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.
Bless You
Martha and the Vandellas Lyrics
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Children of the earth, they walk so far apart
From this protection of what's supposed to be
They don't have it goin' right
You've been people
Who loves your neighbor
They seem to miss the boat
But we have love so real, just let them be
I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
Bless your mother, bless your father
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
I can well remember, you left yourself home
And the spells we left each other just last strong
You think we'll have a love to share like we do
They'd know the happiness I've got in here in you
Bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me
I wanna thank someone for lettin' us be
Bless your mother (bless your mother)
Bless your father (bless your father)
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
We're gonna make it, boy
Heaven won't break it, boy
I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
The song "Bless You" by Martha and The Vandellas is an uplifting and soulful tribute to the power of love and the importance of compassion. The song opens with a poignant reflection on the divisions and conflicts that exist in the world, as the singers observe that the "children of the earth" walk "so far apart" from each other. The lyrics express a longing for a more harmonious and loving world, where people "love their neighbor" and "let others be" without judgment or condemnation.
Despite the challenges of the world, the singers find hope and inspiration in their own love for each other. They sing of the deep happiness that they have found in their relationship and the gratitude they feel to "someone" who has sent them to each other. Throughout the song, there is a sense of joy and celebration, as the singers affirm their commitment to each other and their belief in the power of love to overcome any obstacle.
Overall, "Bless You" is a beautifully crafted tribute to love and the human spirit. It reminds us of the importance of compassion and understanding, and celebrates the beauty and joy that can be found in even the most challenging of circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
This mornin' when I woke up, sunshine touched my heart
At the start of my day, I woke up and felt happy and content.
Children of the earth, they walk so far apart, From this protection of what's supposed to be, They don't have it goin' right, You've been people
People are disconnected and lack the sense of community and support they need to thrive.
Who loves your neighbor, They seem to miss the boat, Letting others drown so they can stay afloat
People who fail to show love and care for those around them are missing the point and acting selfishly.
But we have love so real, just let them be, I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
Despite the challenges, the love between the singer and their partner is genuine and worth preserving.
Bless your mother, bless your father, But most of all, bless you, bless me
May God bless and protect our families, but most importantly, may our relationship be blessed and strengthened.
Let our love last for eternity, People will try to break it, They don't wanna see us make it, We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
Despite the challenges that may arise, the singer and their partner are determined to make their love last forever.
I can well remember, you left yourself home, And the spells we left each other just last strong, You think we'll have a love to share like we do
The singer cherishes the memories and moments they have shared with their partner, and believes their love will endure.
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me, I wanna thank someone for lettin' us be
The singer is grateful for their relationship with their partner and feels lucky to have found such love.
We're gonna make it, boy, Heaven won't break it, boy, I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
The singer and their partner are confident in their ability to overcome any obstacle and believe their love is blessed and divine.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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