Song Was a DISASTER...Till Drummer Used a TOILET BRUSH--Then It Became a CLASSIC!--Professor Of Rock

Today’s song Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest is one of the most beloved of the 70s. It is a happy-go-lucky singalong that no one can deny, yet it came from one from an absolutely chilling experience. The song’s writer Sherman Kelly and his girlfriend almost lost their lives in a terrifying ordeal right out of a horror movie. But the writer turned the evil event into one of the most positive songs of its time! When the band was recording it the song just wasn’t gelling. But in a strange twist, a toilet brush made the song perfect. Stay tuned for one of the craziest song stories I’ve ever heard on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember standing in line to get a seat to the original Star Wars in 77, E.T. in 82 or Batman in 89, or even Jurassic Park in 93 before you could rely on technology you’ll dig this channel. make sure to, subscribe below right now. the stories from the legends. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
Guess what? It’s time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightening where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day. Here honor artists and bands and that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown weren’t able to sustain that success. Called by some ‘one-hit wonders’, we celebrate them instead as lightning in a bottle. Here’s a little taste of the classic we are going to cover today: “Dancing in the Moonlight”….one of the most enlivening songs of the Rock Era.
The tune induces a rush of “feel good endorphins” that will instantly turn the most exasperating, stressful day, into a festival of living. As the lyric goes…”You can’t dance and stay uptight.” It’s super- natural- delight.” One would think that a song as joyous as “Dancing in the Moonlight” would have been conceived from a red-letter day of happiness, But the real-life events that inspired songwriter Sherman Kelly to compose this wonderful piece of bottled lighting were filled with unspeakable terror. Back in ’69, musician Sherman Kelly was running a nightclub with some business partners in the Virgin Islands.
On one evening, Sherman & his then-girlfriend, Adrienne, joined a group of friends and jumped aboard a 65-foot scooter for a little evening cruise across a beautiful stretch of ocean from the Virgin Islands to St. Croy The water was extremely choppy that evening, and the motion of the water made the couple seasick. Especially Sherman, who was prone to seasickness, which made him a little reluctant to go on the trip in the first place. When they reached the harbor of their destination in St. Croix, the passengers took a dingy to shore to find a place to grab some dinner.
Sherman was nauseated & out of sorts from the voyage to St. Croix, and he thought some food & water would make him feel better. When they finished the meal, Sherman & Adrienne walked with their friends back to the dinghy for the return trip to the Virgin Islands, but they were worried about getting sick again and elected to stay in St. Croix. Sherman & Adrienne decided to find a hotel in St. Croix to spend the night, and go back to the Virgin Islands the next morning.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST SINGALONG SONG EVER? One that when it comes on you have to sing?

[@TerrickTerran]

The Saga Begins. HM We Are The Champions.

[@christineml1476]

"Happy Together" the Turtles

[@peterd.9978]

Copa Cabana!

[@RBS_]

....sooooong, SUNNNNG, Bluuuuueee, everybody KNOWS Oneee........ ; ) .....

[@surlechapeau]

1. Mony Mony - Tommy/Billy. 1a. Shout - Otis Day & The Knights runnerups: I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll- Joan Jett and. Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll- Bob Seger .

[@ReleaseTheQuackers]

This song, Redbone's "Come and Get Your Love" and Looking Glass' "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" on repeat for days!!!

[@florac7321]

Yes! 100% correct 😂

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

HA! When I saw "Toilet Brush", I immediately thought of "Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime". But the actual answer surprised me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Thanks for watching!

[@lauriesolonka2477]

I thought the same thing 😅

[@happilynutz2212]

😂 me, too

[@fricozoid1]

same!

[@normmartin6070]

Same!

[@cherylreichardt]

Dancing in the Moonlight definitely always put me in a cool happy mood! Your tee is awesome Professor 🏖

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@AdamMcLennan-tl7kg]

Warning to self. Don't read comments before getting to the crux of the segment. Spoiler alert to self!😮

[@tobolulo]

The song that impressed me as a child was I'm Not in Love from 10cc. Later I would happen on to Tangerine Dream, 80s Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, and some Kate Bush.

[@mrollins4684]

Great taste. Philip Glass wouldn't be out of place among those artists.

[@H1Guard]

[describes the wonder of.music in the '70s] ...aaand now we're stuck with Taylor Swift, Cardi B, and Puff Diddler

[@jk-76]

The 70's had horrible "disco" flavored pop music. I would rather listen to Cardi than most of that disco trash.

[@FreddieArmstrong-ps7it]

​@@jk-76 How old are you? The 70's had a huge array of music. The Sex Pistols certainly were not disco. I could keep going. The Rolling Stones and The Who. Even Elvis with Moody Blue. Guess you just hate the 70's. Stay positive and you have a right to like or not like anything so please do not take this as an attack. Jim Croce too........

[@jk-76]

@@FreddieArmstrong-ps7it Pop music, killer. I love a good amount of music from the 70's, but disco was on every TV show, radio, movie and wedding well into the 80's. I love funk, metal, rap, Punk etc, but disco sucks.

[@garytodd5605]

Disco sucked in the mid to late 70's disco was to the rest of the music of the day as Rap is compared to all the great black musicians and groupes of the 70's.

[@user-kcrpine]

Disco was musically superior in every way to Cardi “drugs men” B.

[@Bogie6588]

On a side note, a contoured, stiff-bristled toilet brush makes the best back-scratcher ever. :) I keep one (made by "Simply Done") next to my bed. And, no, it's never been used to clean a toilet. LOL!

[@aprilvannewkirk8761]

So you must know my father-in-law. He uses one for that same reason.😂😂😂He thought it was his original idea.

[@robinsmith945]

I bought one just to scrub my back in the shower 😆😆

[@johnfinnerty252]

You’d better never piss off your wife

[@oregoncoastbeachcomber2060]

Hahaha I thought I was the only mutant to use a (new clean) toilet brush as a back scratcher. 😂

[@little1942]

I never thought of using a toilet brush but I do keep a shower back brush next to my bed. It actually fits perfectly on my nightstand drawer knobs. 😂

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Who else is tempted to listen to these all time classic songs before you finish the episode, I usually do after the episode, I would bet this is the only hit song to have a toilet brush in it. Fantastic story and episode professor, very in-depth

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks my Name! I love to hear that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Or sing along to them, or dance to the music in your head.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 dance to the music in your head! I love it Lilly!

[@JeddorianJalapeno]

The actual story behind the song was a man being knocked unconscious and his girlfriend being repeatedly raped while other people partied at their destination

[@ciararyan9370]

I listened to Journey for an entire day a few days ago after listening to one of these episodes. 😁

[@mylesh1361]

I thought at first you were talking about Mungo Jerry's, IN The Summertime. ( please forgive my bad grammar)

[@marywest8249]

Wow that was a great story! Unbelievable pain and sorrow could bring out such a happy and uplifting song!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't that crazy?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Bringing people together through shared experiences. That’s what this is.

[@martineldritch]

Great song, good morning everyone, get well soon Florida !

[@michie666]

Entire south East.🙏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Martin!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@michie666 No kidding.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yeah we got some of the remnants but surprisingly since the hurricane literally brushed our location the weather we got was not even that bad honestly!

[@arthuradkins8626]

Thanks...will try !

[@josephblue4135]

Born in 1954 somehow i remember "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" 1958

[@84Huskr]

Favor... Could you PLEASE put the names of the albums that you shown in the back of each episode in your comments? It's driving me crazy trying to figure out some of them!!!!

[@kafkal2281]

Random, but did you go to Nebraska, or are a fan of the Huskers?

[@joermnyc]

I can see Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly, Led Zeppelin IV, and Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder. The next three are too cut except the bottom one, that's Donovan's Greatest Hits (zoomed in to see the track listing).

[@c.e.anderson558]

Jagger using sugar packetts on Sympathy For The Devil in lieu of maracas.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love that too!

[@LaManteca76]

Really? That's awesome! 😄

[@artdonovandesign]

Is that true? Great sound!

[@GenesisFan01]

So did Steven Tyler on Sweet Emotion.

[@dukecraig2402]

That was Steven Tyler in Sweet Emotion.

[@BillGraper]

Born in Nov. '71, the first song I remember hearing as a toddler, possibly an infant, was "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers. Little did I know, that was just the beginning of a long musical journey. 😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a great first song to hear!

[@BillGraper]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Agreed! Imagine how different I could be if my first song was My Ding-a-ling. 🤣

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@BillGraper Oh no you would not have grown up the same way!

[@jeffbybee5207]

My earliest memory of a song was Johnny Crawford playing greensheeves for his girl friend for the final show of the rifleman

[@blackphillip8486]

Idk why but when I'd hear this song as a kid it always made me think of a bunch of people partying who were secretly werewolves and going to eat all the other people when the moon came out. Lol, the imagination of a kid. Still think of that everytime I hear it, haha.

[@Dilberts_Dogbert]

Just as long as their hair was perfect 😳😳😳

[@jameschancey251]

MORE TOILET BRUSH, BABY !!!! You're almost there but we need MORE TOILET BRUSH !!!!!

[@Whisper_292]

Just doesn't have quite the same ring to it...

[@jameschancey251]

@@Whisper_292 🤣😂I think you might be right.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

I got a fever! And the only prescription! Is more toilet brush!

[@jameschancey251]

@@shiroibasketshoes 🤣😂🤣

[@marylanddairyproducts2411]

@@jameschancey251 crazy , 🙏, but funny.

[@cyotedude]

You had me at "toilet brush!"

[@Dance2Rock]

Thanks for a recap of the musical 70s - probably the best decade of Music in our lifetimes.

[@treetolber3482]

@ProfessorofRock I too was a child of the 70s. I think it was Christmas 1976 I got a cheesy record player and a few albums. Among those albums were Leo Sayer, Eagles Greatest Hits, The Osmond Brothers and the one that stuck with me the most was a 45 single of Hotrod Lincoln by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. To this day I still know every word. In fact that 45 I had back then had a scratch and the song would skip every time the lyrics got to "telephone poles look like a picket fence". I still hear that skip in my mind every time I hear that song. Thanks for the good work Adam!

[@alexandriajohnson6656]

Absolutely adore this song, found out about its horrific & Heroic background prior to this video & loved it more. ❤ TYVM for this video !

[@pecanpie100]

"I've got a fever. And the only prescription.....is more toilet brush."

[@cowboyupdrummer]

I will say I do remember this song well, but I will have to admit, when I still hear it today I can NEVER REMEMBER who the artist was. Weird I know. lol Maybe cuz they were one hit wonders. Great song though, but wow what an eerie story!! I’ve never heard it before…..I wish they could have caught the SOB’s that did that terrible thing to them that night on the beach. Like the shirt BTW Brian is a Genius…….along with my favorite and the greatest musical genius of all time……Paul McCartney.

[@garyclark3843]

Born in 72. The first song I have clear memory of is "Country Roads" by John Denver. Still makes me smile.

[@karamia1392]

Sweet song with a germy beat :) I thought of another strike of bottled lightning the other day … Toeing the Line by Rocky Burnett :)

[@Whisper_292]

I love that song! I can still see him singing on American Bandstand and swaying back and forth.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

"Tired Of Toein' The Line" by Rocky Burnette.

[@ShelleybutyoucancallmeShell]

I love that song also! I have watched the video for it a few times earlier this year! It is such a great tune!😊

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Rocky Burnette is part of a legendary rockabilly family going way back to the early days of rock 'n roll.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@NewFalconerRecords I'm sure he'd have gotten plenty of hassle calling his debut album "The Son Of Rock And Roll" if he wasn't!

[@tb6791]

Adam you know what I've been missing? A great game of Carroms. The 1st movie as a kid waiting around the theater was American Graffiti 😮

[@ProfessorofRock]

Tell me more!

[@WhippJunior]

Star Wars?!? ET?!? I remember standing in line for A Hard Day's Night and Help!

[@RichWards-Wins]

Didja ever get that help that you needed? ...Especially after a hard day's night.

[@mechanic6682]

The Song Remains the Same

[@WhippJunior]

@@mechanic6682 Woodstock.

[@2StrokeDriptroit]

Such a beautiful song. When you were reminiscing, I realized tears were streaming down my face. I wanna go back! The 1970’s were the greatest decade bin world history, hands down! The thing that really makes this song so incredible is the WURLITZER ELECTRIC PIANO, and the riff on it! Along with “Joy to the world” by 3 dog night, it is one of the best opening riffs on one of these incredible little electric pianos ever! Most likely either a 140-B (I have one-made in 1966, the year I was born that I was given in 2018 and I rebuilt using parts and supplies from Vintage Vibe, or a model 200. The 140-B has the model 200 internals in the old style flat top cabinet. It is actually the best sounding “Wirli” piano ever made! The 200 came out in 1967. The 200-A in 1973. Oh, how I pray and wish I could learn this beautiful riff on my 140-B! Also the 3 dog night intro! That and the riff in STYX “Blue collar man” on my beautiful beyond words 1962 Hammond C-3 organ that us IDENTICAL to Jon Lord’s C-3 used in Deep Purple! It has a Leslie 122 2 speed speaker cabinet I converted myself using genuine parts from a 22-R that had the factory reverb removed at Hammond when brand new, single speed. What a beautiful instrument! The SOUND! 🤤🤤🤤😋👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 best electric organ in history! Same in every way except the cabinet style, as the B-3. So the best of the best! I am a drummer who is a paraplegic but has a special pedal on my bass drum, who needs help learning these keyboard instruments from someone. HELP, please! I am in upstate NY. But yes, that Wurlitzer piano makes this whole tune VERY special! Cheers! 😋👍🏻

[@ericbgordon1575]

The step-by-step story of how Sherman Kelly ended up coming around to penning "Dancing in the Moonlight" instantly brings to mind two different instances when songs in the Chicago catalog sprang out of adverse events. The first is when Peter Cetera was injured at a Dodgers-Cubs game in Anaheim on a break from their first tour in '69, needed reconstructive surgery on his jaw and ended up debuting as a writer at the end of their second record with "Where Do We Go from Here" (also the b-side of the "25 Or 6 To 4" single edit). The second one came in 1973 during the *Chicago VI* sessions when trombonist/arranger James Pankow had argued with his future wife, stormed into his music space (what we now call a mancave) and whipped out the ballad "Just You n' Me". P. S. As I comment (and on an unrelated note), I'm in one of my Twin Peaks phases. In a future upload, it would be - if you'll pardon the expression - killer if you referred to the mystery of "who killed Laura Palmer" on the nostalgia front.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hey Eric!

[@skincarver462]

the last few minutes when you spoke about your feelings of the 70's i was right there next to you remembering all of it as well.Thank you for that trip down memory lane it was a great trip reminiscing about those simple times.

[@90LPPlayer]

As was I. I was 4 or 5 when this song was on the radio. Music has a funny way of taking one back in time no matter how young. Lots of songs do that for me.

[@markg3380]

Yes, that is one of the best descriptions I've heard about growing up in that era. Everything is spot on, down to the colors and the shag carpeting. That is a priceless few minutes of the video that I will keep on hand for when I need a lift.

[@rogertemple7193]

King Harvest always had a unique sound but i really enjoyed it and I still do especially their biggest hit Dancing in the Moonlight which was another AM radio song that I grew up listening to everyday here in rural Oklahoma in the 70's and 80's. a sad event for them but great to hear about it for the first time here Thanks Professor have a great weekend.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Roger!

[@bascan333]

Love your Tshirt! Yes! Brian Wilson is a genius!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@drums333]

Great t-shirt. Brian Wilson is definitely a genius!!

[@kennydixson7851]

I was going to say, which you covered, I hear tints of Looking Glass, but also Van Morrison.

[@mikehoffman3142]

I thought of Van Morrison because of the name, "Dancing in the Moonlight", but then I didn't hear him. I remember this song and the group King Harvest.

[@ogam5]

.....ESPECIALLY, "Domino".....

[@flavellinator]

I thought for sure this song was by Looking Glass! Now you got me wondering what other home utensils have been "instrumental" to song creations!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

I see what you mean. I first thought "Brandy" was by The Doobie Brothers!

[@slbarbieri1725]

I thought it was Van Morrison!

[@karenmcdade7718]

It does sound a lot like Brandy

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Good Morning! Dancing in the Moonlight is a title that doesn't sound like it has such an interesting backstory. This is why the Professor is the King of musical Harvests. 😂 Have a swell day everybody. And prayers to Florida. 🙏

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Florida’s doing pretty fine actually. The hurricane passed quicker than I thought.

[@michaelmalone306]

Always thought this song & Brandy were by the same band,lotta similarities in sound. Kinda like the birth of Yacht Rock 😂

[@ogam5]

.....EXACTLY, Michael ; ) Elliot Lurie & Doc Robinson's vocal tones, styles are VERY similar; "Dancing In The Moonlight" could even be a SEQUEL to "Brandy" (THOUGH technically, older.....)

[@workhardlivefree3818]

You know what this song needs more of??? More Toilet Brush

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

I remember Casey telling this story about King Harvest. A shorter version but unforgettable. ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

[@BillGraper]

I KNEW I had heard this story before. I thought maybe this was a repeat story from the Professor. Yes, it was Casey Kasem. I remember him telling the story about how he wrote happy songs, despite his situation at the time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Casey was the best!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@BillGraper The Professor told it before too, but this version has added info from Huey Lewis.

[@ediebegonia]

I've always loved Dancing in the Moonlight. Now I feel like it'll be tarnished by the association with their brutal attack. So very heartbreaking.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

@ediebegonia It's a positive message of overcoming a bad situation. I hope you will be able to see that keeping a positive outlook will get you through the toughest of times. In the darkest of hallways, the smallest of candles overcomes the darkness. ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

[@user-ru6mq5sc5n]

Same today as it was then. The Caribbean is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! You here about Americans being murdered, injured, poisoned quite often. The authorities ( if you can call them that ) are often involved. Go to the Florida keys it is the same and safe, or fly to Hawaii if you have a little extra money!!

[@user-kcrpine]

It’ll be that way here too soon enough.

[@Bill-Rocker]

Good song, still like hearing it. The music and lyrics are both worthy of a great radio classic. The drums and keys sounded great on a hifi too. Great story too, makes me wish I had time to see and hear all the Professor's takes. Honorable mention, Still the ONE, been my and the old Lady's song since 1976, a year or so after meeting,still IS.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bill! I've interviewed Orleans about Still the One!

[@Bill-Rocker]

@@ProfessorofRock I should have known. I gotta see that.

[@Out_of_My_Head]

I've seen the original Star Wars trilogy in the theater back when they came out in 77, 80, and 83. What a wonderful song. I've heard a cover of this song that was a lovely tribute to the original.

[@machwal4464]

"You can't dance and stay upright." Facts. It applies to singing as well, and so ... 🎶DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT, EVERYBODY'S FEELING WARM AND RIGHT🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song brings people together!

[@susanfox-mx3nv]

Thanks for sharing the pictures of you with your dad and sister. They are incredibly sweet.

[@janetmcgee4420]

This song has always been a favorite of mine. You have to turn it up and sing along. But wow, what a story!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@JDoe001]

Mine was: “Here Comes the Sun” playing on my grandmother‘s radio. What was the other one? “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” I could’ve sworn at the same time I heard: “I Can See Clearly Now (The Rain is Gone)” Even though the last one was released approximately three years later than the first two. (It’s Possible, The local radio channel could’ve easily played all three of them.) Just noting how positive they all are. Additionally, their themes are nearly the same: the positive sunshine. Good Times to be had. It’s done “raining” (Bad Times) for a while.

[@areneesouder]

Yes, happy song and I still enjoy it whenever I hear it. 💜💃😎👍😄

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's the ultimate bad mood killer.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

An uplifter!

[@LordNougat]

Professor is even bald in his baby picture! Hair is overrated!!

[@darknagaadventures7884]

I am one of the many that mistook this for a Van Morrison song.

[@darksarcasm4835]

I did too!

[@kevlarV2rocketRSV]

My instant first memory of music was the early '70s, sitting in my mom's VW Bug going to school and hearing 'It's Too Late' by Carole King. That's the absolute first recollection I have of a specific song. When I was with my dad, (they were divorced) I remember him singing 'Sundown' by Gordon Lightfoot when it came on the radio. He would crank the volume way up and sing and do an old dad's dance in the kitchen. I can see it right now. AHH THE MEMORIES THAT ARE FLOODING THROUGH MY HEAD RIGHT NOW!❤❤

[@GromMolotok]

Is this episode a re-up or an expansion? I could swear I've heard this story before from the Professor. A great story and song nonetheless.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Expansion, got more info after I talked to Huey Lewis who played with the band and knew them.

[@otaku1524]

Think the same way there must've been a Mandela Effect on this story. Maybe there a POR in another reality that did the story about 'Dancing . . . ' with/ w/out Toilet Brush! Who knows?

[@scottstreet5796]

Music is indeed memory. One of my best friends was an AOR jock for many years, and eventually wound up as afternoon drivetime announcer for a local classical station. We were at a party years ago when someone across the room wondered who the band was who'd done Dancing in the Moonlioght, and Frank called out "King Harvest" without missing a beat. About five years ago, I ordered two multipack albums by The Byrds, then learned the next day that he’d died. Two days after that, I pulled up my driveway to go to work - only to be blocked by two Amazon delivery vans that drove up from opposite directions at exactly the same moment. It was like Frank winking and reminding me what he’d played - and enjoyed - for so many years.

[@lindagrimmett6564]

My favorite singalong is Here I Go Again by Whitesnake! The radio gets louder as the song continues.

[@amyspickard6270]

It's funny that a lot of people mistakenly thought this was Van Morrison because his song Moondance evokes the same feeling of happiness

[@duromusabc]

That song and Moondance by Van Morrison are my iconic serenade songs for my wife 😊 in the full moonlight on a nice night outside

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@duromusabc]

@@ProfessorofRock I would also include Cool Night by Paul Davis (RIP)

[@Mmdrums1]

The song became special to my wife and me when she had cancer. She died in 2018, and whenever I hear the song now I stop whatever I’m doing and just be.

[@Cotronixco]

Does anybody know why this version was not recorded in stereo? I have software. Is anyone interested in a stereo version?

[@isabeld.paredes4923]

I am. As long as it's mixed in the same way stereo records were mixed back then (for historical accuracy of sorts, just to see what it would have sounded had there been an actual stereo version of it) I know I may be asking for too much, but a little research may help. If it isn't possible, any stereo mixing will do. Thank you. You can do it!

[@Cotronixco]

@@isabeld.paredes4923 Super! Anyone else?

[@VelveteenRabbitinRedFern]

Oh, Adam, I love you describing my memories! In my walk-in closet with the transistor on AM, waiting for my next favorite song, as Everclear said it in their "AM Radio" song. That was me from four years old and on.

[@DeadGirlRising395]

Wow was I off. For the past 50 years I thought this was Van Morrison. I feel so stupid

[@kathyd1010]

So did I !!!

[@leslieperkins2722]

I am there with you. I thought it was Van Morrison.

[@RamseyHaddadWZ]

Are you thinking of the song Moondance?

[@kathyd1010]

@@RamseyHaddadWZ yup!!!! Well done !!! Thank you!

[@leslieperkins2722]

@@RamseyHaddadWZ most likely, yes.

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Man, you really nailed my memory of the vibe, growing up through the 70s and 80s, guided by music :)

[@maxshea1829]

Thanks for sharing your early childhood memories of music. I have similar memories from that age.

[@jamesleenelson]

I feel kind of stupid now, but I always thought this song was sung by Van Morrison- today is the first day I’ve ever heard of the band King Harvest. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@guntherdawg]

Back off the leash again, naturally!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Good to see ya, good boy! Beagles and huskies know that when the leash is short and tight, it's time to pull with all your might! Until yours hoomans gives ups and lets you off it naturally!

[@guntherdawg]

@@shiroibasketshoes Sensei Shiroi, welcomes backs froms yours recent trips to Yapans! Thanks for your 100% accurate fors mans-horsie as wells as dawgs lifes under leash observations!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hey Gunther.

[@guntherdawg]

@@ProfessorofRock another great episode Sensei Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@guntherdawg Thank you my friend!

[@andercert70]

Dancing in the Moonlight was one of the favorite songs of my late friend Cyrille. She loved any song that just had energy and joy, and this one has so much of both. Every other clip you played of someone else doing the song, the song was just sitting there. It sounded good, but it had no energy. King Harvest gave it that bounce that made it work. Cyrille always loved the line, "They don't bark, and they don't bite," because I think it amused her that this song was about good dogs who don't bark or bite, they just like dancing in the moonlight. :P -RTA PS Cyrille is the other person in the drawing that is my profile image. She's also the artist who drew it. I'm just the colorist.

[@petercena9497]

Good song but the band was never taken seriously. Speculation about their albums success does not apply here. Jay Black from Jay and the Americans was involved in the project, and that was part of the promotion. Similar to Tommy James and the band Alive & Kicking.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Why do you say that?

[@petercena9497]

​@ProfessorofRock More so than any era the 70s first half presented the huge dichotomy between FM and AM acts. No one expected bands like Gallery, Edison Lighthouse, The Stories etc.. to have successful albums. Also top 40 success by album bands was less likely. Steve Miller hitting no.1 with The Joker began to change things for rock acts. However top 40 acts remained stigmatized for most of the decade. Example - Orleans, two huge hits but no album action.

[@ogam5]

@@petercena9497: NOT sure I can agree with you about Stories, Peter - Michael Brown's involvement ALONE, gave him & Ian INSTANT cred with the FM crowd - submit second album opener "Darling", as justification.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3bccqx8i7SAotk

[@billykohler9153]

I’m 70 years young and Love your little back stories. Have you hit on drummer Jim Gordon’s orange juice bottle percussion contribution to God Only Knows, starts at 17 seconds in on original recording ? Jim was an absolute awesome drummer ,in spite of, or maybe because of the demons he battled. I’ll check your page and see if you’ve spoken of Jim. Kudos if you have.🥁😎

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hello!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock when I'm finished with mending you. You will call me Dr. Feelgood!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Dr. Feelgood were a great band! Happy Friday and weekend, constipated!

[@tomlacko606]

An all-time favorite!! Love this song. I also love this song from them, "Old Friends." Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH3di6mPbKaHpdE

[@mitchellbaker9434]

The other day you asked what the smoothest song of the rock era is. Dancing In The Moonlight is right there

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is pretty smooth.

[@saltrock9642]

I was born in 1966 with 2 sisters and 2 brothers who were all much older, closest one by 10 years. So, with a radio constantly playing in the house it’s no wonder I love all music from the 60’s to the early 90’s. Most evenings my patio area is filled with beautiful music. “Thin Lizzy” has been playing a lot lately.

[@kevinfroude8679]

The first version I heard of this song, being from the UK, was the Toploader one. I have always loved the song but I had no idea of its history. Fascinating video.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@CAquas]

I’m baffled that the Professor doesn’t mention Toploader. They turned this into a global multi-platinum hit in the 2000s. I would guess that 95% of people outside North America only know the Toploader version. No toilet brush but a more ethereal sound.

[@kevinfroude8679]

@@CAquas He does mention Toploader as another artist who has covered the song....it's at around 14:08 and there's some footage of the band as well.

[@CAquas]

@@kevinfroude8679 Thanks, I skipped to the end because I couldn’t believe he had got so far into the story of this without mentioning the version that made it a mega-hit around the world. Is there any channel that covers rock nostalgia from a European perspective?

[@kevinfroude8679]

@@CAquas Not that I have found so far. The only channels I have found tend to be hosted by American creators.

[@causilvestrini7000]

"Keeping mum", one of my very favorite movies of all time 😅 and she's brilliant in that one... Well, as always. RIP Maggie Smith! She shall be missed.

[@christineml1476]

I'll never look at a toilet brush the same way again.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha!

[@gratitude0888]

Such a compelling story So happy they survived and created one of the best, "feel-good", songs of The 70's. I'll NEVER look at the toilet brush the same ever again! Thanks Professor!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Hi

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Hello Richard!

[@TerrickTerran]

hey

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hello!

[@edryba4867]

It may be that King Harvest’s record company didn’t have the wherewithal to push “Dancing In The Moonlight”, but that version of the song is playing in several TV commercials at the time of this writing, in September 2024. How many other tunes that were out at the time are doing THAT?

[@thetitleisours1]

I remember those days of long lines at the movie theaters. It was an event, as much as just going to a movie, so you could say you were there

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen! Miss them!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@ProfessorofRock Remember you could wait to tell people you went to the first showing? :)

[@beenaplumber8379]

My family went to the first Star Wars in 77 a bunch of times. The first two times we had to wait in line down the block and around the corner for TWO showings (~5 hours?) to play before we could get in, but there was no question that it was worth the wait. The high of seeing that movie was indescribable.

[@marktait2371]

​@@beenaplumber8379yeh was telling other viewer our theatre had surround sound whicjh made it evem cooler

[@thetitleisours1]

@@beenaplumber8379 And with the crowd that really wants to see it

[@WordslingingStephen]

Oh wow... they were named in honour of The Band's song, "King Harvest (has surely come)". Makes sense. Always thought that was one of Robbie Robertson's songs, though.

[@SHARKVADERS]

POR !!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Sharky! How are ya?

[@SHARKVADERS]

​@@ProfessorofRock I'm hanging in there.

[@jaegerjae]

My niece cracked me up when she broke out singing this song on her Spotify list. Knew all the words, too. I bought the family all rock band shirts for christmas last year, and asked for Talking Heads. Don't give up hope on today's younger generation of music appreciation!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Hi Professor! Great song! So was the Keane Brothers’ cover version. I played the King Harvest hit on the radio several times. When your description adds the “e” to make “Lightening” (in the capitalized version), I always think of bottled hair dye. I know you don’t deal with stuff like that; neither do I. Have a great Friday and weekend!

[@guntherdawg]

I looks forwards to one days beings teh grey-haired dawgs of distinctions, but rights nows I'm a total dawgs with noes dealings with stuffs like thats eithers. Happeh appropriately fried for optimal health of hearts Fried-day!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

​@@guntherdawg Hello good boy; you are fine as your undyed self! Happy heart healthful Fried-day and advance specially sourced so saucy samosa scattered Saturday salutati-buns! Friends Of Distinction were a great pop soul group.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@ProfessorofRock You're welcome!

[@guntherdawg]

@@shiroibasketshoes knowings littles mores abouts pops souls groups than beginning of teh 90s Soul II Soul are somewhere in teh vicinity, maybeh, I bows doggy head and paws to Sensei Shiroi's inestimable musical knowingness!

[@Donniesquid4]

Thank you for this. I always loved this song and never knew the story behind it. I remember hearing it when I was really little (I think my parents had the 45) and forgot about it for a long time. Then I heard it again in the late 90's/early 2000's when watching the movie Outside Providence (excellent movie if you haven't seen it) and immediately went out and bought the soundtrack. I started playing it at the bar I was DJ'ing at and turned some younger friends on to a great song.

[@stephenbrown4211]

A toilet brush might be crazy but the Led Zeppelin pot and pans song is classic. Any this is a great tune that I first heard when Toploader covered it

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Stephen. what is the pots and pans song?

[@marktait2371]

i always thought it was bron y aur stomp but not sure i have the r.s. 50 years of zep reissue probably saw in there

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@marktait2371 it’s Boogie With Stu. It came from a jam session with Stones pianist Ian Stewart

[@marktait2371]

cool i havent heard that one in years never new the ian stewart connection

[@kimmatura3564]

My nephew and sister danced to Dancing in the Moonlight for the mother/son dance at his wedding 3 years ago. It was so fun!

[@DanieVargas]

OMG! I’ve been wondering WHEN Adam was gonna talk about King Harvest’s Dancing in the Moonlight… This song has been a DIE HARD FAVORITE SONG ever since 1984, when I first heard it on my local classic rock radio station! Talk about PURE JOY, every time I find myself in a HIDEOUS mood, this song makes me feel SO MUCH BETTER!! Adam, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! This is the story BEHIND my favorite song of all time?? Oh, holy sh*t… talk about INNER PEACE. How does a guy right such a HAPPY song for SUCH A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE?! Now I’M traumatized…

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding! What a story eh?

[@DanieVargas]

@@ProfessorofRock DUDE…. You really did traumatize me, but I REFUSE to let the story TAKE MY FAVORITE SONG FROM ME! But now that’s all I’m gonna think about when I hear the song… thanks.

[@LaManteca76]

Yeah that's horrible what happened! I choose to believe she has a happy life somewhere & that the jerks are in a special place in Hell.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@DanieVargas I think it makes ti richer!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@LaManteca76 For real!

[@DodgeDartSongs]

I was nine years old when this song was a hit on AM. Even back then, I could feel the goodness in this song, like a prayer for a perfect world. It’s amazing to me how well Sherman Kelly imbued his song with this feeling, and how the band further Imbued it with that feeling. Maybe I also imbued it with that feeling because I still feel that goodness and mercy every time I hear it.

[@dawnyoung8]

This song , afternoon delight and. Summer breeze always make me think about the drive in . Playing on the playground Olivia newton john. Let me be there , reminds me of spinning in a swing in my backyard .

[@pattyedwards8218]

My absolute favorite song from my childhood. My friends and I turned the lights down low and danced without any self consciousness or any cares in the world. It was a beautiful time of life, and equally it was a beautiful song. ❤️

[@duffyrobert19]

It just occurred to me why the keyboard opening was the hook for me. It reminded me of a music box, which in turn transported me to the 5 year old fascinated by the simplicity and beauty of the sound.

[@geoffwhitford9468]

This song always lifted the spirits of this 8th-grade loner-nerd back in '72 whenever it came on the radio.

[@slbarbieri1725]

It took me decades to realize this wasn't sung by Van Morrison!

[@jgregveneklasen2657]

The event was horrifying, just amazing they came through it and for Sherman to go on to create this classic song, we're all the better for it, dang. 🎶

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Wonderful! I heard this at the shop two days ago and it’s been in my head ever since. A catchy, sweet song with a hell of a backstory.

[@markr.1984]

I bet long after this song was a hit with no follow ups, the brush was likely used for it's original, intended purpose. I mean why not? Might as well.

[@friendly76]

15:35 that keyboard intro was played by Ron Altbach who passed away in early 2023. He was still doing interviews in late 2022, there are a couple of them on KZbin He mentioned in one of those interviews that the early version of King Harvest you mentioned (E Rodney Jones and the Prairie Dogs) also recorded a version of Dancing In The Moonlight. Unfortunately I can't find it on KZbin.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Its a miracle Sherman survived that - is Dancing in the Moonlight considered an early yacht rock song?

[@DavidBMaas]

The only mistake in the King Harvest version is, it's too short! Just when the outro hits a strong groove, it fades out. If only we had another 30 seconds. Or 10 minutes.

[@dianewilliams1125]

I sing this song while I lay in bed on a moonlit night while the wild critters meander around my backyard! Love ,love this magical song!❤❤❤

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

Very first song that I remember at 1 years old (believe it or not) is "you fiil up my senses) by John Denver. Then I remember "the air that i breathe"

[@ogam5]

"Annie's Song", 1974 - about his wife at the time, BY that name.....

[@alwaystheson4384]

Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck