DADADEL
If you’ve ever ventured into the golden age of doo-wop, you’ve likely encountered The Five Satins and their iconic ballad, “In the Still of the Night.” Recorded in the basement of a church in 1956, this soulful tune has transcended decades, becoming a hallmark of love, nostalgia, and timeless music.
In 1956, 19-year-old Fred Parris was on guard duty in Philadelphia with the U.S. Army, lovesick for his sweetheart, Marla. She was back in Connecticut, living with her fiancé’s parents. Parris had just spent a weekend with her—“the girl of [his] dreams”—and couldn’t shake her from his thoughts.
Reflecting on that time, the late singer shared in 2004:
“There were other nights that we spent together, but there’s only one first time.”
Sitting at a piano in the camp’s day room, Parris began pairing the chords in his head with the words in his heart. Later, on a cold, starlit night during guard duty, the magic of that setting completed his emotions, inspiring the lyrics to what would become a legendary ballad.
Parris and The Five Satins brought the song to life in the unassuming, ice-cold basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Using just a couple of tape recorders, they created harmonies so enchanting that they transformed the humble recording into an acoustical treasure.
In a 2013 interview, Parris reflected: “Because we did it at the church, I think the song was blessed. And so was I—it lasted a long, long time.”
While the song achieved immortality, the same couldn’t be said for Parris’ relationship with Marla. She left for California to visit her mother and never returned. Despite this heartbreak, the song soared, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100. More importantly, it became a cultural phenomenon, echoing through school dances, romantic evenings, and oldies playlists.
The track’s distinctive “Shoo-doo-shoo-be-doo” intro, coupled with its poignant melody and smooth vocals, made it an instant classic. Over the years, “In the Still of the Night” has been covered by artists like The Beach Boys, Debbie Gibson, and Boyz II Men, the latter of whom reintroduced the ballad to a new generation.
It also cemented its place in pop culture with memorable appearances in films like Dirty Dancing and The Irishman. These moments breathed new life into the song, ensuring its resonance for decades to come.
“In the Still of the Night” remains a testament to the power of emotion, simplicity, and raw talent. What began as a lovesick soldier’s late-night creation in a church basement became a timeless anthem that continues to captivate hearts worldwide.
