Danny & The Juniors

1957-Danny & The Juniors – from left, Danny Rapp, Dave White, Joe Terranova, and Frank Maffei

(Frank Maffei Collection)

Dave White, Frank Maffei, Danny Rapp and Joe Terranova began singing together in the early 1950’s at ages 13 and 14 in Philadelphia, where they were fans of the local rhythm and blues radio stations. The group, which was formed by Dave White, went by the name The Juvenaires. They performed at school dances, local clubs, restaurants and street corners, which is where John Madara discovered them.



The group, who had changed their name to Danny & the Juniors, recorded AT THE HOP in 1957, where it reached the top of the charts worldwide. Written by John Madara and Dave White, AT THE HOP remained #1 for an astounding seven weeks, the first record ever to reach that status. The group immediately followed with their huge hit, ROCK AND ROLL IS HERE TO STAY, written by Dave White and produced by John Madara. AT THE HOP has been featured in the award-winning motion pictures "Woodstock" and "American Graffiti," and ROCK AND ROLL IS HERE TO STAY appeared in the hugely successful motion picture "Grease."



Danny & The Juniors went on to have much success. The group travelled around the U.S., and had additional chart records including PONY EXPRESS and TWISTIN' USA. Dave White eventually left the group to write and produce hit records with John Madara, including Leslie Gore's YOU DON'T OWN ME, Len Barry's 1-2-3 and Chubby Checker's THE FLY, to name a few.



In 1983, Danny Rapp committed suicide, but the Juniors continued working as "Danny & The Juniors, featuring Joe Terry."



In 1992, Danny & The Juniors was inducted into the Hall of Fame and the Walk of Fame in their hometown by the Philadelphia Music Alliance.

In March of 2001, AT THE HOP was voted by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the top 100 songs of the century. The soundtrack album, “Grease,” was voted one of the top albums of the century. ROCK AND ROLL IS HERE TO STAY is featured on that album.



In 2003, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.



Along with their numerous television appearances and live performances, Danny & The Juniors had the pleasure of performing at the New York Paramount with Alan Freed and The Apollo in Harlem with Jocko Henderson.

Joe Terry, Frank Maffei and Frank's brother Bobby, continue to perform around the country at conventions, theatres, clubs, casinos, fairs and festivals. Dave White continues to write and produce for various artists.

(Wikipedia)

Danny & The Juniors ~"Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay" 1958