Born Agatha Nathalia Weston in Detroit, Michigan, she was signed to Motown Records in 1961, scoring a minor hit with "Love Me All the Way" (R&B #24, Pop #88). Weston's biggest solo hits with Motown were "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" (R&B #4, Pop #50, 1965, later covered by The Isley Brothers, Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Doobie Brothers, and "Helpless" (R&B #13, Pop #56, 1966, previously recorded by The Four Tops on their Second Album LP). Her biggest claim to fame was singing the classic hit "It Takes Two" with Marvin Gaye in 1966 and her later recording of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing". It was the success of "It Takes Two" that caused Motown to partner Gaye with Tammi Terrell, spawning even more success for the label.
Weston left Motown in 1967 and later sued the label over disputes about royalties. She and her then-husband William "Mickey" Stevenson (former A&R head at Motown) both went to MGM Records. Weston cut a couple of singles for MGM, "I Got What You Need," and "Nobody," which went largely unnoticed due to lack of airplay and promotion. She made an album for the label, This Is America, which included her popular version of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This was released as a single and featured in the movie Wattstax. All the money from the single was donated to the United Negro College Fund.
She recorded several more albums for various labels, Stax/Volt among them, and also made an album of duets with Johnny Nash. None of these recordings charted, and Weston reportedly relocated to Israel, where she worked with young singers.
Weston made a guest appearance on The Bill Cosby Show (1969–1971), in episode #50 in March 1971.
Along with many former Motown artists, she signed with Ian Levine's Motorcity Records in the 1980s, releasing the single "Signal Your Intention", which peaked at #1 in the UK Hi-NRG charts. It was followed by the album Investigate (1990), which included some re-recordings of her Motown hits as well as new material. A second album for the label, Talking Loud (1992), was never released, although all the songs were included on the compilation The Best Of Kim Weston (1996).
Today Weston is a disc jockey on a local Detroit radio station, where she sponsors the summer events at Hart Plaza. She also tours sporadically, often alongside former Motown colleagues Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves and Brenda Holloway. She is also featured on the 2006 four-CD release of the Motortown Revue series. In Cleveland, Ohio On August 17, 2013 Kim Weston was the 1st women to be inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.
Dancing In The Streets
Kim Weston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancin' in the streets, they're dancin' in Chicago
Down in New Orleans, up in New York City
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
They're dancin' in the streets
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world
There'll be dancin', they're dancin' in the street
This is an invitation across the nation
A chance for the folks to meet
There'll be laughin', singin' and music swingin'
And dancin' in the streets
Philadelphia, P.A., Baltimore and DC now
Don't forget the Motor City
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swingin', swayin' and records playin'
They're dancin' in the street
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world
They're dancin', they're dancin' in the streets
Way down in L.A.
Everyday they're dancin' in the street
Let's form a pitch torn line, yeah
Every time we're dancin' in the street
Across the ocean blue, me and you
Dancin' in the streets
Kim Weston's hit song "Dancing In The Streets" is a joyful anthem that celebrates the unifying power of music and dance. The song opens with an invitation that resonates across the world, calling out to everyone to embrace a brand new beat and get ready to dance. The song taps into the excitement of summertime, where music takes center stage and rhythm can be felt in every corner of the cities. Weston's lyrics connect different people from various geographical locations in the United States, emphasizing the universality of music and its power to bring people together. The idea behind the song is that it doesn't matter where you're from or what you look like; the only requirement is to become part of this worldwide dance party.
The chorus of "Dancing In The Streets" is a call-and-response between Weston and the background singers. Weston delivers the first line that stresses the need for music everywhere, as it serves as the 'sweet music' that completes everyone's life. The background responds with the phrase 'they're dancing in the streets,' which emphasizes the joy of dancing during the summer. Weston reiterates that it doesn't matter what outfit you wear, as long as you come out and dance with fellow partygoers. She delivers an all-embracing invitation with, "Come on, every guy, grab a girl; everyplace, around the world, they're dancing in the streets." The song's premise is that dancing is a communal activity that brings people together and creates a sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Callin' out around the world
Kim Weston is communicating the message of the party that is taking place and inviting everyone for a brand new beat.
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Kim Weston is asking us if we are ready to embrace a new rhythm and join the celebration he is about to make.
Summer's here and the time is right
The summer season has arrived, and it's the perfect time to party.
For dancin' in the streets, they're dancin' in Chicago
The party is going on in Chicago, and people are enjoying by dancing on the streets.
Down in New Orleans, up in New York City
People all across the USA are enjoying the party and having a great time.
All we need is music, sweet music
Music is the only thing that we are seeking right now. It's the mood setter of this party.
There'll be music everywhere
The music will be everywhere - on the streets, in the air, and in people's hearts.
There'll be swingin', swayin', and records playin'
People will be enjoying the tunes of the music by swinging and swaying on the rhythm. Records will be played to keep the party rocking.
They're dancin' in the streets
People are enjoying the party together and dancing on the streets without any care in the world.
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
The clothes that you wear don't matter - come as you are, and join the celebration.
Just as long as you are there
What matters is your presence at the party, not what you wear.
So come on, every guy grab a girl
Kim Weston is encouraging every man to grab a partner and get on the dance floor.
Everywhere around the world
People are dancing all around the world without any boundaries and enjoying the music together.
This is an invitation across the nation
Kim Weston is inviting everyone from all parts of the country to join in the party and celebrate together.
A chance for the folks to meet
This party is an opportunity to meet new people, share joy, and celebrate life.
There'll be laughin', singin', and music swingin'
The atmosphere of the party will be filled with laughter, singing, and music to keep everyone entertained.
And dancin' in the streets
People will be dancing all night long on the streets - free from all the worries and problems of life.
Philadelphia, P.A., Baltimore, and DC now
The celebration is not limited to Chicago or LA, but other cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC will also be joining in the party spirit.
Don't forget the Motor City
Motor City, Detroit, is not forgotten, and people are enjoying the party in Detroit too.
Way down in L.A.
People in LA are dancing in the streets, and the party is in full swing.
Everyday they're dancin' in the street
People in LA are dancing every day on the streets without any worries.
Let's form a pitch torn line, yeah
Kim Weston is suggesting to everyone to make a line and get ready to dance together on the streets.
Every time we're dancin' in the street
The celebration is happening every time they dance in the street - the joy, happiness, and freedom are limitless across the globe.
Across the ocean blue, me, and you
The celebration is not limited to one nation or country - Kim Weston is inviting everyone to cross the ocean and celebrate together.
Dancin' in the streets
The spirit of the party is all about dancing on the streets and celebrating life without fear.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson, Ivy Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Graham Shepherd
one of the truly great voices to pass through Motown.
Larson Antony
I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE,LOVE,LOVE,LOVE Kim Weston!!!She has always had a certain kind of beauty and charm
Teunis Korving
What a joy yo hear this. At 74 and still such a great voice!!!
Robert Zimmerman
Thank you, Kim. This was just plain fun to listen to!
JLPerryTV
I wish Berry would have invested more in Kim. She had and still has the voice
REDD BLITZ PRODUCTIONZ
She sounds waaaaaay better than Martha. Weston's voice here is still strong. TVOne ought to do an Unsung on this very woman.
JLPerryTV
I was just thinking the same thing
Joey Chan
This song was originally for Kim Weston but she passed it up.
REDD BLITZ PRODUCTIONZ
supremesfan2
Wow. That's awesome to know. Thanks.
Len B.
I luv Martha's version better!