Mashed Potato Time: The Real Story Behind the Song

The 'Mash Potato Song' refers to 'Mashed Potato Time,' a 1962 hit single by Dee Dee Sharp that sparked a national dance craze. Recorded at Philadelphia's Cameo-Parkway Studios, the song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an iconic representation of early 1960s dance culture, with its infectious beat inspiring teenagers across America to master the signature hip-swaying dance move that gave the song its name.

If you've ever wondered about the origins of that catchy tune everyone calls the 'mash potato song,' you're about to discover the complete story behind one of the most influential dance crazes of the early 1960s. This article reveals not just the song's history, but how a simple dance move named after a side dish captured the imagination of a generation and left a lasting impact on popular music.

What Exactly Is the Mash Potato Song?

The song officially titled Mashed Potato Time was recorded by Dee Dee Sharp (born Diane Renay) in 1962 when she was just 17 years old. Despite the name suggesting a culinary theme, the song has nothing to do with the food itself—it's entirely about a dance move that mimicked the motion of mashing potatoes. The track was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, the same team behind Chubby Checker's The Twist, and released on the Cameo-Parkway label.

Within weeks of its release, Mashed Potato Time climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, kept from the top spot only by Sherry by The Four Seasons. The song's infectious rhythm and simple dance instructions ('Come on and do the mashed potato!') made it an instant hit in schools, dance halls, and on television shows like American Bandstand.

How the Dance Craze Actually Started

The mashed potato dance didn't originate with Dee Dee Sharp's song—it actually emerged from African American communities in the late 1950s. According to music historian Dr. David Sanjek's research documented in the Library of Congress archives, the dance was first performed in Washington D.C. clubs before spreading to Philadelphia.

The dance move itself involved standing with feet shoulder-width apart and moving the hips in a circular motion while keeping the upper body relatively still—mimicking the action of mashing potatoes with a utensil. Unlike The Twist, which required isolated hip movements, the mashed potato incorporated more full-body motion while maintaining partner connection.

Dance Craze	Year Peaked	Signature Movement	Cultural Origin
Mashed Potato	1962	Hip circles mimicking mashing motion	African American clubs in D.C.
The Twist	1960-1961	Isolated hip rotation	Chicago blues clubs
The Watusi	1963	Arm swinging with hip motion	Los Angeles

Why This Song Mattered in Music History

Mashed Potato Time represented a significant moment in the evolution of dance-oriented pop music. According to analysis from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's educational resources, the song helped bridge the gap between rhythm and blues and mainstream pop, bringing African American dance styles to wider audiences during a period of significant cultural change.

The track's production was innovative for its time, featuring:

• A prominent saxophone riff that drove the danceable rhythm
• Call-and-response vocals that made it easy for dancers to follow along
• A steady 4/4 beat at approximately 120 BPM—perfect for the dance's tempo
• Minimal instrumentation that kept focus on the dance instructions

Musicologists note that the song's structure followed what became known as the 'dance instruction formula'—a pattern later used in songs like The Swim and The Jerk. This formula typically included:

1. An instrumental introduction establishing the beat
2. Vocal instructions explaining the dance moves
3. Repetitive chorus for easy memorization
4. Breakdown sections highlighting specific movements

Where You've Heard It Without Realizing

Though the dance craze faded by the mid-1960s, Mashed Potato Time has enjoyed remarkable longevity in popular culture. Film and television archivists at the Academy Film Archive note the song's appearances in over 30 major productions, including:

• Back to the Future Part II (1989) - Used during the 1950s recreation scene
• Hairspray (2007) - Featured in the dance competition sequence
• Mad Men (Season 3, 2009) - Played during a period-appropriate dance scene
• Forrest Gump (1994) - Included in the soundtrack compilation

The song's enduring appeal lies in its authentic representation of early 1960s youth culture. Unlike many novelty dance songs that quickly became dated, Mashed Potato Time maintains its energy and charm, regularly appearing on 'greatest dance songs of all time' lists from publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

How to Experience the Song Today

Thanks to digital preservation efforts, you can easily experience this piece of music history:

• Streaming services: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music
• Physical media: Included in the compilation Cameo Parkway 1957-1967 (2005)
• Archival footage: Watch Dee Dee Sharp perform it on Shindig! (1965) via the UCLA Film & Television Archive
• Dance tutorials: Modern instructors have recreated the steps on YouTube

For educators and historians, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress has recognized the cultural significance of several early 1960s dance records, though Mashed Potato Time hasn't yet been formally inducted. Preservationists continue to advocate for its inclusion due to its representation of a pivotal moment in American social dance history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the mash potato song actually about mashed potatoes?

No, the song 'Mashed Potato Time' has nothing to do with the food. It's named after a dance move that mimicked the motion of mashing potatoes with a utensil. The dance involved circular hip movements while standing with feet shoulder-width apart, creating the visual impression of mashing potatoes.

Who originally sang the mash potato song?

Dee Dee Sharp (born Diane Renay) originally recorded 'Mashed Potato Time' in 1962 when she was just 17 years old. The song was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, who also wrote Chubby Checker's 'The Twist.' Sharp's version became the definitive recording, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What year did the mash potato song come out?

'Mashed Potato Time' was released in April 1962 by Cameo-Parkway Records. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching its peak position of #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1962, where it remained for three consecutive weeks during the height of the dance craze.

How do you do the mashed potato dance?

The mashed potato dance involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart and moving your hips in a circular motion while keeping your upper body relatively still. Your arms can be held out to the sides or placed on a partner's shoulders if dancing with someone. The key movement mimics the action of mashing potatoes with a utensil—hence the name. Unlike The Twist, which focused on isolated hip rotation, the mashed potato incorporated more full-body motion while maintaining partner connection.

Why did the mashed potato dance become popular?

The mashed potato dance became popular because it was relatively simple to learn yet distinctive enough to feel special. Emerging from African American communities in Washington D.C. clubs before spreading nationally, it arrived at a time when teenagers were eager for new social dances they could perform at school events and on television shows like American Bandstand. The dance allowed for partner interaction while still giving dancers individual expression, and Dee Dee Sharp's hit song provided perfect musical instruction for learning the steps.