If you are a fan of oldies, then you must have heard the classic song “Save the Last Dance for Me.” It was a hit that topped the charts in the early 1960s, and continues to be loved by people of all ages. But, have you ever wondered who originally sings “Save the Last Dance for Me”? In this blog post, we will delve into the history of this iconic song and the person behind its original recording.
The Origins of “Save the Last Dance for Me”
The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, two highly respected songwriters in their time. Pomus had poliomyelitis as a child, which left him with a limp and crutches to get around, but he did not let that hold him back from achieving success in the music industry. Shuman was a pianist, guitarist, and singer who worked with Pomus to create some of the most popular songs of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
“Save the Last Dance for Me” was inspired by an event in Pomus’s life when he got married but could not dance with his bride due to his disability. He watched his wife dancing with their guests and came up with the idea for the song. The lyrics express the same sentiment he felt at that moment.
The Drifters and Their Version of the Song
The first recording of “Save the Last Dance for Me” was done by The Drifters, a popular R&B group at the time. They recorded the song in 1960, with Ben E. King as the lead vocalist. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller produced the song, and their use of Latin-inspired rhythms and strings gave it a unique sound that resonated with audiences.
The Drifters’ version of the song was a massive hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1960, and remained on the charts for several weeks. It was also a hit in the UK, where it reached number two.
The Success of “Save the Last Dance for Me”
The success of The Drifters’ recording of “Save the Last Dance for Me” was a testament to the songwriting skills of Pomus and Shuman. However, it was also a reflection of the times. The early 1960s was a period of social change, with the civil rights movement gaining momentum, and people were looking for music that spoke to their experiences. “Save the Last Dance for Me” was a song that connected with people’s desire for love and acceptance despite their differences.
In the following years, “Save the Last Dance for Me” has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and The Beach Boys. It has also been featured in several movies, such as “The Last Picture Show” (1971) and “Dirty Dancing” (1987), which contributed to its longevity and popularity.
The Legacy of “Save the Last Dance for Me”
The legacy of “Save the Last Dance for Me” goes beyond its success as a hit song. It marked a turning point in the music industry, where songs that addressed issues of race and social class could become popular. It paved the way for other songs that celebrated diversity and inclusion, and paved the way for future generations of musicians to do the same.
Today, “Save the Last Dance for Me” remains a beloved song that is still played on radio stations and streaming platforms. It captures a moment in time when people were struggling to find their place in society, and it gave them hope that they could find love and happiness despite their circumstances.
Conclusion
“Save the Last Dance for Me” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a song that speaks to the heart, and it continues to resonate with people of all ages. The Drifters’ recording of the song was a masterpiece that captured the essence of Pomus and Shuman’s songwriting skills. Its legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of music to bring people together and bridge the gaps that divide us.
FAQ
Who is the cast of Save the Last Dance soundtrack?
The Save the Last Dance soundtrack is a collection of songs released on May 22, 2001 through Hollywood Records. The soundtrack album features a mix of hip hop and contemporary R&B music, and contributed to the success of the popular dance-centered 2001 movie, Save the Last Dance.
The cast of Save the Last Dance soundtrack includes a variety of popular artists. Angela Ammons is one of the performers featured on the album, contributing the track “Always Getting Over You.” Audrey Martells also appears on the soundtrack, performing “Never Say Never.”
Other artists on the Save the Last Dance soundtrack include Blaqout, Jesse Powell, J.R. Young, Medina Green, Redman, Shawty Redd, Sy Smith, and Ta-Gana and the World Beaters. The well-known hip-hop duo Method Man and Redman appear together on the track “Da Rockwilder,” which is considered one of the most popular songs on the album. Fatman Scoop also appears on the soundtrack with his track “Be Faithful,” which includes a mix of hip hop and dance elements.
The Save the Last Dance soundtrack features a range of artists and musical styles, creating an eclectic but cohesive listening experience. This soundtrack has contributed to the popularity of the movie and stands as a memorable piece of 2000s music history.
Who sings dance for me?
“Dance for Me” is a song that was released in 2001 by the renowned American singer Mary J. Blige. The song is part of Blige’s fifth studio album, “No More Drama.” The album was a huge commercial success and produced several hit singles, including “Dance for Me.”
Blige is a well-known singer, songwriter, and actress from The Bronx in New York City. She began her career in the early 1990s and has since become one of the most successful R&B artists in history. Blige has released thirteen studio albums to date and has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
“Dance for Me” also features American rapper and actor, Common. Common is known for his socially-conscious lyrics and has released over 10 studio albums in his career. He has also had a successful acting career, appearing in movies such as “John Wick: Chapter 2” and “Selma.”
In “Dance for Me,” Blige sings about wanting to forget her worries and problems and just dance. The song has a catchy beat and a fun, upbeat feel that makes it perfect for a night out with friends or for dancing at a party.
“Dance for Me” is a hit single by American singer Mary J. Blige featuring rapper Common. Blige is a legendary R&B artist with a long and successful career, while Common is a renowned actor and rapper. The song is part of Blige’s fifth studio album “No More Drama,” and it has become a fan favorite thanks to its fun and catchy beat.
Who wrote the book the Drifters?
The book “The Drifters” was written by James A. Michener. Michener was an American author known for his expansive and detailed novels that often explored the history and culture of a particular place. He began his career as a teacher, but after serving in World War II, he turned to writing and went on to publish over 40 books in his lifetime, many of which became bestsellers. “The Drifters” was first published in 1971 and tells the story of six young people on a journey of self-discovery as they travel through Europe and North Africa in the 1960s. The book was a commercial success and has since become a classic of 20th-century American literature, tackling themes such as the search for meaning in a changing world and the disillusionment of the post-war generation. Michener’s legacy as an author continues to be celebrated, and his work is revered for its sweeping narratives and painstakingly researched details.
Who wrote Drift Away Waylon Jennings?
“Drift Away” is a popular song that has been covered by multiple artists over the years, including Waylon Jennings. However, the original song was written by Mentor Williams in 1970 and first recorded by John Henry Kurtz in 1972 on his album Reunion. The song came to Williams when he was sitting by a lake in California and thinking about wanting to “drift away” from everything. The lyrics and melody came to him in about 15-20 minutes, and the song quickly became a hit after Kurtz’s version was released.
Since then, “Drift Away” has been covered by many other artists, including Dobie Gray, Uncle Kracker, and of course, Waylon Jennings. Jennings’ version of the song, which was released in 1984, has a more country sound than previous versions. It features Jennings’ signature deep voice and twangy guitar riffs, giving the song a unique feel that stands out from other covers.
Despite the many covers of the song, Williams’ original version remains a classic. The song’s message of wanting to escape from the troubles of life and just “drift away” has resonated with listeners for decades and is still popular today. Whether you prefer the original version or one of the many covers, there’s no denying that “Drift Away” is a timeless classic that will likely continue to be covered by future generations of musicians.
Did Carole King wrote songs for the Drifters?
Yes, Carole King did write songs for The Drifters. One of her most famous compositions for the group is “Up on the Roof” which was released in 1962 and became a Top 5 hit for The Drifters. The song was written by King and Gerry Goffin, her frequent songwriting partner at the time.
According to Goffin, the song’s melody was inspired by the noise of a crowded city street and King came up with the a cappella melody while they were in the car. The lyrics of “Up on the Roof” are about the stress and chaos of urban life and offer a fantasy escape to a simpler and more peaceful existence on top of a building.
King and Goffin also wrote other songs for The Drifters, including “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “On the Horizon” which were both released in 1962. “Some Kind of Wonderful” reached #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while “On the Horizon” only made it to #57.
King’s collaborations with The Drifters helped cement her reputation as one of the most successful and talented songwriters of the 1960s. She went on to write hits for many other artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Shirelles, and The Monkees. In 1971, she released her own landmark album “Tapestry” which included hits like “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 for her contributions to the music industry.
