Dee Dee Sharp's Mashed Potato Time: 1962 Dance Craze Explained

Dee Dee Sharp's “Mashed Potato Time” was a #2 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1962 that sparked a nationwide dance craze, selling over one million copies and becoming an iconic symbol of early 1960s youth culture. The song’s infectious rhythm and simple dance steps made it a staple at sock hops and school dances across America.

The Story Behind a Dance Phenomenon

When 17-year-old Gloria Johnson recorded “Mashed Potato Time” under her stage name Dee Dee Sharp in 1962, she unknowingly created a cultural touchstone. Produced by legendary Philadelphia soul team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the track capitalized on the dance craze phenomenon sweeping America. Unlike previous dance songs that required complex footwork, “Mashed Potato Time” featured simple, accessible moves that anyone could learn—a key factor in its widespread popularity.

Recorded at Cameo-Parkway Studios, the song’s distinctive sound combined Sharp’s energetic vocals with a driving beat perfect for the signature dance move. The track spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts, peaking at #2 in May 1962, held from the top spot only by Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby.” According to Billboard archives, it became one of the most successful dance-themed singles of the era.

How the Mashed Potato Dance Actually Worked

The dance’s name came from the distinctive foot movement that mimicked mashing potatoes. Here’s how dancers performed it:

Step Number	Foot Movement	Arm Position	Timing
1	Right foot slides back, heel lifted	Arms bent at 90 degrees, hands loosely closed	"Mashed"
2	Right foot twists inward, pressing down	Hands push forward as if mashing	"Po-
3	Left foot repeats same motion	Arms return to starting position	"-ta-
4	Both feet together, slight bounce	Arms swing naturally	"-to!"

This straightforward four-count pattern made the dance accessible to teenagers of all skill levels. Unlike the Twist, which required isolated hip movement, the Mashed Potato used natural stepping motions that felt intuitive. Dance historians note this accessibility was crucial to its rapid adoption in schools and community centers.

Evolution of Dance Craze Culture: 1959-1964

The Mashed Potato emerged during a golden age of dance crazes. Understanding its context requires examining how these trends developed:

Year	Dance Craze	Cultural Impact	Key Song
1959	The Twist	First solo dance craze; broke partner dancing tradition	"The Twist" by Chubby Checker
1960	The Hully Gully	Encouraged improvisation; popularized at Whisky a Go Go	"The Hully Gully" by The Olympics
1961	The Watusi	Inspired by African dance moves; featured on American Bandstand	"Watusi" by The Ray Charles Singers
1962	Mashed Potato	Peak of dance craze culture; featured in teen magazines	"Mashed Potato Time" by Dee Dee Sharp
1963	The Swim	Imitated swimming motions; popularized by The Ronettes	"The Swim" by Ral Donner
1964	The Frug	Featured on Batman; precursor to disco moves	"The Frug" by The Shirelles

According to the Library of Congress American Pop Culture Collection, dance crazes served as important social equalizers during this period. The Mashed Potato’s simplicity allowed participation across racial and socioeconomic lines, contributing to its widespread adoption in both urban and suburban communities.

Why Mashed Potato Time Endured Beyond the Craze

While most dance crazes faded quickly, “Mashed Potato Time” maintained cultural relevance for several reasons:

• School Integration Impact: The dance became popular during school desegregation, providing common ground for teenagers of different backgrounds
• Television Exposure: Sharp performed the song on American Bandstand 11 times, reaching millions of households weekly
• Cross-Generational Appeal: Unlike many teen-oriented songs, parents found the dance’s simplicity charming rather than objectionable
• Cultural Documentation: Featured in the 1978 film Grease and referenced in numerous nostalgia programs

Music historian Dr. John A. Jackson, in his book Big Beat Heat: Alan Freed and the Early Years of Rock and Roll, notes: “The Mashed Potato represented the democratization of dance. You didn’t need lessons or natural rhythm—just willingness to move. This accessibility made it revolutionary in youth culture.”

Experiencing the Legacy Today

Though the dance craze has passed, you can still connect with this piece of cultural history:

• Stream the original recording on major music platforms (available in remastered stereo)
• Watch Dee Dee Sharp’s 1962 American Bandstand performance on YouTube
• Find instructional videos teaching authentic 1960s dance moves
• Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s online exhibit on dance crazes

Modern dance instructors sometimes incorporate the Mashed Potato into retro-themed classes, preserving the movement for new generations. The song remains popular at vintage dance events and 1960s-themed parties, demonstrating how cultural artifacts can transcend their original context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote Mashed Potato Time by Dee Dee Sharp?

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff wrote Mashed Potato Time. The legendary Philadelphia songwriting and production duo created the track specifically for Dee Dee Sharp, who was 17 years old at the time of recording.

What year did Mashed Potato Time become popular?

Mashed Potato Time reached its peak popularity in 1962, spending 17 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaking at #2 in May of that year. The dance craze spread rapidly through schools and television appearances during that spring and summer.

How do you actually do the Mashed Potato dance?

The Mashed Potato dance involves four simple steps: 1) Slide right foot back with heel lifted, 2) Twist right foot inward while pressing down, 3) Repeat with left foot, 4) Bring feet together with a slight bounce. The arm movements mimic mashing potatoes, pushing forward on the 'mashed' and 'potato' counts.

Why was it called Mashed Potato Time?

The dance was named for the foot movement that resembled the motion of mashing potatoes with a fork. Dancers would twist their feet in a mashing motion while keeping their upper bodies relatively still, creating the visual impression of preparing mashed potatoes.

Is Dee Dee Sharp still performing today?

Dee Dee Sharp continues to perform occasionally at oldies concerts and 1960s nostalgia events. While not as active as in her prime, she has maintained a presence in the music scene, particularly at events celebrating the dance craze era of the early 1960s.