In the Still of the Night

"In the Still of the Nite", also subsequently titled "In the Still of the Night", is a song written by Fred Parris and recorded by his band the Five Satins. Originally the song was titled "(I'll Remember) In the Still of the Nite" to distinguish itself from Cole Porter's "In the Still of the Night". Later the title was changed to "In the Still of the Night". While only a moderate hit when first released (peaking at No. 24 on the national pop charts), it has received considerable airplay over the years and is notable as one of the best known doo-wop songs, recorded by artists such as Boyz II Men and Debbie Gibson. It is heard in several films, such as The Buddy Holly Story, Dirty Dancing, and The Irishman. The Five Satins' original version was included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings—published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981)—and ranked No. 90 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Background Parris was inspired to write the song while working guard duty in the U.S. Army, after seeing a pretty woman walk by him that day. Famously, he wrote it in the basement of St. Bernadette's Church. Normally, the quintet sang with five singers, but for this recording there were only 4 -- Al Denby (low tenor), Eddie Martin (baritone), Jim Freeman (bass) and Fred Parris. Marty Kugell produced the song. The saxophone solo was played by Vinny Mazzetta of New Haven. The rhythm section was Doug Murray (bass), Bobby Mapp (drums) and Curlee Glover (piano). It was originally released on Kugell's Standord label with the B-side "The Jones Girl", a play on the Mills Brothers' 1954 hit, "The Jones Boy".