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: