The label's second most-successful all-female singing group after The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were known for a churchier, more southern-styled soul than the Supremes, as typified in Motown hits such as "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave", "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", "Nowhere to Run", and, their signature song, "Dancing in the Street".
The group had its origins in Detroit, Michigan in 1957, and had initially gone by the name The Del-Phis. It originally was a quartet comprising childhood friends Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard, and original lead singer Gloria Williams. Williams left after a failed single on the Checkmate label, leaving the quartet as a trio. They changed their name to The Vells signing a deal with Motown's Mel-o-dy label, and singing background for established Motown performers such as Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye before signing a new deal with Motown's Gordy label on September 21, 1962, after which the group changed its name to Martha and the Vandellas.
In 1964, the Vandellas' lineup changed with Betty Kelly replacing Annette Beard (now Beard-Sterling). In 1967, Kelly was fired and was replaced by Martha's younger sister, Sandra "Lois" Reeves. In 1969, Ashford was also fired and replaced by Sandra Tilley. It was right about this time that the group's name was officially changed to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, to conform with the company's recent changes of The Supremes' and The Miracles' names to reflect their featured lead singers. The lineup of the Reeves sisters and Tilley continued after Martha's return from an institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. The group disbanded following a farewell concert, held at Detroit's Cobo Hall on December 21, 1972.
The story of the group did not end completely with their split-up in 1972, however. While Tilley and Williams (both now deceased) eventually retired, the others continued with their individual career pursuits: Lois sang with the group Quiet Elegance and also sang background for Al Green; Reeves reunited with original Vandellas Ashford and Beard-Sterling for a 1978 benefit concert in Los Angeles; and in 1983, Reeves performed solo at Motown 25, which partly helped her and the Vandellas gain a new audience. In particular, Reeves herself is still known to sing with her sisters Lois and Delphine, often performing as a solo artist under the bill, "Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas", and still performs all over the world.
Danke schoen
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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Thank you for all the joy and pain.
Picture shows, second balcony was the place we'd meet,
Second seat, go Dutch treat, you were sweet.
Danke schoen, darling, danke schoen,
Thank you for funny cards from Spain.
I recall Central Park in fall how you tore you dress,
Danke schoen, darling danke schoen,
Thank you for walks down Lover's Lane.
I can see hearts carved on a tree
Letters intertwined for all time.
Yours and mine, that was fine.
Danke schoen, darling danke schoen,
Thank you for seeing me again.
Tho' we go on our sep'rate ways
Still the mem'ry stays for always.
The lyrics to Martha and The Vandellas's song Danke schoen are a heartfelt expression of gratitude to a former lover. The singer acknowledges that their relationship was not always smooth sailing, as they thank the person for "all the joy and pain." The song reminisces some significant memories shared with said lover, like meeting at the second balcony of a picture show to watch movies and chatting over a Dutch treat. The singer also recalls a time when they walked down the Lover's Lane and saw hearts carved on trees with their initials intertwined for all time. Though they went their separate ways, the memories of their time together would stay with the singer for always.
Line by Line Meaning
Danke schoen, darling, Danke schoen,
Expressing gratitude for the person's love and companionship
Thank you for all the joy and pain.
Gratitude for the ups and downs of the relationship that made it meaningful and worth remembering.
Picture shows, second balcony was the place we'd meet,
Referring to the memories of their meets and dates in the second balcony of a theatre where they used to watch movies.
Second seat, go Dutch treat, you were sweet.
Describing how they used to sit in the second seat of the balcony and split the cost of the tickets where the person was very kind and endearing.
Thank you for funny cards from Spain.
Gratitude for the thoughtful and amusing postcards sent from Spain.
I recall Central Park in fall how you tore you dress,
Remembering a specific moment in Central Park in autumn when the person ripped their dress.
What a mess, I confess that's not all.
Acknowledging the memory of a messy but funny situation that was more than just a torn dress.
Thank you for walks down Lover's Lane.
Gratitude for romantic walks down a trail or road often customized for couples called Lover's Lane.
I can see hearts carved on a tree
Visualizing the romantic symbol of heart carvings on a tree that shows the affectionate bonding of the couple.
Letters intertwined for all time.
The depiction of letters engraved on the tree symbolizing their commitment and love for each other always intertwined and connected.
Yours and mine, that was fine.
Accepting and appreciating the connection they had with each other was perfect and unique.
Thank you for seeing me again.
Showing gratitude for the person willing to meet them again and continue the relationship.
Tho' we go on our sep'rate ways
Although the two people split paths and stop seeing each other.
Still the mem'ry stays for always.
Despite going their separate ways, the memories of the relationship will always remain and never be forgotten.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bert Kaempfert, Kurt Schwabach, Milt Gabler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alma Irma Garcìa Nuñez
MARAVILLOSAS VOCES GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS
Micaï. Claude.
Martha Reeves ++++++