How "At the Hop" got its name
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
"At the Hop" by Danny and the Juniors was number one on the Billboard pop chart 60 years ago Tuesday.
The song was originally titled "Do the Bop" but when American Bandstand host Dick Clark heard it, he suggested the name change to capitalize on the popularity of "sock hops" in the 1950s.
They were dance parties typically held in a high school cafeteria or gymnasium. The dances were called sock hops because the dancers were required to take off their shoes to protect the varnished floor from scuff marks.
Hear the segment with the audio player above.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.