Fred Parris

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Birth Date
Deceased Date
Job Title
Vocalist, Songwriter

Fred Parris grew up close to the Apollo Theater in New York where he was able to see many of the top acts in music. These experiences sparked a passion which led to his singing in several of the popular rhythm and blues groups of the 1950s (Fred prefers the term R&B Groups vs the term Doo-Wop). Among these successful groups were The Scarlets, The Black Satins, The Restless Hearts and The Five Satins. For the latter, he wrote the song that has been dubbed the anthem of its era, “In the Still of the Night.” Fred wrote the flip side as well, “The Jones Girls” as well as other hits in the years to follow including “Pretty Baby (That’s Why I Sing),” “A Night To Remember” and “Memories of Days Gone By.” Without question, Fred sang and wrote many of the songs that harken the golden age of a cappella groups, which has kept all of us singing along for decades!