The San Fransisco-born Bobby Freeman was a member of the Vocaleers and the Romancers (two doo-wop groups) when he wrote and recorded several solo demos that included the chart-topping “Do You Want to Dance.” 

As fate has it, the single was overheard by an executive from a record label, Mortimer Palitz of Jubilee Records, who went on to sign Freeman to the label. 

Fun Facts:

• “Do You Want to Dance” was remastered with added performances by session musicians that included guitarist Billy Mure. 
• The single was released on Josie, a Jubilee subsidiary, where it quickly rose to prominence at number 5 on the pop chart and number 2 on the R&B chart (early 1958).
• Bobby Freeman was only 17 when he wrote and recorded “Do You Want to Dance.”
• Unfortunately, this was Freeman’s biggest hit as he never again cracked the Top 40.
• Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) is often rumored to have performed on the single. However, this is inaccurate.
• Bobby Freeman’s original version appeared in the 1973 comedy-drama film American Graffiti.
• “Do You Wanna Dance” has been covered every decade since its creation. From Sonny and Cher’s 1965 cover, John Lennon’s 1975 version, to the current day when Green Day and the Casualties have added it to their live performance setlist.
• While the song is called “Do You Wanna Dance” on the album, the single was released as “Do You Want to Dance.”

Lyrics:

(Musixmatch)

Well, do ya wanna dance and a-hold my hand?

Tell me I’m your lover man

Oh baby, do ya wanna dance?

Well, do ya wanna dance and a-make romance?

Squeeze me all through the night

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Well, do you wanna dance under the moonlight?

Squeeze me all through the night

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Hey

Well, do ya wanna dance and a-hold my hand?

Squeeze me if I’m your man

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Well, do you wanna dance under the moonlight?

Squeeze and kiss me all through the night

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Well, do ya wanna dance and a-make romance?

Kiss and squeeze, umm, yeah

Do you wanna dance?

Well, do ya wanna dance and a-hold my hand?

Squeeze and tell me I’m your lover man

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Well, do ya wanna dance under the moonlight?

Squeeze and hug me all through the night

Oh baby, do you wanna dance?

Well, do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya wanna dance?

Do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya wanna dance?

Do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya wanna dance?