Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Dancing in the Moonlight

"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a written by musician Sherman Kelly in 1969, originally recorded by his band Boffalongo in 1970, and later popularized as a hit single by the rock band in 1972. The song's creation stemmed from a traumatic incident in 1969 when and his girlfriend were violently attacked by a known as the Fountain Valley while vacationing in St. Croix, U.S. ; was beaten with baseball bats and his girlfriend faced an attempted , leaving him hospitalized and reflecting on an "alternate reality" of joy to cope with the ordeal. described the inspiration as envisioning "a peaceful and joyous celebration of life," transforming the negativity into an uplifting anthem about communal dancing under a , with lyrics evoking "supernatural delight" and a sense of carefree unity. King Harvest's version, produced by Jack Robinson and released on July 9, 1972, by Perception Records, marked the song's breakthrough, featuring band members including Wells Kelly on drums and Dave "Doc" Robinson on vocals and guitar; it climbed to No. 13 on the , No. 10 on the Cash Box Top 100, and No. 22 on the chart, establishing it as a yacht rock classic. Boffalongo's earlier recording appeared on their 1970 Beyond Your Head, but it garnered limited attention until King Harvest's rendition brought widespread recognition. The track has endured through numerous covers, amplifying its cultural impact across decades; British band Toploader's 2000 version from their album Onka's Big Moka re-energized the song, peaking at No. 7 on the and earning 4× Platinum certification by the BPI for over 2,400,000 units (sales and streams) as of 2023, becoming a staple in European clubs. Other notable renditions include those by , , , , My Morning Jacket, and the 2018 dance by Swedish duo Jubel featuring Neimy, which reached No. 11 on the , No. 9 in , and achieved Platinum certifications in and . The song's infectious rhythm and optimistic theme have cemented its legacy in film soundtracks, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series (2017), and as a timeless symbol of escapist joy.

Background

Origins and inspiration

Sherman Kelly, a musician active in the New York scene during the late 1960s after graduating from in 1967 with degrees in and English, drew from personal trauma to compose "Dancing in the Moonlight." Having studied further at in , in , and in , Kelly was immersed in the era's vibrant music environment before the song's creation. In 1969, while vacationing in St. Croix in the U.S. with his girlfriend and friends, Kelly experienced a brutal assault that profoundly shaped the song's origins. After their yacht anchored and the group camped on a beach due to seasickness, a attacked them at night; Kelly was severely beaten with baseball bats, suffering life-threatening injuries, while his girlfriend was raped by one of the assailants. This incident involved members of what would later become known as the Fountain Valley Gang, notorious for a 1972 of tourists. Recovering in a , Kelly channeled the negativity into an uplifting composition, aiming to envision an alternate reality of joy and peace as a form of emotional healing. The song's structure employs a straightforward verse-chorus form, with that celebrate communal harmony and under the , avoiding any explicit nod to the that inspired it. Central to its theme is the "Everybody's dancing in the moonlight," evoking a sense of shared and resilience, as intended it to serve as a positive countering despair. Lines like "We like our fun and we never fight" further underscore this intent to promote unity and lightheartedness. Kelly recorded a demo of the track in 1970, capturing its optimistic essence early on. Subsequent versions by bands he was involved with built on this foundation, though the core vision remained rooted in his personal response to adversity.

Initial recordings

"Dancing in the Moonlight" was first commercially released by Boffalongo, a New York-based rock band formed in featuring on keyboards and lead vocals, his brother Wells Kelly on drums, and on guitar, as part of their second album Beyond Your Head in 1970 on . The track was recorded in studios, presenting a soft arrangement that emphasized acoustic elements and harmonious vocals. The Boffalongo single version, backed with "Endless Questions," achieved only limited regional success, gaining modest airplay on college radio stations in New York's "snow belt" and areas. Shortly after, the song was covered by the UK band High Broom for in 1970, but this release also failed to chart, underscoring the track's initial lack of broader commercial traction. Following Boffalongo's disbandment in late 1971, Sherman Kelly continued promoting the song within the Northeast U.S. music scene, sharing demo tapes and gig recordings among regional musicians and bands in and surrounding areas. These early efforts, including informal versions circulated in the early , helped sustain interest locally but did not lead to widespread airplay or national recognition at the time.

King Harvest version

Recording and release

King Harvest was an American rock band formed in in 1970 by a group of U.S. expat musicians, including keyboardist , saxophonist and guitarist Rod Novak, vocalist and bassist Dave "Doc" Robinson, and drummer Wells Kelly. The band recorded "Dancing in the Moonlight" in a small studio in Paris's 18th arrondissement, adopting a rock arrangement with prominent electric piano, , and harmonious vocals to capture an upbeat, feel-good vibe. Produced by Jack Robinson and Pierre Jaubert, the track was completed in 1972. It was released as a on July 9, 1972, by Perception Records, with "Little David" as the B-side. The song later appeared on the band's self-titled Dancing in the Moonlight, issued in late 1972.

Commercial performance

King Harvest's version became the song's breakthrough hit, entering the U.S. charts in late 1972. It peaked at No. 13 on the , No. 10 on the Cash Box Top 100, No. 5 on the RPM 100 Top Singles chart in , and No. 22 on the Billboard chart in 1973. The single also reached No. 71 on the Billboard year-end Hot 100 chart for 1973. Internationally, it charted at No. 7 in the Netherlands and No. 25 in the UK.

Certifications

The King Harvest version of "Dancing in the Moonlight" did not receive any formal certifications from the RIAA or other major certifying bodies at the time of its release. As of 2025, it has not been retrospectively certified, though the song's enduring popularity has led to over 100 million streams on platforms like Spotify.

Toploader version

Recording and release

Toploader formed in 1997 as an English rock band from , . The group, consisting of vocalist and keyboardist Joseph Washbourn, guitarist , bassist Matt Knight, drummer Rob Green, and guitarist Julian Deane, drew inspiration from the 1972 original for their cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight." The band recorded the track in 1999 at in , adopting a pop-rock arrangement characterized by upbeat keyboards, driving rhythms, and light elements to give it a contemporary feel. The song appeared on Toploader's debut album Onka's Big Moka, released on May 22, 2000, through S2 Records, a Sony Music imprint. It was issued as the album's third single on February 21, 2000, in the UK. Promotion included heavy airplay on BBC Radio 1, where it became a staple of early 2000s programming. A remix was produced in 2001 for international markets, including the US, featuring a slightly polished mix to appeal to American audiences during the band's promotional tour.

Formats and promotion

Toploader's cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" was released in multiple physical and digital formats, primarily through Sony Soho Square in the during 2000. The standard (catalog number 668941 2) included the main track alongside B-sides "" (produced by Dave Eringa) and "Jack" (also produced by Eringa), providing fans with additional original material from the band's sessions. A limited edition (catalog number 669985 2) featured remixes, such as the Radio Mix (3:30) and the Vocal Remix, aimed at club and radio play to extend the song's appeal. These editions were supported by a 7-inch (catalog number 668941 7), released at on the A-side and 33 ⅓ RPM on the B-side, with B-sides "Man With A Plan" (3:41) and "Times Like These" (4:52), both mixed and produced by Dave Lynch and the band. Digital releases followed the rise of online platforms, with the single becoming available as an download after the service's launch in 2003, allowing broader accessibility beyond . A 2010 digital reissue bundled the original track with live versions recorded during the band's performances, capitalizing on renewed interest in their catalog. Promotion efforts centered on visual media and live performances to build momentum. The official music video, directed by Michael Geoghegan and produced by Baby Picture Co., depicted the band performing in a setting, evoking the song's carefree vibe and airing heavily on and other channels. To support the release, tied promotions to their 2000-2001 tour, including opening slots for Bon Jovi's Crush – One Wild Night Tour across dates in , , and other countries, where they showcased the single live. In 2001, a U.S. market push involved radio campaigns on stations like those in the network, coinciding with a stateside CD release (2001 edition via ) to capitalize on the song's European success.

Commercial performance

Toploader's cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" was a major hit in the , debuting on the in March 2000 and peaking at No. 7. It spent a total of 40 weeks on the chart, becoming one of the band's signature songs and contributing to the success of their debut album Onka's Big Moka. The single also achieved moderate success in other European markets, appearing on charts in countries including and the .

Certifications

Toploader's version of "Dancing in the Moonlight" received a 2× certification from the (BPI) in the for sales of over 1,200,000 copies, as awarded in 2020. By 2025, with the inclusion of streaming equivalents, the song has surpassed 2,400,000 units in the UK, qualifying for higher multi-platinum status.

Jubël version

Production and release

Jubël, a electronic dance music duo formed in 2017 by producers Sebastian Atas and , created their cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" in 2018, building on their prior collaborations dating back to 2013 under the alias . The production features lead vocals from singer NEIMY, whose smooth delivery complements the track's upbeat energy. The arrangement transforms the original folk-rock tune into a style, emphasizing synthesizers, rhythmic drops, and production elements while subtly nodding to the song's classic structure. Released as a digital single on June 22, 2018, via Good Soldier Records, the track marked Jubël's breakthrough, distributed exclusively through streaming platforms. Promotion centered on an official directed by Cruz and uploaded to , which had garnered over 4.8 million views as of November 2025. A by Dutch DJ followed in September 2020, enhancing its appeal in club and festival settings. The international rollout focused on digital channels, with targeted pushes onto editorial playlists across and the to boost streaming visibility.

Commercial performance

Jubël's cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight," released in 2018, marked a notable success in the European market, particularly during its initial rollout. The peaked at No. 9 on the Swedish Singles Chart, No. 52 on the (and No. 16 on the ), helping to establish the duo's presence in . In the digital streaming era, the song amassed over 585 million streams on as of November 2025, reflecting its enduring popularity and contributing to Jubël's with more than 10 million album equivalent units across platforms. The track's viral spread was amplified by challenges between 2019 and 2020, where users created dance videos and lip-sync content that propelled its visibility and streaming numbers. Additionally, it achieved regional hits, peaking at No. 23 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and No. 11 on the in 2020.

Certifications

Jubël's version of "Dancing in the Moonlight" has received certifications for sales and streaming performance in various countries. It has not received a formal in the United States, though it has accumulated significant equivalent audio units through streaming by 2025. In , it was certified Gold by .

Legacy

Other covers

The recorded a adaptation of "Dancing in the Moonlight" for their 1994 album , infusing the track with rhythms characteristic of Bahamian music. This version preceded their later international success with "" and highlighted the song's adaptability to styles. In 1979, the Keane Brothers, a pre-teen duo produced by veteran , released a rendition on their Taking Off. The upbeat, dance-oriented arrangement featured extended mixes tailored for club play, reflecting the era's emphasis on four-on-the-floor beats and string arrangements. included a laid-back, folk-rock cover on his 1975 New Lovers and Old Friends, preserving the song's whimsical vibe while adding his signature smooth vocals and elements. Liza Minnelli's 1973 interpretation, featured on The Singer, brought a flair with orchestral backing, showcasing her Broadway-honed phrasing. Later covers have explored diverse genres, such as the arrangement by in 2010, which emphasized vocal harmonies and . duo delivered an acoustic-electric hybrid in 2021, blending and synths for a modern, intimate take. These reinterpretations demonstrate the song's enduring appeal beyond its major pop and revivals by artists like .

Cultural impact

The song "Dancing in the Moonlight" has left a significant mark on , appearing in various films and television series that highlight its upbeat, feel-good vibe. It features in the 2010 comedy , underscoring satirical scenes, and the 2017 action film , enhancing chase sequences. The track also appears in Season 1, Episode 6 of the series (2019), during a montage, and in Season 4 of (2024), tying into themes of romance and performance. Beyond screen appearances, the song has become a staple at weddings, particularly as a first-dance choice since the early 2000s due to its joyful and romantic lyrics evoking carefree nights. Numerous couples select versions like Toploader's cover for choreographed dances, with dance tutorials and playlists frequently recommending it for its energetic yet intimate feel. In sports contexts, it has been played at games and events as an uplifting anthem to energize crowds, often during or celebratory moments. The track's influence extends to sampling and remixing in other genres. More recently, delivered an of Jubël's 2018 cover in 2020, transforming it into a high-energy track released on platforms, which gained traction in circles. On , "Dancing in the Moonlight" has fueled viral trends, especially on , where challenges and covers from 2020 to 2025 have amassed over a billion cumulative views, inspiring users to create joyful, synchronized routines often set against nighttime or party backdrops. This resurgence has amplified its nostalgic appeal among younger audiences. As a cultural symbol, the song represents , originally written by Sherman Kelly in 1969 as a way to envision a peaceful, amid personal from a street assault in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Its enduring legacy includes numerous covers worldwide, including adaptations in various languages that maintain its universal theme of communal joy and release.

References

  1. [1]
    The Tragic Inspiration Behind "Dancing in the Moonlight"
    Feb 15, 2024 · According to Kelly, this song was the direct result of him, his girlfriend, and some friends heading out on a boat in St. Croix. While that ...
  2. [2]
    The Story of... 'Dancing in the Moonlight' by Toploader - Smooth Radio
    Jul 28, 2020 · The song was written in 1969 by musician Sherman Kelly. While recovering from an attack by a gang, he “envisioned an alternate reality.
  3. [3]
    The traumatic experience that inspired the hit 'Dancing in the ...
    May 3, 2020 · That song, written by Sherman Kelly, has always been one of my favorite tunes from the 1970s. Released on July 9, 1972, it became a big hit for King Harvest.
  4. [4]
    The tragic origins of 'Dancing in the Moonlight' - Far Out Magazine
    Sep 11, 2023 · 'Dancing in the Moonlight' was a result of Kelly's experience as a victim of the same gang that went on to become more widely associated with the Fountain ...
  5. [5]
    https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?search=1&sq=Dancing+in+the+Moonlight+Jubel
  6. [6]
    The Ithaca Connection - Orleans
    The recording came out on SOME copies of Boff's “Beyond Your Head” LP. The single charted #90 “with an anchor.”. During late 1969, also in Manhattan, a ...
  7. [7]
    Dancing In The Moonlight"- Boffalongo 1970.... - Facebook
    Jun 4, 2016 · "Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song by French- American rock group King Harvest. The song was written by Sherman Kelly, produced by Jack ...Dancing in the Moonlight 1970 single by Buffalo - FacebookThe song "Dancing in the Moonlight" was originally recorded by the ...More results from www.facebook.com
  8. [8]
    Dancing in the Moonlight 1970 single by Buffalo - Facebook
    Mar 21, 2022 · Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly, originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo, and then a hit single ..."Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly ...Dancing in the Moonlight King Harvest Origin - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
  9. [9]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/4409051-High-Broom-Dancing-In-The-Moonlight
  10. [10]
    About - Toploader
    Since forming in 1997 Toploader have over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both home and abroad. · In 2013 Toploader released ...Missing: history | Show results with:history<|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Toploader
    ### Summary of Toploader
  12. [12]
    https://baselines.com/?p=7031
  13. [13]
    The Biggest Radio 1 Anthems! - BBC
    Jul 19, 2023 · 1. Toploader. Dancing In The Moonlight. Dancing In The Moonlight. Manhattan. 1. Samantha Mumba. Gotta Tell You. Gotta Tell You. The Wild Card ...
  14. [14]
    Dancing in the Moonlight - 2001 Remix - song and lyrics by Toploader
    Lyrics. We get it almost every night. When that moon is big and bright. It's a supernatural delight. Everybody dancin' in the moonlight.Missing: recording | Show results with:recording
  15. [15]
    Jubel & Neimy - Dancing In The Moonlight - Top40-Charts.com
    Dancing In The Moonlight ; Sweden Top 20 · 2018-08-17 ; Sweden Top 20 · 2018-08-24 ; UK Singles Top 40 · 2020-07-04 ; UK Singles Top 40 · 2020-07-11.
  16. [16]
    Dancing In The Moonlight by Jubel and Neimy - Music Charts
    Dancing In The Moonlight by Jubel and Neimy appeared on 6 charts for 79 weeks, peaked at #9 in Sweden. View detailed chart stats and the official video.Missing: Jubël Germany 2018
  17. [17]
    Jubël - Dancing In The Moonlight - Spotify Chart History - Kworb.net
    A website that collects and analyzes music data from around the world. All of the charts, sales and streams, constantly updated.
  18. [18]
    Dancing in the Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) - Jubël - Spotify
    Listen to Dancing in the Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) on Spotify. Song · Jubël ... © 2025 Spotify AB. English. Home Search Your Library Premium. Choose a ...
  19. [19]
    Dancing in the Moonlight - jubelofficial - TikTok
    Dancing in the Moonlight song created by jubelofficial. 30.5K videos. Watch the latest videos about Dancing in the Moonlight on TikTok.Missing: 2019-2020 | Show results with:2019-2020
  20. [20]
    DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT – JUBEL FT NEIMY - Official Charts
    Latest chart stats about DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.
  21. [21]
    CD Single - Toploader - Dancing In The Moonlight - UK - 668941 2
    Tracks. 01, Dancing In The Moonlight Producer: George Drakoulias Rate. 02, Lucy Producer: Dave Eringa Rate. 03, Jack Producer: Dave Eringa
  22. [22]
    https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-in-the-moonlight-single/1632649519
  23. [23]
    Toploader - Dancing In The Moonlight
    ### Summary of Toploader – Dancing In The Moonlight (Discogs Release 6956977)
  24. [24]
    Dancing in the Moonlight - Single - Album by Toploader - Apple Music
    Listen to Dancing in the Moonlight - Single by Toploader on Apple Music. 2000. 1 Song. Duration: 3 minutes.Missing: 1998 demo tape
  25. [25]
    Dancing In The Moonlight: The Best Of Toploader - Spotify
    Dancing In The Moonlight: The Best Of Toploader. Toploader. 200915 songs, 57 min 6 sec. Dancing in the Moonlight · Toploader · Time of My Life · Toploader.<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Dancing in the Moonlight - Wikipedia
    "Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly, originally recorded in 1970 by Kelly's band Boffalongo, and then a hit single by King Harvest ...Dancing in the Moonlight (It's... · King Harvest · See also · Toploader
  27. [27]
    2000-2001: Crush – One Wild Night Tour - Bon Jovi Club Italia
    EUROPEAN TOUR 2000 (Special Guest for this leg : Toploader). AUGUST 05, TURKU ... OWN 2001 EUROPEAN TOUR. MAY 31 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Olympic Stadium.Missing: US | Show results with:US
  28. [28]
    https://jubelmusic.com/?page_id=56
  29. [29]
    BIOGRAPHY - Jubelmusic
    Jubël have come a long way since first forming in 2017. Both Sebastian and Victor had been writing, producing and releasing original music individually for ...
  30. [30]
    Jubël lineup, biography - Last.fm
    Jun 30, 2023 · Starting in 2013, they collaborated under the name Galavant, writing, producing, and releasing music. In 2017, they unveiled their new sound ...Missing: formed | Show results with:formed
  31. [31]
    Dancing In The Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) – Song by Jubël - Apple Music
    Jun 22, 2018 · Dancing In The Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) - Single · Jubël · 22 June 2018 · Performing Artists · Composition & Lyrics · Production & Engineering.Missing: GSR | Show results with:GSR<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-in-the-moonlight-feat-neimy-single/1525973854
  33. [33]
    Dancing In The Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) - Single - Album by Jubël
    Jun 22, 2018 · Listen to Dancing In The Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) - Single by Jubël on Apple Music. 2018. 1 Song. Duration: 2 minutes.
  34. [34]
    Jubel - Dancing In The Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) (Official Music Video)
    Nov 9, 2018 · Stream/Download: https://GSR.lnk.to/dancinginthemoonlight Spotify Playlist http://spoti.fi/1Vr9N0E Instagram: ...Missing: chart performance Sweden Germany Netherlands 2018
  35. [35]
    Jubel ft. Neimy 'Dancing In The Moonlight' by Paco Cruz | Videos
    Nov 26, 2018 · Paco Cruz makes the dreams of a little girl come to life in the video for dance act Jubel's version of Dancing In The Moonlight.
  36. [36]
    Tiësto delivers remix for JUBËL's 'Dancing In The Moonlight' reboot
    Oct 24, 2020 · JUBËL's reworking of the classic seventies jam, “Dancing In The Moonlight” has garnered multiple platinum and gold certifications across the ...
  37. [37]
    Dancing in the Moonlight (feat. NEIMY) - Spotify
    Popular Tracks by Jubël ; Dancing in the Moonlight (feat. NEIMY)584,177,218 ; Weekend Vibe59,741,495 ; So Sick34,550,103 ; Dumb47,982,340 ...
  38. [38]
    https://kworb.net/spotify/track/3dgVBgrgHLzbhAYepa1V1V.html
  39. [39]
    1979 The Keane Brothers – Taking Off - Sessiondays
    The second album, Taking Off, was released in 1979 with a disco sound and produced by song writer Lamont Dozier.Missing: soul | Show results with:soul
  40. [40]
    Song: Dancing in the Moonlight written by Sherman Kelly
    Web covers. Dancing in the Moonlight. by Elle & Toni · Dancing in the Moonlight. by Ursa Minors · Dancing in the Moonlight. by New Choir · Add cover · Report ...Missing: list | Show results with:list