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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Save the Last Dance for Me
| name = Save the Last Dance for Me
| cover = Save_the_Last_Dance_for_Me_-_The_Drifters.jpg
| cover = Save_the_Last_Dance_for_Me_-_The_Drifters.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[the Drifters]]
| artist = [[The Drifters]]
| album = Save the Last Dance for Me
| album = Save the Last Dance for Me
| B-side = Nobody But Me
| B-side = Nobody But Me
| released = August 1960
| released = August 1960
| recorded = 1958–1960
| recorded = 1960
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[soul music|soul]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[soul music|soul]]}}
| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=34}}
| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=34}}
| label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| writer = [[Doc Pomus]], [[Mort Shuman]]
| writer = [[Doc Pomus]], [[Mort Shuman]]
| producer = [[Jerry Leiber]], [[Mike Stoller]]
| producer = [[Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller]]
| prev_title = [[Lonely Winds]]
| prev_title = [[Lonely Winds]]
| prev_year = 1960
| prev_year = 1960
| next_title = [[I Count the Tears]]
| next_title = [[I Count the Tears]]
| next_year = 1960
| next_year = 1960
| misc = {{External music video|header=Official audio|{{YouTube|BmTmF6neTTg|"Save the Last Dance for Me"}}}}
}}
}}


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==Drifters' version==
==Drifters' version==
In a 1990 interview,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhTyAUE4fMg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/VhTyAUE4fMg |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=DOC POMUS "SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME" and how it almost wasn't...|publisher=YouTube|access-date=February 12, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> songwriter [[Doc Pomus]] tells the story of the song being recorded by the Drifters and originally designated as the B-side of the record. He credits [[Dick Clark]] with turning the record over and realizing "Save the Last Dance" was the stronger song. The Drifters' version of the song, released a few months after Ben E. King left the group, would go on to spend three non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|U.S. pop chart]], in addition to logging one week atop the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|U.S. R&B chart]].<ref name="auto">[[Joel Whitburn|Whitburn, Joel]] (1996). ''The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits'', 6th Edition (Billboard Publications)</ref> In the United Kingdom, the Drifters' recording reached No. 2 in December 1960.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Hello+Mary+Lou_slash_Travelin'+Man|title=hello mary lou/travelin' man &#124; full Official Chart History &#124; Official Charts Company|website=Officialcharts.com}}</ref> This single was produced by [[Jerry Leiber]] and [[Mike Stoller]], two noted American music producers who at the time had an apprentice relationship with a then-unknown [[Phil Spector]]. Although he was working with Leiber and Stoller at the time, it is unknown whether Spector assisted with the production of this record; however, many Spector fans have noticed similarities between this record and other music he would eventually produce on his own.<ref>[[Fred Bronson|Bronson, Fred]] (2003). ''The Billboard Book of No. 1 Hits'', 5th Edition (Billboard Publications)</ref> [[Damita Jo DeBlanc|Damita Jo]] had a hit with one of the [[answer songs]] of this era called "I'll Save The Last Dance For You".
In a 1990 interview,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhTyAUE4fMg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/VhTyAUE4fMg |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=DOC POMUS "SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME" and how it almost wasn't...|publisher=YouTube|access-date=February 12, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> songwriter [[Doc Pomus]] tells the story of the song being recorded by [[the Drifters]] and originally designated as the B-side of the record. He credits [[Dick Clark]] with turning the record over and realizing "Save the Last Dance" was the stronger song. The Drifters' version of the song, released a few months after Ben E. King left the group, would go on to spend three non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|U.S. pop chart]], in addition to logging one week atop the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|U.S. R&B chart]].<ref name="auto">[[Joel Whitburn|Whitburn, Joel]] (1996). ''The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits'', 6th Edition (Billboard Publications)</ref> In the United Kingdom, the Drifters' recording reached No. 2 in December 1960.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Hello+Mary+Lou_slash_Travelin'+Man|title=hello mary lou/travelin' man &#124; full Official Chart History &#124; Official Charts Company|website=Officialcharts.com}}</ref> This single was produced by [[Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller]], two noted American music producers who at the time had an apprentice relationship with a then-unknown [[Phil Spector]]. Although he was working with Leiber and Stoller at the time, it is unknown whether Spector assisted with the production of this record; however, many Spector fans have noticed similarities between this record and other music he would eventually produce on his own.<ref>[[Fred Bronson|Bronson, Fred]] (2003). ''The Billboard Book of No. 1 Hits'', 5th Edition (Billboard Publications)</ref> [[Damita Jo DeBlanc|Damita Jo]] had a hit with one of the [[answer songs]] of this era called "I'll Save The Last Dance For You".


In the song, the narrator tells his lover she is free to mingle and socialize throughout the evening, but to make sure to save him the dance at the end of the night.<ref name=pc20>{{Gilliland |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19770/m1/ |title=Show 20 – Forty Miles of Bad Road: Early '60s potpourri |show=20 |track=2}}</ref> During an interview on [[Elvis Costello]]'s show ''Spectacle,'' [[Lou Reed]], who worked with Pomus, said the song was written on the day of Pomus' wedding while the wheelchair-using groom watched his bride dancing with their guests. Pomus had [[polio]] and at times used crutches to get around.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/145455/save-last-dance-me/kathryn-jean-lopez |title=Save the Last Dance for Me – By Kathryn Jean Lopez – The Corner – National Review Online |website=Nationalreview.com |date=July 6, 2007}}</ref> His wife, Willi Burke, however, was a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] actress and dancer. The song gives his perspective of telling his wife to have fun dancing, but reminds her who will be taking her home and "in whose arms you're gonna be."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-presley-doc-pomus-mort-shuman.shtml|title=Songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman &#124; Elvis Articles|website=Elvis.com.au}}</ref>
In the song, the narrator tells his lover she is free to mingle and socialize throughout the evening, but to make sure to save him the dance at the end of the night.<ref name=pc20>{{Gilliland |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19770/m1/ |title=Show 20 – Forty Miles of Bad Road: Early '60s potpourri |show=20 |track=2}}</ref> During an interview on [[Elvis Costello]]'s show ''Spectacle,'' [[Lou Reed]], who worked with Pomus, said the song was written on the day of Pomus' wedding while the wheelchair-using groom watched his bride dancing with their guests. Pomus had [[polio]] and at times used crutches to get around.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/145455/save-last-dance-me/kathryn-jean-lopez |title=Save the Last Dance for Me – By Kathryn Jean Lopez – The Corner – National Review Online |website=Nationalreview.com |date=July 6, 2007}}</ref> His wife, Willi Burke, however, was a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] actress and dancer. The song gives his perspective of telling his wife to have fun dancing, but reminds her who will be taking her home and "in whose arms you're gonna be."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-presley-doc-pomus-mort-shuman.shtml|title=Songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman &#124; Elvis Articles|website=Elvis.com.au}}</ref>


Musicians on the Drifters' recording were [[Bucky Pizzarelli]], Allen Hanlon (guitar), Lloyd Trotman (bass) and [[Gary Chester]] (drums).
Musicians on the Drifters' recording included [[Bucky Pizzarelli]] and Allen Hanlon (guitar), Lloyd Trotman (bass) and [[Gary Chester]] (drums).{{cn|date=December 2023}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Drifters|title=Save the Last Dance for Me|award=Silver|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=18751-2232-1|access-date=February 24, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Drifters|title=Save the Last Dance for Me|award=Silver|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=18751-2232-1|access-date=February 24, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

==Dalida version==
{{Infobox song
| name = Garde-moi la dernière danse
| cover =
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = [[Dalida]]
| album = [[Garde-moi la dernière danse]]
| B-side = Ciao Ciao Mon Amour
| released = 1961
| recorded = 1960–1961
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Pop
| length = 2:48
| label = [[Barclay Records|Barclay]]
| writer = [[Doc Pomus]], [[Mort Shuman]]
| producer =
| prev_title = [[Joyeux Noël]]
| prev_year = 1960
| next_title = [[Canta in Italiano (1st single)|Canta in Italiano]]
| next_year = 1961
}}

''[[Garde-moi la dernière danse]]'' is the eighth album by European pop star [[Dalida]]. The title song of the album, a French cover of the American hit "Save the Last Dance for Me", was released as a single. The background orchestra music was led by French composer and orchestra leader [[Raymond Lefèvre]].


==Emmylou Harris version==
==Emmylou Harris version==
[[Emmylou Harris]] covered the song in a country/bluegrass style in 1979, including it on her ''[[Blue Kentucky Girl (Emmylou Harris album)|Blue Kentucky Girl]]'' album. Also released as a single, her version reached the top ten on the U.S. country singles chart in mid-1979.
[[Emmylou Harris]] covered the song in a country/bluegrass style in 1979, including it on her ''[[Blue Kentucky Girl (Emmylou Harris album)|Blue Kentucky Girl]]'' album. Also released as a single, her version reached the top ten on the U.S. country singles chart in mid-1979.{{cn|date=February 2024}}


==Dolly Parton version==
==Dolly Parton version==
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Save the Last Dance for Me
| name = Save the Last Dance for Me
| cover =
| cover =
| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Dolly Parton]]
| artist = [[Dolly Parton]]
| album = [[The Great Pretender (Dolly Parton album)|The Great Pretender]]
| album = [[The Great Pretender (Dolly Parton album)|The Great Pretender]]
| B-side = [[Elusive Butterfly]]
| B-side = [[Elusive Butterfly]]
| released = November 28, 1983
| released = November 28, 1983
| recorded = November 1983
| recorded = November 1983
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = [[Country pop]] ,[[Synth-pop]]
| genre = [[Country pop]] ,[[Synth-pop]]
| length = 3:54
| length = 3:54
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]]
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]]
| writer = [[Doc Pomus]], [[Mort Shuman]]
| writer = [[Doc Pomus]], [[Mort Shuman]]
| producer = [[Val Garay]]
| producer = [[Val Garay]]
| prev_title = [[Islands in the Stream (song)|Islands in the Stream]]
| prev_title = [[Islands in the Stream (song)|Islands in the Stream]]
| prev_year = 1983
| prev_year = 1983
| next_title = [[Downtown (Petula Clark song)|Downtown]]
| next_title = [[Downtown (Petula Clark song)|Downtown]]
| next_year = 1984
| next_year = 1984
}}
}}


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| next_title = [[Just in Time (song)|Just in Time]]
| next_title = [[Just in Time (song)|Just in Time]]
| next_year = 2006
| next_year = 2006
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|LAjfB0XfjkA|"Michael Bublé - Save The Last Dance For Me [Official Music Video]"}}}}
}}
}}


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===Background===
===Background===
For its release as a single, the song was heavily remixed, with mixes from producers including [[Ralphi Rosario]] and Eddie Baez. All of the chart positions for the single are for each of the remixed versions of the song respectively. The single first peaked at No. 22 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Dance Club Play]] Chart in September 2005.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs|title=Dance Songs: Top Dance Music Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> After Bublé performed the album version of the song during the closing credits of the film ''[[The Wedding Date]]'',<ref name="auto2">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100|title=Top 100 Songs &#124; Billboard Hot 100 Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> this version was released to radio, peaking at No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks|adult contemporary chart]], as well as reaching No. 99 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary|title=Adult Contemporary Music Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The music video for the track was once again directed by Noble Jones, who directed the videos for both of the album's previous singles – ''Home'' and ''Feeling Good''. The music video was choreographed by Raymondo Chan, a Salsa Latin dance coach and performer. It was shot in Vancouver, Canada.
For its release as a single, the song was heavily remixed, with mixes from producers including [[Ralphi Rosario]] and Eddie Baez. All of the chart positions for the single are for each of the remixed versions of the song respectively. The single first peaked at No. 22 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Dance Club Play]] Chart in September 2005.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs|title=Dance Songs: Top Dance Music Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> After Bublé performed the album version of the song during the closing credits of the film ''[[The Wedding Date]]'',<ref name="auto2">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100|title=Top 100 Songs|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> this version was released to radio, peaking at No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks|adult contemporary chart]], as well as reaching No. 99 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary|title=Adult Contemporary Music Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
The music video for the track was once again directed by Noble Jones, who directed the videos for both of the album's previous singles – ''Home'' and ''Feeling Good''. The music video was choreographed by Raymondo Chan, a Salsa Latin dance coach and performer. It was shot in Vancouver, Canada.{{cn|date=July 2024}}


===Track listing===
===Track listing===
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==Other versions==
==Other versions==
* In 1960, [[Dion DiMucci|Dion]] recorded the song for inclusion on his album ''Alone With Dion''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Dion-Alone-With-Dion/release/2926114|title=Dion (3) – Alone With Dion|website=Discogs.com|year=1961 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* [[The String-A-Longs]] recorded a version at Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, NM, in 1960–61, released in the Philippines under Tiara Records (Tiara 001).<ref>{{Cite web|title=NORMAN PETTY STUDIOS Productions – Discography (S)|url=https://www.norvajakmusic.com/s.html|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=www.norvajakmusic.com}}</ref>
* [[Buck Owens]] released a cover version in 1962 that peaked at No. 11 on the [[Hot Country Songs|US country charts]] and appeared on his album ''[[Together Again (Buck Owens album)|Together Again]]''.<ref>[http://musicvf.com/song.php?id=112530 Buck Owens, "Save the Last Dance for Me" Chart Position] Retrieved April 11, 2012.</ref>
* [[Buck Owens]] released a cover version in 1962 that peaked at No. 11 on the [[Hot Country Songs|US country charts]] and appeared on his album ''[[Together Again (Buck Owens album)|Together Again]]''.<ref>[http://musicvf.com/song.php?id=112530 Buck Owens, "Save the Last Dance for Me" Chart Position] Retrieved April 11, 2012.</ref>
* [[Paul Anka]] recorded the song for his 1963 album ''Songs I Wish I'd Written''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Paul-Anka-Songs-I-Wish-Id-Written/release/3877473|title=Paul Anka – Songs I Wish I'd Written|website=Discogs.com|year=1963 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Jerry Lee Lewis]] recorded a version of the song with [[Sun Records]] on June 12, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee at Sam Phillips' studio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/release/d3182741-3fc9-45c9-9ec5-2d06610ed206/disc/8|title=Release "Classic Jerry Lee Lewis: The Definitive Edition of His Sun Recordings 1956-1963"|website=musicbrainz.org|access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref> This version was released on his 1967 album ''Breathless'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/breathless-mw0000841797|title=Breathless - Jerry Lee Lewis|website=allmusic.com|access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref> and as a single in 1978.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3262648-Jerry-Lee-Lewis-Save-The-Last-Dance-For-Me|title=Jerry Lee Lewis – Save The Last Dance For Me|website=discogs.com|year=1978 |access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref>
* The Swedish group [[the Spotnicks]] recorded an instrumental version of the song (they called "Valentina") for their 1964 album ''The Spotnicks in Spain''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Spotnicks-The-Spotnicks-In-Spain/master/251442|title=The Spotnicks – The Spotnicks In Spain|website=Discogs.com|year=1963 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Cliff Richard]] included the song in his 1967 album ''[[Don't Stop Me Now!]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Cliff-Richard-Dont-Stop-Me-Now/release/2389157|title=Cliff Richard – Don't Stop Me Now!|website=Discogs.com|date=April 1967 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Billy Joe Royal]] released a version of the song on his 1967 album, ''Billy Joe Royal Featuring Hush''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Billy-Joe-Royal-Billy-Joe-Royal-Featuring-Hush/release/3571472|title=Billy Joe Royal – Billy Joe Royal Featuring "Hush"|website=Discogs.com|year=1967 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* In 1969, [[The Beatles]] recorded a version of this song for their album ''Get Back'' (eventually called ''[[Let It Be (Beatles album)|Let it Be]]'') as part of a medley produced by [[Glyn Johns]]. The song was ultimately cut from the album, but in 2021 appeared in the [[Let It Be: Special Edition|50th anniversary edition]] of the album. Footage of the group recording the song appears in the documentary ''[[The Beatles: Get Back]]''.
* In 1969, British arranger and band leader Johnny Arthey arranged and conducted for [[John Rowles]] to record his 7" vinyl release on the [[MCA Records|MCA]]-UK label the following year.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Rowles– Save The Last Dance For Me / What's On Your Mind|url=http://www.discogs.com/John-Rowles-Save-The-Last-Dance-For-Me-Whats-On-Your-Mind/release/1747515|website=Discogs.com|date=February 1970 |access-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref>
* In 1974, [[Harry Nilsson]] included a version on his album ''[[Pussy Cats]]'', arranged by Nilsson and [[John Lennon]], produced by Lennon.<ref>{{Citation |title=Harry Nilsson Produced By John Lennon - Pussy Cats |date=August 19, 1974 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1292160-Harry-Nilsson-Produced-By-John-Lennon-Pussy-Cats |language=en |access-date=2022-04-01}}</ref> Was released as a single in Germany, with a cover of [[Bob Dylan|Bob Dylan's]] "[[Subterranean Homesick Blues]]" as the B side.<ref>{{Citation |title=Nilsson - Save The Last Dance For Me |year=1974 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/714914-Nilsson-Save-The-Last-Dance-For-Me |language=en |access-date=2022-04-01}}</ref> Also released as a single in the UK.<ref>{{Citation |title=Nilsson - Save The Last Dance For Me / All My Life |year=1974 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1589391-Nilsson-Save-The-Last-Dance-For-Me-All-My-Life |language=en |access-date=2022-04-01}}</ref>
* [[The Walkmen]] did a cover of ''Pussy Cats'' which included "Save the Last Dance for Me". Also in 1974, Canadians [[the DeFranco Family]] reached No. 18 on the ''Billboard'' pop chart with their version of "Save the Last Dance for Me", with lead vocals sung by 14-year-young Tony DeFranco.<ref name="auto2"/>
* In 1977, [[John Davidson (entertainer)|John Davidson]] reached No. 22 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart<ref>{{cite book|first= Joel |last= Whitburn |author-link= Joel Whitburn |year= 1993 |title= Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993 |publisher= Record Research |page=65}}</ref> and No. 44 on the Canadian AC chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.4474&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.4474.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.4474|title=Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date=March 12, 1977 |access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
* In 1977, [[John Davidson (entertainer)|John Davidson]] reached No. 22 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart<ref>{{cite book|first= Joel |last= Whitburn |author-link= Joel Whitburn |year= 1993 |title= Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993 |publisher= Record Research |page=65}}</ref> and No. 44 on the Canadian AC chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.4474&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.4474.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.4474|title=Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date=March 12, 1977 |access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
* In 1978, [[country music]] singer-songwriter Ron Shaw recorded the song on Pacific Challenger Records;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/pc1632|title=Ron Shaw – Save The Last Dance For Me|website=45cat.com|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref> this version reached the Top 40 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Country Songs|country music chart]].
* The [[Forgotten Rebels]] recorded the song on their 1981 album ''This Ain't Hollywood''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forgottenrebels.com/album-forgottenrebels-thisainthollywood.php|title=Album: Forgotten Rebels – This Ain't Hollywood (1982)|website=Forgottenrebels.com|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* In 1982 [[Mud (band)|Mud]] featured the song in their album ''Mud Featuring Les Gray''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Mud-Featuring-Les-Gray-Mud/master/822592|title=Mud Featuring Les Gray – Mud|website=Discogs.com|year=1983 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* In 1983 [[Herbie Armstrong]] included a haunting version of the song on his solo album ''Back Against the Wall''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Herbie-Armstrong-Back-Against-The-Wall/release/1536639|title=Herbie Armstrong – Back Against The Wall|website=Discogs.com|year=1985 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* The song was translated into French by André Salvet and François Llenas and recorded by, among others, [[Petula Clark]], Dalida, and [[Mort Shuman]] himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paroles.abazada.com/chanson,garde-la-derniere-danse-pour-moi-garde-moi-la-derniere-danse,15313-1857.htm |title=Home – Lyrics |website=Paroles.abazada.com }}</ref>
* [[Geno Delafose]] recorded the song as a [[Zydeco|zydeco version]] on the CD ''La Chanson Perdu''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/la-chanson-perdue-mw0000039001|title=La Chanson Perdue – Geno Delafose &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref> in 1998 on [[Rounder Records]].
* [[Bruce Willis]] released a version which appears on his 1989 album, ''If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Bruce-Willis-If-It-Dont-Kill-You-It-Just-Makes-You-Stronger/release/534201|title=Bruce Willis – If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger|website=Discogs.com|year=1989 |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
*[[The Manhattan Transfer]] included a version on their 1995 album, ''[[Tonin']].'' As with most other tracks on the album, this recording featured a noted guest singer, this time Ben E. King, who sang principal lead on the original version by The Drifters.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cooper|first=B. Lee|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/870272755|title=Rock music in American popular culture III : more rock 'n' roll resources|date=1999|others=Wayne S. Haney|isbn=978-1-317-95759-1|location=New York|oclc=870272755}}</ref>
* In 2000, Japanese band [[The Neatbeats]] recorded the song for their album ''Everybody Need!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neatbeats.net/discography/album/04.html |title=the NEATBEATS Official Website |website=Neatbeats.net |date=July 27, 2000 |access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>
*On his 2000 album ''I Give My Heart to You,'' [[O. C. Smith|O.C. Smith]] recorded a version of the song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-give-my-heart-to-you-mw0000607084|title=I Give My Heart to You – O.C. Smith {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|language=en-us|access-date=February 5, 2019}}</ref>
* Irish singer [[Daniel O'Donnell]] recorded it on his 2003 album, ''Daniel in Blue Jeans''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/daniel-in-blue-jeans-mw0000326111|title=Daniel in Blue Jeans – Daniel O'Donnell &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* In the 2000s, UK musician and ex-band member of [[Fox (band)|Fox]], Herbie Armstrong, recorded a slower, [[Major and minor|minor]] version of the song and released it as a single from his album, ''Last Dance''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110203235917/http://www.herbiearmstrong.com/ Herbie Armstrong, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Music, Van Morrison<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* In 2003, [[the Troggs]] recorded their version of this song on an album with re-recorded songs, called "Wild Thing".<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wild-thing/id454968696 ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221190216/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wild-thing/id454968696 |date=December 21, 2014 }}</ref>
* In 2004, [[Nancy Sinatra]] and [[Lee Hazlewood]] recorded the song for their album ''Nancy & Lee 3''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Nancy-Sinatra-Lee-Hazlewood-Nancy-Lee-3/release/3188932|title=Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood – Nancy & Lee 3|website=Discogs.com|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
*In 2008, [[Anne Murray]] included the song on her album ''An Intimate Evening with Anne Murray...Live.''
* In 2011, [[Cheap Trick]] singer [[Robin Zander]] covered the song on his country album, ''Countryside Blvd.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/countryside-blvd-mw0001977418|title=Countryside Blvd. – Robin Zander &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>
* In 2012, American composer and producer [[Kramer (musician)|Kramer]] covered the song and included it on his sixth album ''[[The Brill Building (album)|The Brill Building]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0002410972|pure_url=yes}}|title=Kramer: ''The Brill Building'' > Review |website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
*In 1960, American female R&B singer [[Damita Jo DuBlanc|Damita Jo]] recorded an "[[answer record]]" to "Save the Last Dance for Me". Her song, entitled "I'll Save the Last Dance for You", built around the original song's melody and thus credited to Shuman and Pomus, peaked at No. 22 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] pop chart in December 1960.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=379&cfgn=Singles&cfn=The+Billboard+Hot+100&ci=3070009&cdi=8782629&cid=12%2F05%2F1960|title=Damita Jo Hot 100 chart data|website=Billboard.com}}</ref>
*In 1960, American female R&B singer [[Damita Jo DuBlanc|Damita Jo]] recorded an "[[answer record]]" to "Save the Last Dance for Me". Her song, entitled "I'll Save the Last Dance for You", built around the original song's melody and thus credited to Shuman and Pomus, peaked at No. 22 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] pop chart in December 1960.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=379&cfgn=Singles&cfn=The+Billboard+Hot+100&ci=3070009&cdi=8782629&cid=12%2F05%2F1960|title=Damita Jo Hot 100 chart data|website=Billboard.com}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:Dolly Parton songs]]
[[Category:Dolly Parton songs]]
[[Category:Michael Bublé songs]]
[[Category:Michael Bublé songs]]
[[Category:Billy Joe Royal songs]]
[[Category:Jay and the Americans songs]]
[[Category:The Beatles songs]]
[[Category:Harry Nilsson songs]]
[[Category:Petula Clark songs]]
[[Category:The DeFranco Family songs]]
[[Category:The DeFranco Family songs]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles]]
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[[Category:Reprise Records singles]]
[[Category:Reprise Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs about dancing]]
[[Category:Songs about dancing]]
[[Category:Ike & Tina Turner songs]]

Revision as of 13:19, 31 July 2024

This article is about the song. For other uses, see Save the Last Dance for Me (disambiguation).

"Save the Last Dance for Me"
Single by The Drifters
from the album Save the Last Dance for Me
B-side"Nobody But Me"
ReleasedAugust 1960
Recorded1960
Genre
Length2:34
LabelAtlantic
Songwriter(s)Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Producer(s)Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
The Drifters singles chronology
"Lonely Winds"
(1960) 		"Save the Last Dance for Me"
(1960) 		"I Count the Tears"
(1960)
Official audio
"Save the Last Dance for Me" on YouTube

"Save the Last Dance for Me" is a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, first recorded in 1960 by American musical group the Drifters with Ben E. King on lead vocals. It has since been covered by several artists, including Dalida, the DeFranco Family, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Michael Bublé.

Drifters' version

In a 1990 interview,[1] songwriter Doc Pomus tells the story of the song being recorded by the Drifters and originally designated as the B-side of the record. He credits Dick Clark with turning the record over and realizing "Save the Last Dance" was the stronger song. The Drifters' version of the song, released a few months after Ben E. King left the group, would go on to spend three non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. pop chart, in addition to logging one week atop the U.S. R&B chart.[2] In the United Kingdom, the Drifters' recording reached No. 2 in December 1960.[3] This single was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two noted American music producers who at the time had an apprentice relationship with a then-unknown Phil Spector. Although he was working with Leiber and Stoller at the time, it is unknown whether Spector assisted with the production of this record; however, many Spector fans have noticed similarities between this record and other music he would eventually produce on his own.[4] Damita Jo had a hit with one of the answer songs of this era called "I'll Save The Last Dance For You".

In the song, the narrator tells his lover she is free to mingle and socialize throughout the evening, but to make sure to save him the dance at the end of the night.[5] During an interview on Elvis Costello's show Spectacle, Lou Reed, who worked with Pomus, said the song was written on the day of Pomus' wedding while the wheelchair-using groom watched his bride dancing with their guests. Pomus had polio and at times used crutches to get around.[6] His wife, Willi Burke, however, was a Broadway actress and dancer. The song gives his perspective of telling his wife to have fun dancing, but reminds her who will be taking her home and "in whose arms you're gonna be."[7]

Musicians on the Drifters' recording included Bucky Pizzarelli and Allen Hanlon (guitar), Lloyd Trotman (bass) and Gary Chester (drums).[citation needed]

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[15] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Emmylou Harris version

Emmylou Harris covered the song in a country/bluegrass style in 1979, including it on her Blue Kentucky Girl album. Also released as a single, her version reached the top ten on the U.S. country singles chart in mid-1979.[citation needed]

Dolly Parton version

"Save the Last Dance for Me"
Single by Dolly Parton
from the album The Great Pretender
B-side"Elusive Butterfly"
ReleasedNovember 28, 1983
RecordedNovember 1983
GenreCountry pop ,Synth-pop
Length3:54
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Producer(s)Val Garay
Dolly Parton singles chronology
"Islands in the Stream"
(1983) 		"Save the Last Dance for Me"
(1983) 		"Downtown"
(1984)

In 1983, Dolly Parton recorded "Save the Last Dance for Me," releasing it as a single in late November; the song subsequently appeared on Parton's album of 1950s and 60s covers The Great Pretender, released in January 1984. Reaching the top ten on the country singles chart in late February, the single also crossed over, reaching No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Charts

Chart (1983–1984) Peak
position
Canadian RPM Country Tracks 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles 3
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 45
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks 12

The DeFranco Family version

"Save the Last Dance for Me"
Single by the DeFranco Family
from the album Save the Last Dance for Me
B-side"Because We Both Are Young"
ReleasedApril 1974
Length2:58
Label20th Century
Songwriter(s)Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Producer(s)Walt Meskell
The DeFranco Family singles chronology
"Abra-ca-dabra"
(1973) 		"Save the Last Dance for Me"
(1974) 		"Write Me a Letter"
(1974)

The DeFranco Family (featuring Tony DeFranco) released "Save the Last Dance for Me" in 1974 as a single and the title track of their 2nd album (20th Century Records); the single peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on Canada's RPM 100 chart. The B-side of the single is "Because We Both Are Young," written by Tom Bahler and Harry Shannon.

Michael Bublé version

"Save the Last Dance for Me"
Single by Michael Bublé
from the album It's Time
ReleasedApril 4, 2006
GenrePop
Length3:38
Label143, Reprise
Songwriter(s)Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Michael Bublé singles chronology
"Home"
(2005) 		"Save the Last Dance for Me"
(2006) 		"Just in Time"
(2006)
Music video
"Michael Bublé - Save The Last Dance For Me [Official Music Video]" on YouTube

"Save The Last Dance For Me" was later covered by Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, and released as the third and final single from his second studio album, It's Time. The song was heavily remixed for its release as a single.

Background

For its release as a single, the song was heavily remixed, with mixes from producers including Ralphi Rosario and Eddie Baez. All of the chart positions for the single are for each of the remixed versions of the song respectively. The single first peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in September 2005.[16] After Bublé performed the album version of the song during the closing credits of the film The Wedding Date,[17] this version was released to radio, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart, as well as reaching No. 99 on the Billboard Hot 100.[18]

The music video for the track was once again directed by Noble Jones, who directed the videos for both of the album's previous singles – Home and Feeling Good. The music video was choreographed by Raymondo Chan, a Salsa Latin dance coach and performer. It was shot in Vancouver, Canada.[citation needed]

Track listing

  1. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (album version) – 3:38
  2. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (Starcity remix) – 3:20
  3. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (live version – video) – 4:14
  4. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (music video) – 3:42
  • Digital download[20]
  1. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (album version) – 3:38
  2. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (Ralphi's Anthomic vocal) – 9:36
  3. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (Eddie's Anthem mix) – 9:53
  4. "Save the Last Dance for Me" (Ralphi's Hydrolic dub) – 8:29

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2006) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 99
US Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks 5

Year-end charts

Chart (2006) Rank
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[21] 7

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[22] Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

  • In 1960, American female R&B singer Damita Jo recorded an "answer record" to "Save the Last Dance for Me". Her song, entitled "I'll Save the Last Dance for You", built around the original song's melody and thus credited to Shuman and Pomus, peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in December 1960.[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ "DOC POMUS "SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME" and how it almost wasn't..." YouTube. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Whitburn, Joel (1996). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 6th Edition (Billboard Publications)
  3. ^ a b "hello mary lou/travelin' man | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com.
  4. ^ Bronson, Fred (2003). The Billboard Book of No. 1 Hits, 5th Edition (Billboard Publications)
  5. ^ Gilliland, John (1969). "Show 20 – Forty Miles of Bad Road: Early '60s potpourri" (audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries. Track 2.
  6. ^ "Save the Last Dance for Me – By Kathryn Jean Lopez – The Corner – National Review Online". Nationalreview.com. July 6, 2007.
  7. ^ "Songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman | Elvis Articles". Elvis.com.au.
  8. ^ "CHUM Top 20 Singles - October 24, 1960".
  9. ^ "Flavour of New Zealand – search lever". Flavourofnz.co.nz.
  10. ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  11. ^ "Cash Box Top 100 11/19/60". Tropicalglen.com.
  12. ^ "Top 20 Hit Singles of 1960". Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  13. ^ "Top 100 Hits of 1960/Top 100 Songs of 1960". Musicoutfitters.com.
  14. ^ "Cash Box YE Pop Singles – 1960". Tropicalglen.com.
  15. ^ "British single certifications – Drifters – Save the Last Dance for Me". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  16. ^ "Dance Songs: Top Dance Music Chart". Billboard.
  17. ^ "Top 100 Songs". Billboard.
  18. ^ "Adult Contemporary Music Chart". Billboard.
  19. ^ "Michael Buble Save The Last Dance For Me RARE promo CD DVD 05". eBay. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  20. ^ "Save The Last Dance For Me EP: Michael Bublé: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads". Amazon.de. January 1, 1970.
  21. ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2006". Billboard. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  22. ^ "American single certifications – Michael Buble – Save the Last Dance for Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  23. ^ Buck Owens, "Save the Last Dance for Me" Chart Position Retrieved April 11, 2012.
  24. ^ Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 65.
  25. ^ "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. March 12, 1977. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  26. ^ "Damita Jo Hot 100 chart data". Billboard.com.[dead link]
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