From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"At the Hop" is a hit rock 'n' roll song written by Arthur Singer, John Medora and David White and originally released by Danny & the Juniors.^[2] The song was released in the fall of 1957, and reached number one on the US charts on January 6, 1958, thus becoming one of the top-selling singles of 1958.^[3]. "At the Hop" also hit number one on the R&B Best Sellers list^[4].

The song became more prominent after it was performed by rock and roll revival act Sha Na Na at the 1969 Woodstock Festival and featured in the 1973 coming-of-age teen drama American Graffiti.

Background

The song was written by White, Medora and Singer in 1957, when Danny & the Juniors were still called The Juvenairs. Initially called "Do the Bop", the song was heard by Dick Clark, who suggested they change its name. After performing the song on Clark's show American Bandstand, it gained popularity and went to the top of the US charts, remaining at number one for five weeks.^[5]

The song describes the scene at a record hop, particularly the dances being performed and the interaction with the disc jockey host.

A sample of the song's lyrics (contemporary popular dances in bold):

You can rock it you can roll it

Do the stomp and even stroll it

At the hop

When the record starts spinnin'

You chalypso and you chicken at the hop

Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation

at the hop

Cover versions

"At The Hop" was performed at Woodstock by Sha-Na-Na in August 1969, and was included on the Woodstock Album.

It was also performed by Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids and included on the soundtrack for the 1973 movie American Graffiti. This recording was produced by Kim Fowley.

Scooter performs this song on an episode of "The Muppet Show".

Singer Nick Todd, brother of Pat Boone, reached the Billboard Top 100 with his cover.

Trivia

The title of the song has served as the inspiration for the tune of the same name on Devendra Banhart's 2004 release, Nino Rojo.

This song was used in the movie Christine.

References