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Dancing in the Moonlight

"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Dancing in the Moonlight" is a song written by Sherman Kelly. It was first recorded by Kelly's band Boffalongo in 1970, then became a hit for King Harvest in 1972. Later cover versions, especially Toploader's 2000 recording, brought the song renewed international popularity.

Background and writing

Sherman Kelly wrote "Dancing in the Moonlight" in the late 1960s. The song was first recorded by his band Boffalongo in 1970. Sources indicate that the song was later carried forward by Kelly's brother and recorded by King Harvest.

King Harvest version

King Harvest released their version of the song in 1972, which became the best-known recording and established the song commercially. It reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 5 in Canada.

Later cover versions

Toploader's 2000 cover of "Dancing in the Moonlight" became a major international hit and achieved multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom. Swedish duo Jubël released another successful cover in 2018 that charted in some European countries.

Reception and legacy

The song has remained a recurring pop standard, known for its upbeat sound and frequent re-recordings. Its enduring popularity has made it one of the best-known songs associated with King Harvest and songwriter Sherman Kelly.

Key facts

  • Written by Sherman Kelly and first recorded by his band Boffalongo in 1970.
  • King Harvest released the best-known version in 1972, reaching No. 5 in Canada and No. 13 in the United States.
  • Toploader's 2000 cover became a worldwide hit and achieved multi-platinum status in the United Kingdom.
  • A 2018 cover by Swedish duo Jubël also charted in some European countries.
  • The song is widely associated with a joyful, feel-good image, though some sources note a more complex backstory behind its writing.
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Canadian context

King Harvest’s version reached No. 5 on the Canadian charts, making Canada one of the song’s strongest early markets.[1][10]

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Dancing in the Moonlight"?
Sherman Kelly wrote the song.
Who first recorded it?
Kelly's band Boffalongo first recorded it in 1970.
Which version was the biggest early hit?
King Harvest's 1972 version was the breakthrough hit.
How did it chart in Canada?
King Harvest's version reached No. 5 in Canada.
Which later cover was most successful?
Toploader's 2000 cover became a major international hit and went multi-platinum in the UK.
Is there a newer cover version?
Yes. Swedish duo Jubël released a 2018 cover that charted in some European countries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_in_the_Moonlight
    Supports: Song writer, first recording by Boffalongo, King Harvest hit status, Canadian chart peak, Toploader and Jubël covers.
  2. Music Royalties Inc. — https://www.musicroyaltiesinc.com/17
    Supports: Writer Sherman Kelly, first recording by Boffalongo, King Harvest release, Billboard Hot 100 peak, Toploader cover.
  3. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/king-harvest/dancing-in-the-moonlight
    Supports: Background on the song’s writing and the King Harvest version.