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.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Danny & The Juniors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the left To the right
If you know what I mean
Shake you hands in the air
Step to the beat
Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
To the left To the right
If you know what I mean
Shake you hands in the air
Step to the beat
Good Girl
Good Girl
Twinkle twinkle
Twinkle twinkle
Twinkle twinkle
Twinkle twinkle little star
The lyrics of Danny & The Juniors' song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" may seem confusing at first, as they seem to jump between different concepts such as shaking hands and stepping to the beat, all while repeating the classic children's nursery rhyme. However, the song can be interpreted as a fun and upbeat dance track that encourages listeners to let loose and dance to the beat, regardless of their age or background.
The lines "To the left, to the right if you know what I mean, shake your hands in the air, step to the beat" can be seen as instructions to the listeners to move their bodies in a certain way, while the repeated refrain of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" adds a fun and catchy element to the song. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy a carefree moment on the dance floor.
Overall, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" by Danny & The Juniors is a lighthearted and entertaining song that combines a classic childhood nursery rhyme with upbeat dance music. It encourages listeners to move their bodies and let loose, creating a fun and carefree atmosphere on the dance floor.
Line by Line Meaning
Good Girl
Acknowledging someone as a sweet and well-behaved person
To the left To the right
Moving side to side in a rhythmic manner
If you know what I mean
Assuming the listener understands the implicit instructions
Shake you hands in the air
Raising both hands and waving them around
Step to the beat
Following the rhythm of the music by moving one's feet
Twinkle twinkle little star
Addressing a celestial body representing hope and wonder
How I wonder what you are
Expressing curiosity and amazement about the star's nature
Up above the world so high
Emphasizing the star's distance from Earth
Like a diamond in the sky
Describing the star's brilliance and beauty
Twinkle twinkle little star
Repeating the opening address as a refrain
To the left To the right
Repeating the suggestion to dance side to side
If you know what I mean
Reaffirming the implicit instructions
Shake you hands in the air
Repeating the instruction to raise and wave hands
Step to the beat
Repeating the instruction to dance in rhythm
Good Girl
Repeating the initial compliment as a closing message
Twinkle twinkle
Repeating the refrain as a farewell
Twinkle twinkle
Repeating the refrain as a final outro
Twinkle twinkle little star
Repeating the refrain as a lasting memory of the song
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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