Countless couples have swayed to its rhythm at weddings, proms, and anniversaries, but the story of the song “Save the Last Dance for Me” holds a poignant irony that deepens its emotional resonance. This timeless classic, a staple of celebrations worldwide, was penned by a man who, due to the lasting effects of polio, could only watch his own bride dance with others on their wedding day. This is the captivating tale of Doc Pomus and the heartfelt inspiration behind one of music’s most enduring love songs.
Born Jerome Felder in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925, Doc Pomus was a figure who defied limitations. Contracting polio at the young age of six, he initially walked with crutches before eventually relying on a wheelchair in adulthood. However, Pomus possessed an indomitable spirit and a zest for life that refused to be defined by his physical challenges. As a young man, he gravitated towards the vibrant blues scene, adopting the moniker “Doc Pomus” – a name that echoed the soulful grit of his musical passion and perhaps hinted at a comforting, almost healing presence he brought to his music. He pursued a career as a blues singer, immersing himself in a world of late-night clubs and raw emotion, all while navigating the social perceptions and physical realities of his disability.
The romantic allure of “Save the Last Dance for Me” belies the underlying currents of longing and bittersweet acceptance rooted in Pomus’s personal experience. The song’s genesis can be traced back to his wedding day in 1957 when he married actress Willi Burke. Confined to his wheelchair at the reception, Pomus watched as Willi, radiant and beautiful, danced with other men throughout the evening, including his own brother, Raoul. This poignant scene, a mixture of joy and wistful observation, became the emotional bedrock for the lyrics of “Save the Last Dance for Me”. The song speaks from the perspective of a man imploring his sweetheart to enjoy the dance floor, to revel in the music and company of others, with the simple yet profound request to reserve the final dance for him – a dance that, in reality, Doc Pomus could never physically share in the traditional sense.
Pomus’s evocative lyrics found their perfect complement in the melodic genius of Mort Shuman, his songwriting partner. Shuman, also renowned for his translations of Jacques Brel’s chansons, was the musical architect behind many of their hits. Together, Pomus and Shuman were a formidable songwriting duo, prolific hitmakers emerging from the famed Brill Building in New York, the epicenter of pop music creation during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their collaborative magic spawned a string of chart-topping hits that defined an era.
Beyond “Save the Last Dance for Me”, the Pomus-Shuman partnership gifted the world a rich catalog of songs, including teenage anthems like “A Teenager in Love” (popularized by Dion and the Belmonts) and catchy pop tunes such as “Sweets for My Sweet” (a hit for The Drifters and later The Searchers) and “Can’t Get Used to Losing You” (a classic for Andy Williams). They even penned hits for Elvis Presley, crafting iconic tracks like “Surrender,” “(Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame,” and the vibrant “Viva Las Vegas.” However, it was “Save the Last Dance for Me” that would become their most commercially successful and emotionally resonant creation.
The lyrical tapestry of “Save the Last Dance for Me” is woven with the complex emotions Pomus experienced on his wedding day. Lines like, “Oh I know that the music’s fine / Like sparklin’ wine, go and have your fun,” encapsulate a sense of generous encouragement and perhaps a touch of forced nonchalance. Yet, beneath the surface of polite invitation, hints of vulnerability and even jealousy emerge in the later verses. The line, “If he asks if you’re all alone / Can he walk you home, you must tell him no,” reveals a possessive tenderness, a gentle reminder of the deeper connection and commitment that transcends fleeting dances. This emotional core culminates in the soaring chorus, a heartfelt plea that encapsulates the song’s central theme: “But don’t forget who’s takin’ you home / And in whose arms you’re gonna be / So darling, save the last dance for me.” This chorus is both a romantic entreaty and a subtle assertion of enduring love amidst the fleeting moments of the evening.
The first and arguably definitive recording of “Save the Last Dance for Me” was released in 1960 by The Drifters, featuring the soulful lead vocals of Ben E King. Produced by the legendary songwriting and production duo Leiber and Stoller, the track was imbued with a distinctive Latin-tinged rhythm and shimmering string arrangements, adding layers of sophistication and emotional depth. Atlantic Records boss Ahmet Ertegun, recognizing the song’s profound personal story, shared the origin of “Save the Last Dance for Me” with Ben E King before the recording. Moved by Pomus’s inspiration, King delivered a performance imbued with palpable emotion, capturing the song’s blend of joy, longing, and quiet strength. The result was a resounding success, propelling “Save the Last Dance for Me” to the number one spot on the US charts and number two in the UK, solidifying its place in pop music history.
Since The Drifters’ iconic rendition, “Save the Last Dance for Me” has enjoyed a vibrant afterlife, with over 300 recorded versions listed on secondhandsongs.com, testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. The sheer variety of covers underscores the song’s versatility across genres and styles. Just a year after The Drifters’ hit, Jerry Lee Lewis injected his signature rock and roll energy into the song, transforming it into a boisterous piano-driven number. Ike and Tina Turner’s electrifying 1966 version, enhanced by Phil Spector’s signature “wall of sound” production, brought a raw, passionate intensity. Even The Beatles, as glimpsed in the Get Back documentary, were captured playfully jamming on “Save the Last Dance for Me” during their late 1960s sessions, highlighting its ubiquitous presence in the musical landscape.
In a surprising 1974 interpretation, Harry Nilsson inexplicably transformed the upbeat tempo into a slow, almost mournful dirge, demonstrating the song’s capacity for reinterpretation, even if not always successful. In stark contrast, Emmylou Harris’s 1979 rendition beautifully showcased the song’s country roots, with a lilting melody and Harris’s heartfelt delivery lending it a tender, melancholic charm. The Troggs offered a punk-infused, middle-aged take on the song in 1993, while Harry Connick Jr. reimagined it as a sultry jazz number, highlighting its inherent romanticism. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood’s 2004 duet, complete with swirling mariachi trumpets and lush strings, brought a theatrical flair, with Hazlewood’s spoken-word interjection, “Save the last dance for Lee,” adding a playful, personal touch. More recently, Bruce Springsteen has incorporated “Save the Last Dance for Me” into his concert repertoire as a ballad, often inviting an audience member for a slow dance, further cementing its legacy as a song for intimate connection.
Adding another layer of poignancy, “Save the Last Dance for Me” is rumored to be the last song ever performed live by Leonard Cohen. It served as a moving encore during his final tour in 2013 and is featured on his Live in Dublin album, marking a powerful and fitting end note to a legendary career.
Despite the enduring romance encapsulated in “Save the Last Dance for Me”, Pomus’s marriage to Willi Burke ended in divorce in 1966. His life then took an unexpected turn into professional gambling, a venture that reportedly concluded after a robbery. Pomus eventually returned to his songwriting passion, collaborating with artists like Dr. John, Willy DeVille, and B.B. King, further solidifying his place as a respected figure in the music industry.
Ultimately, “Save the Last Dance for Me” remains Doc Pomus’s most enduring legacy. Ben E King’s performance continues to be lauded as the definitive interpretation, capturing the song’s delicate balance of joy and melancholy, invitation and longing. It is a testament to the power of music to transform personal experience into universal emotion, ensuring that the song “Save the Last Dance for Me” will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
