Song of the Day: Martha & The Vandellas, “Dancing In The Street” #rmf

Rocktober MusicFest, Song of the Day 1 Minute

I got my first radio when I was in second grade, and by the end of the school year I was listening to it all the time. Over the summer of 1964, I first heard "Dancing In The Street," and even though I was heavy into The Beatles at that point, I remember really liking it.

It was written by Marvin Gaye and William "Mickey" Stevenson, and offered it to Martha & the Vandellas. Martha Reeves thought it was too repetitive, and Marvin and Mickey agreed, so they brought in Ivy Jo Hunter, a new songwriter at Motown, who added some more lyrics, making sure to include Detroit, "the Motor City," in the list of cities. The song peaked at #2 on the Hot 100, prevented from reaching #1 by Manfred Mann’s "Do Wah Diddy Diddy," and #4 in the UK. Martha Reeves said that it’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance…

Published by John Holton

Internet disc jockey, lover of old TV (especially the commercials), inveterate wise guy.

Published

17 thoughts on “Song of the Day: Martha & The Vandellas, “Dancing In The Street” #rmf”

  1. Pingback: The “Happy Birthday, BBC!” Week That Was – The Sound of One Hand Typing

  6. Great song! Makes me dance in the studio too! Tough loss for Atlanta last night but hopefully the Dodgers used up all their hits for the rest of the series!

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  8. John,

    What a fun song! This is one that always puts me in the mood to get to my feet. I won’t dance in the street but I’m okay with dancing in the kitchen, dinning room, living room,or even in my chair. You’ll find my daily contribution tied in one post. When you have time come join me on Curious as a Cathy, my friend!

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  9. I first heard this song with Mick Jagger and David Bowie sang it. I like that version but I love the original. Considering the amount of repetitive music today, they need her to tell people to be more original.

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    1. The Jagger and Bowie version is hilarious. Someone commented on the video that there was no heterosexual explanation for it….

      Definitely, though, the original kills it, and even Jagger and Bowie would agree.

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  10. Great song original, and I also love the fun video version David Bowie and Mick Jagger created together for Live Aid in 1993 🙂

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