Introduction:
“Save the Last Dance for Me,” as performed by Emmylou Harris, is a cover of the classic song originally written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The song was first popularized by The Drifters in 1960. Emmylou Harris included her rendition on her 1979 album Blue Kentucky Girl, a record that showcased her deep country roots and commitment to traditional American music.
Released as a single in April 1979, Harris’s version stayed true to the country genre while infusing it with her signature heartfelt vocal delivery. The song was produced by Brian Ahern and became one of the standout tracks of the album. Blue Kentucky Girl itself was a major success, solidifying Emmylou Harris’s place as one of the leading female voices in country music at the time. The album also won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1980, further boosting the visibility of her work, including “Save the Last Dance for Me.”
Musically, the song features a blend of traditional country with elements of folk, which was characteristic of Harris’s style during this period. Her soft, emotional interpretation of the lyrics—originally inspired by Pomus’s own experience of watching his wife dance with others due to his physical limitations—adds a tender and personal dimension to the song.
While it did not achieve the same chart-topping success as the original, Harris’s cover remains a beloved interpretation within her catalog and among fans of country music. The song’s timeless message of love and devotion, coupled with Harris’s emotive performance, ensured that it stayed relevant even decades after its initial release.