The Five Satins – In the Still of the Night – 1956

About The Song

“In the Still of the Night” is a doo-wop classic by The Five Satins, released in 1956. Known for its romantic and timeless quality, the song has endured as one of the quintessential tracks from the doo-wop era, capturing the essence of vocal harmony and the magic of love.

Five facts about The Five Satins’ “In the Still of the Night”:

1. Creation in a Church Basement: The Five Satins recorded “In the Still of the Night” in the basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The church’s basement provided a unique echo, contributing to the song’s atmospheric and reverberant quality.
2. Independent Label Release: The song was originally released on the small independent label Standord Records. Despite being recorded on a limited budget, “In the Still of the Night” gained attention and eventually became a classic in the doo-wop genre.
3. Timeless Appeal: The enduring appeal of the song is evident in its ability to transcend generations. Over the years, “In the Still of the Night” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless love ballad.
4. Vocal Harmony Excellence: The Five Satins’ vocal harmonies, led by lead singer Fred Parris, are a standout feature of the song. The smooth and soulful harmonies contribute to the romantic and dreamy atmosphere that defines the doo-wop genre.
5. Chart Success: While the song did not initially achieve significant chart success upon its release, it gained popularity through the years and eventually became a hit when it was reissued in 1960. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 25 on the Hot 100 chart, marking its belated but well-deserved success.

Video

Lyrics

In the still of the night
I held you
Held you tight
‘Cause I love
Love you so
Promise I’ll never
Let you go
In the still of the night

I remember
That night in May
The stars were bright above
I’ll hope and I’ll pray
To keep
Your precious love
Well before the light
Hold me again
With all of your might
In the still of the night

So before the light
Hold me again
With all of your might
In the still of the night
In the still of the night