About the song
The Danleers, a doo-wop quintet from New York City, burst onto the music scene in 1958 with their debut single, “One Summer Night.” This infectious tune, a product of their manager and primary songwriter Danny Webb’s creative genius, quickly became a regional sensation and eventually catapulted the group to national fame.
Released in May 1958 on the AMP 3 label, “One Summer Night” initially gained traction in New York City before capturing the hearts of listeners nationwide. Its catchy melody, evocative lyrics, and the group’s harmonious vocals resonated with audiences of all ages. The song’s success was so overwhelming that the Danleers were unable to handle the distribution themselves, leading them to partner with the major label Mercury Records.
“One Summer Night” reached number four on the Billboard Black Singles chart and number seven on the Best Selling Pop Singles in Stores chart in 1958, selling over one million copies. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the Danleers’ undeniable talent.
The song’s legacy extended beyond its initial release. In 1961, the Diamonds, another popular doo-wop group, covered “One Summer Night,” further solidifying its place in music history. More recently, The Beach Boys paid homage to the classic tune with their own version, “Slow Summer Dancin’ (One Summer Night),” included on their 1992 album “Summer in Paradise.” This cover served as a reminder of the song’s enduring influence and its ability to continue captivating audiences decades after its original release.
Video
Lyrics
One summer night, we fell in love
One summer night, I held you tight
You and I under the moon of love (moon of love, yeah)
One summer night, I kissed your lips
One summer night, I held you close
You and I under the moon of love
You kissed me, oh so tenderly
And I knew this was love
And as I held you, oh so close
I knew no one could ever take your place, oh
One summer night, we fell in love
One summer night, I held you tight
You and I under the moon of love (moon of love)