your average teen
How about a pair of pink sidewinders
And a bright orange pair of pants?
"You could really be a Beau Brummel baby
If you just give it half a chance.
Don't waste your money on a new set of speakers,
You get more mileage from a cheap pair of sneakers."
Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It's still rock and roll to me
What's the matter with the crowd I'm seeing?
"Don't you know that they're out of touch?"
Should I try to be a straight 'A' student?
"If you are then you think too much.
Don't you know about the new fashion honey?
All you need are looks and a whole lotta money."
It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It's still rock and roll to me
Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound
Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me
- Billy Joel
Fred Fedak
Over 60 years old and still rockin'. None of today's music will ever achieve that.
HarrodsFan
Well said and true.
GlenGH
Keep on rocking my friend!
Steve Dwyer
Rock N Roll is here to stay and it will Never die!
Carlos Garibay
Steve Dwyer those words were true
Steve Dwyer
David Osterberg Danny and the juniors then Neul young
Airyana Waējah
It's Already Dead
Patriot 2000
@Airyana Waējah No it isn't, and never will be!
Chad Jefferson Davis White IV
(C) rap killed music
Danny Sordello
It was a wonderful time to be a teenager and be able to grow up with all that was coming our way! Thank you 50's and 60's rockers!