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 ↴
Oh baby,
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,
though I don't know why
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 will go down in history,
just you wait, 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)
So come on,
everybody rock,
everybody rock,
everybody rock,
everybody rock
Everybody rock
Now everybody rock 'n roll,
everybody rock 'n roll,
everybody rock 'n roll
Everybody rock 'n roll,
everybody rock 'n roll
Rock 'n roll will always be
our ticket to the end
It will go down in history,
just you wait, 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
Ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, rock!
The song "Rock & Roll Is Here to Stay" by Danny & The Juniors is a celebration of the power and longevity of rock and roll music. The repetition of the phrase "rock, rock, rock" in the opening lines sets the tone for the upbeat, energetic nature of the song. The repeated use of the phrase "oh baby" creates a feeling of excitement and joy, reflecting the thrill of experiencing rock and roll music.
The central message of the song is that rock and roll is not a passing fad, but a permanent fixture in popular culture. The lyrics state that "it was meant to be that way, though I don't know why," suggesting that the enduring appeal of rock and roll may be inexplicable, but is nonetheless real. The lines "I don't care what people say, rock 'n roll is here to stay" emphasize the rebellious, non-conformist spirit of rock and roll, challenging conventional ideas about music and culture.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that rock and roll will always be a cultural icon, destined to go down in history. The lines "our ticket to the end" imply that rock and roll is an essential part of life, and will continue to be so until the end of time. The final verse of the song invites listeners to join in the celebration of rock and roll, encouraging them to "come on down and listen" and "start to have a ball."
Line by Line Meaning
Rock, rock, rock
The repetition of 'rock' is a call to dance and enjoy rock 'n roll music.
Oh baby, rock, rock, rock
The singer addresses the listener affectionately and repeats the call to dance.
Rock 'n roll is here to stay, it will never die
Rock 'n roll music is here to stay and will always be a popular genre.
It was meant to be that way, though I don't know why
The enduring popularity of rock 'n roll seems fated, but the exact reason for it is unknown.
I don't care what people say, rock 'n roll is here to stay
The singer is dismissive of any negative remarks about rock 'n roll and reaffirms its lasting presence.
Rock 'n roll will always be our ticket to the end
Rock 'n roll is seen as a defining aspect of the culture and will be present until the end of time.
It will go down in history, just you wait, my friend
The singer is confident that rock 'n roll will be remembered in the future.
Now everybody rock 'n roll
The singer urges everyone to dance to rock 'n roll music.
If you don't like rock 'n roll, think what you've been missin'
The singer suggests that those who don't enjoy rock 'n roll are missing out on something great.
But if you like to bop and strawl, come on down and listen
For those who enjoy dancing and moving to music, the singer encourages them to listen to rock 'n roll.
Let's all start to have a ball, everybody rock 'n roll
The singer wants everyone to have a good time dancing and enjoying rock 'n roll music together.
Ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, ah, oh baby, rock!
The singer continues to express excitement and enthusiasm for rock 'n 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!