OldiesButGoodies

Oldies Music

Supremes & Four Tops – River Deep, Mountain High

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Introduction:

“River Deep, Mountain High,” performed by the Supremes and the Four Tops in 1970, is a soulful collaboration that captures the spirit of Motown’s heyday. This rendition was part of their joint album The Magnificent 7, which was designed to merge the talents of two of Motown’s powerhouse groups. Originally written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, the song was first popularized by Ike & Tina Turner in 1966. However, the Supremes and Four Tops brought their distinct vocal chemistry to their version, reimagining it with the hallmark of Motown’s vibrant orchestration.

The 1970 version features Jean Terrell, the Supremes’ new lead vocalist after Diana Ross’s departure, alongside Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops. Their rendition blends passionate vocals with lush instrumental arrangements characteristic of Motown, adding a fresh yet familiar layer to the dramatic anthem of devotion. This version stood out for its dynamic interplay between the groups, a hallmark of their collaborative projects during that era.

While not achieving the groundbreaking success of the original, their take on “River Deep, Mountain High” reached moderate chart success, showcasing their versatility and appeal during a period of transition for Motown. The album The Magnificent 7 itself is celebrated for uniting these iconic acts and remains a beloved entry in their discographies, with this track being a standout example of their ability to reinterpret and elevate existing material.

Video:

https://youtu.be/Hb88TkuBODw?si=5Cd66gWEzRn9FbUh

 

 

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The story of Andy Gibb has gone untold for decades—now, his daughter has revealed a touching truth. It is a revelation that has deeply moved his fans.

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“RAIN HAD BROUGHT WIMBLEDON TO A STANDSTILL IN 1996 — BUT WHEN CLIFF RICHARD STOOD UP AND BEGAN SINGING, AN ORDINARY TENNIS DELAY TURNED INTO ONE OF THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS IN THE TOURNAMENT’S HISTORY…” On a rainy day at Wimbledon in 1996, thousands of tennis fans found themselves waiting for play to resume. The famous grass courts were wet, the matches were interrupted, and the crowd had little to do but wait. Then something extraordinary happened. Among the spectators was one of Britain’s most recognizable entertainers: Cliff Richard. Rather than simply watching the rain, Cliff began singing. There was no planned concert, no elaborate stage, and no orchestra waiting to accompany him. Yet the moment quickly turned into an impromptu musical performance. As Cliff entertained the crowd, several tennis stars, including Martina Navratilova, joined the occasion. The spectators who had arrived expecting world-class tennis suddenly found themselves enjoying an unexpected show. Songs associated with Cliff’s long career echoed around Centre Court, bringing laughter, applause, and a welcome distraction from the disappointing weather. What made the moment so memorable was its spontaneity. Cliff had spent decades performing in theaters, concert halls, and stadiums. But this time, one of his most famous appearances happened because a tennis match couldn’t continue. For a few unforgettable minutes, Wimbledon stopped being about tennis — and became a Cliff Richard concert instead.

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