Franklin Dean
Dancing in the Moonlight is a song that has been covered by many artists, including King Harvest, whose version reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. The song has been featured on many wedding dance songs lists and is a popular choice for couples' first dance. With its romantic and relaxed vibe, it sets a fun and exciting tone for the wedding celebration. The song's popularity is evident from its commercial success, having been certified 4× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and reaching the top 20 in several countries worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Name | Dancing in the Moonlight |
| Artist | King Harvest |
| Genre | Jazz, Funk/Disco |
| Year of Release | 1972 |
| Peak Position in Music Charts | No. 5 in Canada, No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Certifications | 4x Platinum in the UK |
| Cover Versions | Toploader (2000), Jubël (2018), Ted Raimi (2000), Alyson Stoner (2009), Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (2021), Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina (2022) |
| Lyrics | Suitable for a wedding |
| Dance Choreography | Simple, relaxed, and fun routine for beginners |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dancing in the Moonlight's popularity as a wedding song
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a popular choice for wedding songs, particularly for first dances. The song, written by Sherman Kelly, has a romantic and relaxed vibe, making it a great fit for weddings. The original version, recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo, and the hit single by King Harvest in 1972, are the most popular renditions for weddings. The song's catchy and upbeat rhythm, coupled with its romantic and joyful lyrics, make it a fun and exciting choice for couples looking for a unique first dance experience.
The song's popularity as a wedding dance choice is evident from its inclusion in several wedding dance tutorials and choreography lessons available online and on YouTube. These tutorials cater to couples of all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced dancers, ensuring that anyone can master the moves for their special day. The song's tempo allows for modifications in the choreography to simplify or increase the challenge, depending on the couple's comfort level.
The success of "Dancing in the Moonlight" as a wedding song is also reflected in its commercial achievements. The 2000 cover by English band Toploader, for instance, achieved multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom and peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has also been certified 4× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales and streams of over 2,400,000 units worldwide.
Beyond its commercial success, the song's uplifting message and dreamy atmosphere have resonated with couples worldwide. The lyrics evoke a peaceful and joyful celebration of life, making it a perfect choice for weddings. The song's versatility is further demonstrated by its ability to inspire various covers and adaptations, including a country music rendition by American singers Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina in 2022, showcasing the song's enduring appeal across different genres and generations.
"Dancing in the Moonlight" has undoubtedly earned its place as a beloved wedding song, offering couples a unique blend of romance, fun, and joy on their special day.
How to Save a Life': A Wedding Song's Stor
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's history and chart performance
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly and originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo. In 1972, it became a hit single by King Harvest, reaching number 5 in Canada and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written in 1969, while Kelly was recovering from a vicious assault by a gang in St. Croix. During his recovery, he envisioned an "alternate reality, the dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life" which inspired the song.
After its initial success, the single languished for a year until it was bought and released worldwide by Perception Records. In 1973, it peaked at number 71 on the year-end chart in Canada. The song also reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States during the weeks of February 24 and March 3, 1973.
In 2000, "Dancing in the Moonlight" was covered by the English band Toploader, becoming a worldwide hit and achieving multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom. This version was released as the third single from their debut studio album, 'Onka's Big Moka', and initially peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. It was then re-released in November 2000 with new production, reaching number seven on the same chart.
The song has continued to be popular, with various covers and appearances in media. In 2000, actor Ted Raimi covered the song in the Xena: Warrior Princess musical episode "Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire". In 2009, American actor and singer Alyson Stoner covered the song, including scenes from the film Space Buddies in the music video. In 2018, a cover by Swedish EDM duo Jubël featuring Neimy charted in several European countries, including reaching number 9 on the official Swedish Singles Chart. The song was also featured in the 2021 film Muppets Haunted Mansion, performed by the Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem during the end credits. In addition, a rewritten duet version was released in 2022 by American country singers Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina, incorporating country music elements.
Black-Tie Weddings: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Covers of the song
"Dancing in the Moonlight" has been covered by several artists since its original release in 1970. Here is a list of some of the notable covers:
Toploader (2000)
English band Toploader's cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" is one of the most famous versions of the song. Released on February 21, 2000, as the third single from their debut studio album "Onka's Big Moka" (1999), it peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. It was then re-released in November 2000 with new production from Stargate, reaching number seven on the same chart. The song achieved multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom and became a worldwide hit.
Jubël (2018)
Swedish EDM duo Jubël, along with singer Neimy, released a dance cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" in 2018. It peaked at number 9 on the official Swedish Singles Chart and later gained popularity in the UK and other European countries. The song charted in Belgium's Ultratip Bubbling Under chart and reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also featured on the reality show "Love Island" in 2020 and went viral on TikTok.
Ted Raimi (2000)
Actor Ted Raimi covered "Dancing in the Moonlight" in the Xena: Warrior Princess musical episode "Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire" in 2000.
Alyson Stoner (2009)
American actor and singer Alyson Stoner released a cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" in 2009. The music video for this version features scenes from the film "Space Buddies" and is included as a special feature on the DVD release of the film.
Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (2021)
A cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" was performed by the Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem during the end credits of the 2021 film "Muppets Haunted Mansion".
Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina (2022)
American country singers Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina released a rewritten version of "Dancing in the Moonlight" as a duet in 2022. This version incorporated country music elements and was considered more of an homage than a cover due to its significant differences from the original.
Harry and Meghan's Wedding: A Regal 8s Affair
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's writer, Sherman Kelly
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly. It was originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo and was then released as a hit single by King Harvest in 1972, reaching number 5 in Canada and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written in 1969 while Kelly was recovering from a vicious assault by a gang in St. Croix, where he was left for dead. During his recovery, he wrote:
> I envisioned an alternate reality, the dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life. It was just me imagining a better world than the one I had just experienced in St. Croix.
Sherman Kelly joined Boffalongo in 1970, which included his brother Wells Kelly, guitarist Larry Hoppen, bassist and keyboardist Dave "Doc" Robinson, and Peter Giansante. The song "Dancing in the Moonlight" was included on their album "Beyond Your Head" and was their final single before the band broke up. Wells Kelly then joined the Paris-based band King Harvest, where he introduced the song to the group. King Harvest's version of the song, featuring Robinson on lead vocals and Kelly on harmony, was released as a single in 1972 and became a big hit.
In addition to Boffalongo and King Harvest, several other musicians have recorded covers of "Dancing in the Moonlight." In 2000, a cover by the English band Toploader became a worldwide hit and achieved multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom. Another notable cover was released in 2018 by the Swedish EDM duo Jubël, which also became a hit in Europe. The song has been certified 4x Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and has reached the top 20 charts in several countries, including Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Wedding Objections: What's Next?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choreography for wedding couples
Dancing In The Moonlight by King Harvest is a fun and exciting first dance song for a wedding. It is a little on the fast side, but there are many online tutorials with modifications to make it simpler or more challenging. These tutorials are great for couples who want a simple routine but also want to have a little fun with their first dance.
There are many online wedding dance choreography tutorials available for couples. These tutorials are designed for couples who are new to dance and include step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions. Some tutorials are created for couples with limited time to learn but still want to look good on the dance floor. For example, Duet Dance Studio offers four couple wedding dance videos with beginner-friendly slow Foxtrot moves and smooth swing flares that provide lovely photo moments.
Some songs that are popular for wedding first dances include "Thinking Out Loud," "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, and "Love Someone" by Lukas Graham. These songs have simple yet elegant choreography that will make you look like you've been dancing for a long time.
Online dance courses for wedding choreography can be permanent and unlimited, allowing you to learn wherever and whenever you want without any restrictions. These courses are designed to be stress-free and fun, with simple steps that are clearly explained. They can be a great option for couples who want to learn a dance but don't have much time or dancing experience.
In-person lessons are also available for couples who prefer a more traditional learning experience. These lessons can be tailored to your favorite song and dance style, ensuring that your first dance fits your unique style.
Jake Paul's Wedding: Chaos and Confetti
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a fun and exciting wedding song, especially for couples who want a simple yet fun routine for their first dance. The song is a little on the faster side, but there are plenty of online tutorials available to help you choreograph your dance.
Some other popular wedding dance songs include Andy William's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and Billy Joel's "I Love You Just the Way You Are".
When choosing a wedding dance song, it's important to select a tune that is recognised by both the couple and the guests, and has lyrics that are suitable for a wedding.
