It's 1956, and doo-wop groups like The Five Satins are gaining popularity. The band was named after the trend of the time, where groups like The Four Lads and The Four Coins were replaced by acts such as The Five Crowns and The Five Royales. Although only four members were in the group when they recorded their famous song "In The Still Of The Nite," the group name stuck. Unfortunately, their lineup was not fixed, and some members were in the military, making it challenging to organize the group.
Fred Parris, a member of The Five Satins, wrote "In the Still of the Nite" while travelling by train between Philadelphia and his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut. He was inspired by holding his girlfriend close and hoping to see her again. However, she moved to California, and he never saw her again.
The song was recorded in the basement of St. Bernadette Church in New Haven, Connecticut, after a failed attempt at recording it in another building. The church basement's acoustics were perfect, and it was well-insulated from the street noise, making it an ideal place to record. The group used a piano, drums, a guitar, a cello tuned low for the bass sound, and a saxophone.
They were managed by Marty Kugell, who distributed their material on his label, Standord Records. Kugell's friend, Vinny Mazzetta, an altar boy at the church, convinced the pastor to let the group use the basement after a Sunday service.
It became a hit when "In The Still of the Nite" was released. However, Parris was stationed in the military in Japan when the song became popular. As a result, he saw from afar as a different version of The Five Satins toured America.
"In The Still of the Nite" is one of the most famous doo-wop songs ever. Its smooth and harmonious sound, combined with Parris's heartfelt lyrics, captured the hearts of many. It's a timeless classic that has remained popular years after its release.
Watch this video and share it with your friends because Fred Parris's music will live on forever.
