King Harvest - Dancing In The Moonlight | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo

Musician Sherman Kelly tells the story behind the song 'Dancing In The Moonlight' by King Harvest, also known by Toploader. A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo from 2018 (Dutch Public Television).

[@garykuzminski7969]

"I think that the universe enjoyed my response. I've certainly enjoyed the universes response." So perfect.

[@dreamer2260]

Absolutely. Really great guy.

[@francheskavega7251]

Yes,he turned something tragic into something positive

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Sounds new agey but OK.

[@SmallScreenCo]

you totally don't get this at all@@EuropeanQoheleth

[@ypotusoa]

@@EuropeanQohelethright. “The Universe” is a creation. Give glory to the creator. That’s God🤗

[@GijsvanDam]

Living well is the best revenge.

[@melissadavis225]

Amen to that

[@staceyharper7827]

You are absolutely right.

[@lisaletto7337]

So is being the inspiration of one of the all time greatest songs ever written

[@mtd3369]

What an intense story. I had no idea. And such a commendable reaction to what he and his girlfriend went through. This guy has a glow around him for sure...

[@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author]

I agree! I love this song! Netflix's Blacklist brought me here (series 2, episode 15).

[@2degucitas]

I wish my hubby had defended me. Can't trust his sorry ass anymore.

[@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author]

@@2degucitas Same here!

[@billmers3219]

@@2degucitas I'm here 4 you!!👍🇺🇸

[@billmers3219]

@@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author I'm here 4 you tooooo!!🇺🇸👍❤️

[@secondchildhood1142]

I cannot fathom the sadness and depression that this man had while recovering from what would probably drive many to suicide and channel that energy to create one of the most wholesome timeless tunes of all time. Just Bravo 🙌 ❤

[@default8282]

That man went through the unthinkable and then turned it into a happy song we all owe him something❤❤

[@mrgjg]

Always loved this song. The keyboard intro is one of the most recognizable and joyous openings to a song ever put to music. How ironic considering the back story.

[@clapolla]

That's what I was thinking, the intro to this song and the intro to Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" are two of the most recognizable in popular music.

[@dBREZ]

Can't listen this song the same without hearing this.

[@HanifBarnwell]

Oh crap man, no kidding.

[@avalondreaming1433]

I know! Damn!!!

[@staceyharper7827]

Me,too

[@alvamarsh4290]

Same with me

[@co2metal]

I CAN

[@KingHarvestMusic]

What a great interview with our old buddy and bandmate Sherm Kelly. Superb production! www.shermankelly.com

[@jjc4058]

Thanks for sharing this, very cool!

[@lucabalducci4256]

Thanks for sharing this video

[@craigh8602]

How come you guys split in less than a year? It seemed you had it goin' on. Three Dog Night-ish

[@KingHarvestMusic]

@@craigh8602 Actually we played together from 1970 to 1976. In '76 The Beach Boys made us an offer we couldn't refuse and we ended up joining their band. In the early 80s 3 of us did some production work, recorded the Young Love album and an album of classic country songs, and toured a couple months in Norway. Thanks for asking.

[@hang-sangitch]

You are an inspiration! It's a great song and now knowing how you turned shit into gold really makes me want to play!! Thank you

[@1nitesite]

Wow. I never knew. One of my most favorite songs has a very difficult backstory.

[@davidterry9997]

Had he not been beaten within an inch of his life, I wouldn't have one of my all-time favorite songs. I have some serious inner conflict going on.

[@davebramble2444]

Always thought that the lyric “you can’t dance and stay uptight “ was so simple and profound. Great song.

[@dreamer2260]

Absolutely. And the line about it being such a fine and natural sight as well. Beautiful.

[@southern_leyte8230]

I just came across this tonight, sad how the human race can be like animals, and then a beautiful song comes along to delight. I'm 63 and have always enjoyed this song.

[@thomasmccracken8819]

I'm 64 remember when this came out in h.s.? such a happy joyful song everyone loved it.

[@flytommy1]

One of my very favorite songs of all time. Gives me much JOY!

[@Sarmatae1]

I was born in 1970, and my whole life this song has been the go-to for alleviating stress. "You can't dance and stay uptight" are the truest words ever spoken. It was my wedding song, and is currently the alarm I wake up to every morning, lol. Well done Mr. Kelly. ♥ The story you've shared with us just deepens the meaning even further. It said everything you meant it to.

[@tinavalentino8637]

I never knew anything about this story until recently and became so sad. But I'm seeing the positive side now....that this beautiful uplifting song came out of horrible pain and suffering. He does deserve a medal of honor, for taking something so horrific and turning it into a positive....the fact that he survived it. I will now listen to the song and continue to feel happy when I hear it.

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Tina. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Mark Clifford and am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@charlesschenk6290]

I realize that this video was from 6 years ago, but... OMG Sherman, what a story! My wife and I absolutely love your song. Near the end of December 1972 we were on our honeymoon in Florida (to escape the cold here in the north) when this song came on the air. The stations played it a lot while we were there. Then it took about another month for it to hit after we were back home. Every time we hear your song, we get an instant deja vu back to our honeymoon, even today, 52 years later. Thank you for writing and recording this.

[@jgaff66]

Jesus that took a dark turn.

[@williamlopez448]

LMAO

[@Lion-qi8ej]

This guy and his song is a blessing. If you’re feeling down. Put it on. It will change your “state”.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Everything he said to describe the song is true - peaceful, relaxing, joyful - but it's also soooooo cool and soooooo catchy and just different than anything else. It's like it came out of some magical woods and when you listen to it a part of you goes back into them.

[@GreenDayFan_1995GTA]

What a beautiful way of describing that emotion

[@sheritraenkenschuh7807]

This is by far one of my favorite songs. The keyboard music is hypnotising.

[@dianeferre1273]

I LOVED this song as a little girl... Reminds me of summertime! Timeless!! ***I had no idea that there was a Tragic Back Story in the creation of this beautiful, happy song (until tonight). 😥 And now Im almost 60 years old! The song & his voice still touches my heart! 💕😊💕

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Diane . How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Mark Clifford and am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@bestleader8294]

@@markclifford1857 she died.

[@ninamcadoo6461]

Wow, my boyfriend and I became curios as to where "everybody is dancing in the moonlight" in aw of how amazing it truly sounded.. This hit me so deep, getting much more of an answer than I expected to find. You both are strong beings, and I admire greatly the positivity and love you took away from such a terrible situation. My favorite song any day, always makes me feel better and dance, I too also hope that one day the world will be this place..where EVERYONE is dancing in the moonlight 🌕🌈🧡

[@randyholland2700]

Even th rapists?

[@DavidJones-sf9vy]

Talk about overcoming. He is a true hero. I always loved this song happy and joyful.Born from such pain.

[@ironempath7261]

What a beautiful gentleman. I have loved this song for decades. I wish it played at my wedding, as well as at my funeral. I am grateful that he can speak openly about past trauma with poise and maturity. Thank you ☀.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

I was in college in Ithaca, NY and around town we were all into this song as sung by Boffalongo! Later it turns up on the radio as being by King Harvest! I recognized the park area even before he confirmed that he was on Lake Cayuga! So glad he survived his ordeal and hope his girlfriend also was OK after what she went through. I graduated from Cornell in '72....Enjoy, Ithaca, Sherman....glad you are still happy up there! Ithaca is Gorges!!

[@allentumminello2343]

Cornell

[@marieword1053]

@@allentumminello2343 Oh yeah. This was my song on the jukebox in the Straight! '71-'75.

[@lawdogwales5921]

Buttermilk Falls!

[@secretariatgirl4249]

​@@marieword1053Ah, the infamous Straightburgers...

[@sherryannconlin5151]

Thank you for sharing your story publicly. You have always been a role model and a beloved mentor, especially when we worked on the Crisis team together. You are a beautiful man and this is a beautiful song that will be around always in peoples hearts. Much love to you.

[@2degucitas]

Crisis team?

[@harrykaribian3662]

The song reminds how my neighbors and neighborhood got along and basically loved each other. Where have those days gone?

[@harper_anne2089]

Exactly...I am still friends to this day with all of my neighborhood friends, and I'm 64. Your statement is so true and brought some sweet memories of the good ole days.

[@chrisrose5885]

Sherman Kelly, you bring a whole new meaning to 'turning the other cheek'. Cliche, I know, but, man, you came to a crossroads, and it would have been very understandable to all had you taken the 'wrong' path. I don't know if I could have been that strong, being so young. We all thank you and love you for it. ❤

[@lindazamarron3414]

His song brings so much joy to everyone that hears it- my favorite song since I head it for the first time- I remember exactly where I was!

[@gabe_s_videos]

God bless Adrian. Amazing how some of the greatest, happiest pieces of art have to come from horrible pain.

[@E.R.24]

I kept getting this hint of sadness from this song but still a mood lifting song, then I decided to see what was the backstory behind this song and wow

[@marcalvarez4890]

If i didn't hear it from his lips, i would never believe it. From the worst experience, to the best feeling......50 years of joy this man brought 3 generations.....so far!

[@Mama-Ames]

Today is Sat., May 7, 2022. The universe is STILL enjoying this lovely song. It was & IS a blessing. DITM brought such sweetness to my childhood & will forever have meaning in my heart. And I thank you sir, most sincerely.🙏♥️🇺🇲✌

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Mama. How are you doing? Hope you are fine.

[@medfoto1]

WOW! I was 11 when this song debuted on the radio and I'm here now because I was just listening to it on my phone at age 58 and decided to look for information about the band.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

As a 6 or 7 yr old kid i had an AM transistor radio and listened to WLS Chicago, I was glued to that station, they played the best hits of the day. I definitely remember this song, I used to record good songs on my cheap cassette player and this was one of my favorite songs!

[@bruceashworth9301]

Grew up the same. WLS Chicago and the music countdown. Remember dancing in my room. Thanks for bringing back that nice memory. Great song, will be a favorite for life, makes me so happy! Laura A.

[@drkatel]

Ahh, remembering John Records Landecker, Larry Lujack, et al on ‘The Big 89.’ 💜

[@scorpiorising3741]

Thanks for writing such a great song.

[@brcc8208]

They say everything happens for a reason but for both of them to go through such a tragic and horrid ordeal is beyond unimaginable. I never knew there was such an unfortunate story behind this great classic song. God Bless!

[@SavageEntertainmentYEAH]

One of the best songs of all time

[@FINEDIAMOND]

He is so handsome! Great piano player.

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

Always loved this song... I was a very young man when this was a hit and it always made me feel good... and I dont even like to dance... Thank you for writing this and making a good thing from bad.

[@URKillingme100]

This song shaped my teen years in so many ways. So much more upbeat and hopeful than the reality of the situation. Thank you for being a guiding light from sorrow and pain to joy and hope. It takes a very special person to be able to do that.

[@cynthiadavis10]

There is something both perfect and justified in this story. That from a kind of innocence turning into something so disgusting and grotesque, with a roar something wonderful is born and lasts. The song, Dancing in the Moonlight has always been my favourite, will always be. Now, moreso than ever. Be well & ty for sharing such a wonderful song with the world, Mr. Kelly.

[@ElsinoreRacer]

I just revised my "If I got 3 wishes," list and one of those now involves those guys, a Louisville Slugger, a wood chipper, and nice glass of lemonade after.

[@majormal1]

Out of all of that horror comes this masterpiece of a beauty. Thank you for your gift..

[@kjellhl1975]

This song becomes even better as I now know the background of this song.

[@IanMicheal]

I'm the wife of the man pictured.... This song is a life source for me. Helps get me through my drive to work each day. Been through some crazy traumas. And to learn now that you wrote this from that kind of grief... inspiring! I haven't soured from my experiences... I aspire to put kindness out there, despite the jerks (mild word).. God bless you Man!

[@iiphase]

I can't help to think that the best music written comes from pain misery and agony.

[@christina1486]

My son was born to this song! Happiest moment of my life.

[@paulafears-fischer5962]

That's always been one of my favorite songs! Now knowing the back story it is an amazing testament to the resilience of the human spirit❤

[@ritabaity859]

One of my favorites. Never gets old. Puts me in a great mood.

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Rita. How are you doing? Hope you are fine

[@LynnnnnnnnnN]

This song was truly a gift and I will treasure it forever ❤

[@jaywells1655]

This is such a really great song - I was 11 when it released in 73 , mom was big on musical influence , she loved Motown , but wanted to make certain us kids were exposed to ALL types of music . When this song came on she would turn it up because I liked it so much . Miss you Mom - in my head when this song plays I envision a cartoon scape of creatures in the woods gathered around a campfire under the moonlight , all dancing and smiling - having a great time as if it's just part of being alive and having a blast , nothing bad to ruin it..just a bunch of pals gathered together celebrating . The blue bear smiling huge and dancing away with everyone

[@Truthmoses]

well, this clip took a dark turn real fast......

[@paulweiss2720]

That's probably because you didn't see Sherm come back to Ithaca with a new face - one that the surgeons had put together for him. I have known this story for 50 years; it may be new to you.

[@72vince27]

@@paulweiss2720 You're a friend of his I take it?

[@paulweiss2720]

@@72vince27 A friendly acquaintance. We played a little music together 50 years ago.

[@jeffreyadams207]

I had no idea

[@jeffreyadams207]

I live close to Ithaca

[@kevdonew1412]

As I watch you in the boat looking out your experience of such a cowardly act has given this beautiful song for eternity, but I now know what sad things had to transpire for it to happen thank God you and your Girl made it though and thank you for the wonderful song!!

[@minkvelour]

I was 8 when this song came out and I absolutely loved it and still do to this day. One of my all time favorite songs.

[@janehyden1652]

I JUST HEARD THIS SONG THIS MONTH N IM 76! ITS A WONDERFUL SONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marymorris8442]

he is a brilliant overall musician. I know one. I lived with one for over twenty years. Sherman wrote a song that puts chills on the arms and tears in the eyes of many. This is by far one of the best songs written and the vocals are killer. Sherman you can still hit that note, maybe just not during that one interview. You are so humble. God bless you! Thank you for making me cry and appreciate life again.

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Mary. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Mark Clifford and am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@buickmonte]

So glad he and his girl lived to dance many more moonlights!!!

[@Golfing422]

I’m 48 and what brings me to this is childhood memories of hearing this song as my dad drove. I haven’t seen him in 30 years but this song reminds me of him. I love that old music.

[@UBERKalti]

When you're done watching, re-watch the first 30-ish seconds again. Bliss.

[@Ploobstill]

Wow, what a great dude. I love this song. Amazing.

[@mikevaldez7684]

Such a beautiful story. I remember this song when it came out! I loved it then, still do! 🙋🙏

[@dianaflamenco1082]

Favorite in 1977 when I was a senior in HS and still a favorite as a senior in 2022. Just discovered the story behind the song….wow, an amazing testimony to how something life giving can be birth out of tragedy and horror. About 3 months ago I have been comparing this song to what the rapture will be like…seems similar…love, peace and joy….oh yeahhhhh

[@markclifford1857]

Hello 👋 Diana. How are you doing? Hope you are fine

[@adelacortes958]

That song is a classic! What a give to human kind! ❤️

[@vicmorrison8128]

Heartbreaking beginning. I've always liked that song. A real great sound. So glad for your success.

[@chriscaldwellvoiceovers]

Timeless song. What a gift.

[@janicehawthorne1688]

Wow! I couldn’t imagine what he went thru him and his girlfriend what a beautiful song always loved the song ! Love that song

[@51Dss]

would like to be more like him - positive energy coming from the inside.

[@thorangla2853]

Its always been my favorite song. Theres not even a close second. Amazing song by an amazing artist. It looks like he's still with us too, He just turned 79 on October 27. Happy Birthday Sir! Write us another one!

[@jamescoughlan8193]

What incredible strong people, yes we do enjoy your response. Great song

[@davel3895]

If you rank this song from 1-100 on the happy feelings you get from it... this is a 100. If you rank this song from 1-100 for the circumsances behind the song... there is not a negative number small enough behind zero. Can any other song in history do that? This is definitely a 100 on the happy feelings. I now think of Dancing in the Moonlight, like a rainbow that popped up from Hell. Wow. Amazing story Sherman. God bless you... and Adrian. ❤️

[@Mike-ul7of]

wow what a story this man has truly lived a life. for all the ups and downs he’s experienced, he’s lived a life that 99.99% of people can only dream of.

[@jeffyoung2890]

This guy is amazing! Wow, what a story & song...

[@philomalley1510]

This song makes any day you hear it a better day. Who doesn't love this song? It's impossible not to love it 🎶❤️🎶

[@suechan6414]

This song has been running through my head and making me feel like crying for the past 3 days. I didn't know why. This is the 4th of July 2023 when I found this video. I attributed my mood to maybe the Schumann Resonance craziness, the Summer Solstice, the Supermoon... but Sherman Kelly's story is one of Ascension. Those who follow the Woo will know what I mean. His song is perfect for our time.

[@1alphared]

Well done. This has been a favorite song of mine all of my life. Thank you

[@odin5255]

I've been watching this video more times than i can remember. This quarentine is getting too much for me, but this helps a lot. Such a beautiful song.

[@theronedawson3236]

Wow I remember this song when I was a teenager around 13 or 14. it was my go-to feel good song it just put me in a happy mood. I am sad to hear that horrible situation happened to him and his girlfriend. He and his girlfriend survived it. One could say that are like the Phoenix that rises from the ashes. God bless him.

[@seanharracksingh279]

OMG, i grew up on the island he talked about...St. Croix. How sad.

[@graciehernandez3073]

This song is Forever in my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@melroze]

Great song. After listening to his story, I appreciate it more. BTW... everybody here is out of sight.

[@contraryMV]

The things Casey Kasem never told us... What a cool guy. Terrible story with a good outcome for him. I hope his companion fared as well.

[@fivestring65ify]

Classic soft rock song.

[@adamsasso1]

Always loved this song 😄

[@raspberrymojitogirldec]

Never realised this cover gets played in cafe at work top loader version glad he survived and his girlfriend too hugs and love to them

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Two ways to react to misfortune: he chose to reclaim his soul. Will always love that song and more so now.

[@DJDouglasWarden]

he's still being rewarded today by the universe

[@Thepriestessdeath]

I’ve always wanted this to be my wedding song, I don’t think I want a wedding now lol but it’s still one of my favorite songs of all time and makes me so happy!!! It’s so beautiful and uplifting no matter how down I feel this instantly cheers me up! Now hearing this story makes me love it even more! What an amazing soul! 😭💖🤟

[@AlessandroPacifico]

What a great artist with a touching story.

[@weeboonchan6678]

One of my favourite all time songs. The backstory is a shocker and knowing it causes the song to have a different feel.

[@mallow173]

It is beyond a peaceful tune...it's absolute pleasure to listen to even all these years later! it's impossible to be in a bad mood listening to it...Beautiful Music. Sad story behind it but if its any consolation, there's a million folks that love the tune! Awesome tune!!! I'm so glad you turned to celebrate the positive...and YES the universe LOVES IT!

[@BB-nd7be]

amen, we need to be dancing in the moonlight again. so much truth in his song. I never knew the story behind it, wow. amazing. what a man. God bless you and Ms Adrian.

[@MoosesValley]

I had no idea at all about the back story of this song. Sure appreciate the song all the more now. You sure had a terrible ordeal .... sure glad to see you still smiling and doing great. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@donnahaynes2325]

I have always LOVED this song! It always puts me in a great mood and I hope to hear it at my wedding May 25 2004. 🙂❤️✌️🥰

[@winddealer1]

Mr. Kelly and this song are an inspiration to so many. Talk about how to make lemonade out of lemons. Sadly, his story resonates with me. When I hear this song I think of the strength and willpower that was needed to get though all that suffering. Back in 1969/1970 when our family resided Fredriksted, St. Croix. One evening or widowed father come home one morning with his shirt soaked in blood. We were shocked to find out that his date Gracia was raped and thrown out of the car while he was beating to a pulp. They had both finished attending a Victor Borga Concert in Christiansted and were thought to be tourist "targets". They both survived. My wife and I have been back to St. John USVI but sadly stay away from St. Croix.

[@spindillio]

I love meeting the humans behind these amazing songs!

[@conradbetancourt7766]

Sad story, But all My life I have Loved this song Johnson City Texas

[@tymetodothis8378]

I have no idea why exactly, but this had always been one of my favorite songs. Such a hideous origin turned into something beautiful? Bizarre, man. I lack that positivity, but I salute this guy without reservation.

[@GinaGreenlee]

Wow, that's one helluva story. I love origin stories for the arts. They tend to be similar - meaning NOT at all what you'd think. I recall listening to a Hall & Oates interview during which they spoke at length about the origins of several hits. "Rich Girl" was inspired by the life and attitude of a male friend who was a trust fund baby. They changed the song because they believed (and ostensibly were on point) that Rich Boy would not be as catchy. "Maneater" is not about a literal woman but about the city of New York. Oates said they always wrote songs that way - creating a metaphor from a literal idea. And that approach was always intentional. I love Sherman Kelly's message of that song surfacing for him as a conduit to imagining a better world. Deeply inspiring.

[@lindawallace2009]

Every once in a while you hear a song that is hard to describe how it makes you feel... amazing. This is #1.

[@davidterry9997]

My all time roller skating favorite. After 30 years, never get tired of hearing it.

[@RoxxHoffner]

This song always makes me feel great, always has since I first heard it as a kid.