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.
number one
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
N-U-M-B-E-R One
I've found my way working through hurt that made me strong
And I spend each day lifting up hopes by singing my songs
I dreamed of sparkling nights
And ""Martha Reeves"" up in lights
With each step you bet I take it
Number one - right here where I belong
In myself I found success
And it brings me happiness
'Cause my life is upward bound
And my stumbling blocks are falling down
Well, it's no use, thinking for you the sun won't shine
Just turn a' loose all that nonsense in your mind
The world is yours to win
Reach right out and watch it spin
Then I promise you won't stop
And when you reach the top, then you're
Number one - right here where you belong
I'm a natural champion and my victories will be won
With my feet on solid ground
My convictions can't be turned around
Number one - right here where I belong
Number one
As I build my self-defence
I'll let nothing shake my confidence
I've had my start, sharing my feelings with this world
Deep in my heart I'm a sentimental girl
I'll fly to far-off places
Find myself in a sea of faces
I've been happy and I've been sad
But I take the good with the bad when you're
Number one - right here where I belong
In my self I found success
And I know that I've been blessed
Number one - right here where I belong
In "N-U-M-B-E-R One" by Martha and The Vandellas, the singer reflects on their personal journey of resilience and strength. The lyrics detail the struggles they faced and overcame, using those experiences to cultivate self-confidence and achieve success. The song also encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their own abilities, urging them to let go of negative thoughts and pursue their dreams.
Throughout the song, the use of "Number One" reinforces this message of self-belief and determination. Whether it's dreaming of seeing their name in lights, or finding success through their music, the singer makes it clear that they view themselves as a champion who will stop at nothing to reach the top. This focus on self-empowerment is further emphasized through the repetition of the phrase "right here where I belong," serving as a reminder that any individual can achieve greatness if they believe in themselves.
Overall, "N-U-M-B-E-R One" is a powerful anthem of perseverance and empowerment, one that inspires listeners to find their own inner strength and pursue their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
N-U-M-B-E-R One
Emphasizing the importance of being on top and achieving one's goals
N-U-M-B-E-R One
I've found my way working through hurt that made me strong
Overcoming adversity and using it as a strength to achieve success
And I spend each day lifting up hopes by singing my songs
Inspiring others and bringing positivity through music
I dreamed of sparkling nights
Having high aspirations and dreams of grandeur
And "Martha Reeves" up in lights
Aiming for fame and recognition
With each step you bet I take it
Taking deliberate and confident actions towards achieving success
'Cause my mind was set to make it to
Having a determined and focused mindset on reaching the top
Number one - right here where I belong
Believing in oneself and striving to be the best in their field
In myself I found success
Finding inner strength and motivation to achieve success
And it brings me happiness
Achieving success brings joy and fulfillment
'Cause my life is upward bound
Living a life of progress and growth
And my stumbling blocks are falling down
Overcoming obstacles and challenges to reach one's goals
Well, it's no use, thinking for you the sun won't shine
Changing negative thoughts and believing in oneself
Just turn a' loose all that nonsense in your mind
Getting rid of self-doubt and negative self-talk
The world is yours to win
Having a positive and optimistic view of the future
Reach right out and watch it spin
Taking action and seizing opportunities to achieve success
Then I promise you won't stop
Assuring that success is attainable with perseverance and hard work
And when you reach the top, then you're
Achieving one's goals and being recognized for it
Number one - right here where you belong
Being proud of oneself and achieving success in one's own space
I'm a natural champion and my victories will be won
Having confidence in one's skills and the ability to win
With my feet on solid ground
Having a strong foundation and staying grounded while achieving success
My convictions can't be turned around
Believing strongly in one's values and principles
As I build my self-defence
Protecting oneself and building resilience
I'll let nothing shake my confidence
Maintaining confidence and self-assurance even in the face of challenges
I've had my start, sharing my feelings with this world
Beginning a career in music and sharing emotions through songwriting
Deep in my heart I'm a sentimental girl
Being emotional and sensitive at the core
I'll fly to far-off places
Traveling to new and exciting locations
Find myself in a sea of faces
Meeting and connecting with many new people
I've been happy and I've been sad
Experiencing a range of emotions
But I take the good with the bad when you're
Accepting and learning from both positive and negative experiences
Number one - right here where I belong
Being content with oneself and achieving success in one's own space
In my self I found success
Realizing that success comes from within
And I know that I've been blessed
Feeling grateful and fortunate for the opportunities and successes in life
Number one - right here where I belong
Emphasizing that one can achieve success and fulfillment in their own space
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: QUINCY JONES, CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind