The Stroll

This article is about the line dance popular in the 1950s. For that choreographed by Ryan Francois, see Jitterbug Stroll. For that choreographed by Sing Lim, see Charleston Stroll. For the 2003 Russian film, see The Stroll (film).

The stroll was both a slow rock 'n' roll dance[1] and a song that was popular in the late 1950s.[2]

Billboard first reported that "The Stroll" might herald a new dance craze similar to the "Big Apple" in December 1957.[3][4] "The Stroll" was written by Clyde Otis and Nancy Lee and was recorded by the Canadian group the Diamonds (Mercury 71242).[5][6] The Diamonds versions also featured a saxophone soloist.

The original version of the song reached number four on the Billboard pop charts, number five on the R&B charts,[7] and number one on the Cashbox charts.[8]

In the dance, two lines of dancers, men on one side and women on the other, face each other, moving in place to the music. Each paired couple then steps out and does a more elaborate dance up and down between the rows of dancers.[9] Dick Clark noted the similarity of the dance to the Virginia reel.[10]

It was first performed to "C. C. Rider" by Chuck Willis on American Bandstand. Link Wray's "Rumble" was also a popular tune for doing the stroll.

It is referenced in Led Zeppelin's 1950s rock homage "Rock and Roll".

The "Stroll" was used in the film "American Graffiti" (1973) during the scene at the High School Dance.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/t/the_diamonds/the_stroll_crd.htm retrieved 1.21.2010
  2. ↑ Shore, Michael; Dick Clark (1985). The History of American Bandstand. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-31722-X page 58.
  3. ↑ Billboard December 9, 1957. page 16
  4. ↑ Rock Roll & Remember. Dick Clark, Richard Robison. 1978. Page 99.
  5. ↑ http://www.min7th.com/diamonds/singles.html retrieved 1.20.2010
  6. ↑ The heart of rock & soul: the 1001 greatest singles ever made. Dave Marsh. page 201.
  7. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 157.
  8. ↑ http://www.cashboxmagazine.com/archives/50s_files/19580215.html retrieved 1.21.2011
  9. ↑ The heart of rock & soul: the 1001 greatest singles ever made. Dave Marsh. page 201.
  10. ↑ Rock Roll & Remember. Dick Clark, Richard Robison. 1978. Page 98.


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