Phillips was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma and Perry in Sherman, Texas, but their impact in the music industry occurred in Los Angeles in 1954. The pair had become acquainted in 1949 when they were saxophonists for The Richard Lewis Band.
Prior to teaming up with Perry, Phillips worked with several other artists who performed under the name "Johnny." The first was Carl Green, and later Johnny Starks. Phillips also paired with the R&B singer Jesse Belvin. They charted with "Dream Girl" b/w "Daddy Loves Baby" in late 1952. "Dream Girl" received good airplay and sales in California, but Belvin had opportunities elsewhere and left Phillips to pursue a solo career. Later, Marvin "Rip" Spencer, Phillips' nephew, would perform under the Marvin and Johnny name.
Phillips then teamed up with Carl "Johnny" Green, who had been working as a duo recording as Johnny & Mack for Deluxe Records. This incarnation of the duo recorded "Baby Doll" b/w "I'm Not Your Fool" for Specialty Records in the summer of 1953. At the same time, Phillips recorded the single "Sweetheart Darling" for Swingtime Records. The next outing for the duo was "Jo Jo" b/w "How Long She Been Gone" in early 1954. "School of Love" b/w "Boy Loves Girl" was their next release. On July 13, 1954, the pair signed with the Bihari brothers and moved to the Modern Records label. At Modern, they recorded "Tick Tock" and "Cherry Pie." The record was a big seller, and both sides received airplay. As was commonplace among early doo-wop, part of its popularity rested with the double-entendre lyric.
After "Cherry Pie", the pair performed on shows and revues that traveled around the West Coast of the United States. They released "Day In-Day Out" b/w "Flip", then "Kiss Me" b/w "Sugar," and "Little Honey" b/w "Honey Girl". None of these recordings had the commercial impact of "Cherry Pie."
Aside from their doo-wop lineage, Marvin & Johnny were significant figures in the transition from West Coast jump blues to R&B. In 1955, Marvin & Johnny continued to do personal appearances and recorded singles. However, their appeal continued to be based on "Cherry Pie." They went their separate ways that year, but Marvin did not let the Marvin & Johnny name die. Jesse Belvin had received his discharge from the U.S. Army by this time and he rejoined Phillips. In July 1956, Phillips and Belvin broke up again as Phillips began a solo career billed as Long Tall Marvin. Aladdin Records released "My Dear My Darling" in September 1956 and credited it to Marvin & Johnny. In May 1958, an old Marvin & Johnny recording of "Yak Yak" b/w "Pretty Eyes" was released on Aladdin.
George Carlin performed "Cherry Pie" following a monologue on the Gladys Knight & The Pips variety show in 1975, backed by the Pips, and again on The Arsenio Hall Show on 30 November 1989.
Happy New Year
Marvin & Johnny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happy New Year!
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Naaa Na Na New Year song
A time when we look back on the last 12 months and think about what's happened
How was it for you?
Can you remember times when you laughed and smiled?
Can you remember who you were with?
What about the tears? It's important to remember those, too
So, we look to the past and try and make some sense of it
Like we're taking in a big breath... and getting ready, getting ready, getting ready...
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Naaa Na Na New Year song
Naaa Na Na. Naaa Na Na
But New Year is also about looking forward... to the 365 days of the next year
And we think about what we might do and what life might have in store for us
And we look at the calendar, all those days ahead of us, and we make plans
But sometimes, things happen, and our plans change
and we have to bend and twist like trees in the breeze
Who knows what this New Year will bring?
I just hope that whatever happens, we can all keep singing together
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (You've got it)
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (Keep singing)
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Naaa Na Na New Year song (OK. Let's do the countdown)
10, 9, 8 , 7 , 6 , 5, 4, 3 , 2, 1
Happy New Year!
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (Nice and loud!)
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (Let me hear you voice)
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Naaa Na Na New Year song (OK, let's take it up again)
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (Clapping your hands)
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song (moving your body)
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Naaa Na Na New Year song (it's a New Year song)
Naaa Na Na New year song (A song for new year)
Naaa Na Na New year song (and every year)
Naaa Na Na New year song (singing and dancing)
Naaa Na Na New year song (Have a great year!)
The lyrics to Marvin & Johnny's song "Happy New Year" encourage listeners to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. The countdown from 10 to 1 signals the start of the new year and a fresh start. The repetition of "Naaa Na Na" creates a celebratory and upbeat atmosphere that is typical of New Year's Eve parties.
The lyrics also emphasize the importance of memories and experiences, both good and bad. The questions "Can you remember times when you laughed and smiled?" and "What about the tears?" prompt listeners to recall their emotions and experiences from the past year. By acknowledging and reflecting on the past, the song encourages listeners to appreciate the present and look forward to the future.
Overall, "Happy New Year" is a joyful and optimistic song that celebrates the passing of time and the opportunities that lie ahead. It is a reminder to be grateful for the past and hopeful for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
10, 9, 8 , 7 , 6 , 5, 4, 3 , 2, 1
Counting down the seconds that mark the end of another year and the beginning of a new one
Happy New Year!
A greeting to celebrate the arrival of a new year, filled with good wishes for all
Naaa Na Na Naaa Na Na New year song
A melody to capture the spirit and joy of the holiday season, as people come together to ring in the new year
Thinking about the future and the year that's gone
Reflecting on the past year and considering what might be in store for the future, as people take stock of their lives and make resolutions for the coming year
It's New Year!
A reminder of the holiday that brings people together from all corners of the world to celebrate the turning of the calendar and the arrival of new opportunities
How was it for you?
An invitation to share stories about the past year's triumphs, struggles, loves, and losses, as people listen to each other with open hearts and minds
Can you remember times when you laughed and smiled?
A question that captures the joy and happiness that can be found in even the toughest times, as people look back on the good times shared with friends and family
Can you remember who you were with?
An invitation to cherish the memories of those who were part of our lives in the past year, as we take stock of who has touched our lives and made them better
What about the tears? It's important to remember those, too
A gentle reminder that the past year may have been a mix of laughter and tears, and that both are important to acknowledge and honor as we move forward
So, we look to the past and try and make some sense of it
A statement that captures the idea of reflecting on the past year and trying to learn from it, as we try to make sense of what has happened and how we can grow from our experiences
But New Year is also about looking forward... to the 365 days of the next year
A reminder that the new year is full of possibilities and that we can look ahead with hope and optimism, as we anticipate the adventures that lie ahead
And we think about what we might do and what life might have in store for us
An expression of the excitement and anticipation that comes with the beginning of a new year, as we dream about what we want to achieve and what we hope will happen in the year ahead
But sometimes, things happen, and our plans change
A recognition of the fact that life is unpredictable and that the best-laid plans sometimes go awry, as we acknowledge that we can't control everything that happens to us
and we have to bend and twist like trees in the breeze
An analogy that captures the idea of resilience and flexibility, as we adapt to new situations and respond to changes in our lives
Who knows what this New Year will bring?
An acknowledgement of the mystery and uncertainty that comes with the beginning of a new year, as we wonder what surprises and challenges lie ahead
I just hope that whatever happens, we can all keep singing together
An expression of the desire to stay connected and united with the people we care about, no matter what happens in the year ahead
(You've got it)
An encouraging statement to remind people that they're doing a great job and to keep going
(Keep singing)
An invitation to keep the festive spirit going and to keep enjoying the festivities
(OK. Let's do the countdown)
An invitation to count down the seconds to midnight and to ring in the new year in style
(Nice and loud!)
An encouragement to sing out and celebrate with enthusiasm and energy
(Let me hear you voice)
An invitation to participate and share in the festivities, as people join together to celebrate the new year
(Clapping your hands)
An instruction to join in the fun and participate in the celebration, as people clap their hands to the beat of the music
(moving your body)
An invitation to dance and move with the music, as people let loose and celebrate the new year
(A song for new year)
A description of the festive tune being played, designed to lift people's spirits and fill them with joy and happiness
(and every year)
An expression of the timeless nature of the festive song, which can be enjoyed year after year as a reminder of the joys of the season
(singing and dancing)
An instruction and an invitation to join in the festivities and fully embrace the spirit of the season
(Have a great year!)
A final message of good wishes and hope for the year ahead, as people wish each other happiness, health, and success in the coming year.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Liam Maloy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell & Both]
Listen, baby
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Don't worry, baby
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
Cause, baby, there
[Chorus: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell]
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
[Verse 2: Marvin Gaye, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell]
Remember the day I set you free
I told you you could always count on me, darling
From that day on, I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me, someway, somehow
Oh, baby, there
[Chorus: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell]
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
[Bridge: Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell & Both]
Oh no, darling
No wind, no rain
Or winter's cold
Can stop me, baby (No, no baby)
Cause you are my goal
If you're ever in trouble
I'll be there on the double
Just send for me, oh, baby, ha
[Verse 3: Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye & Both]
My love is alive (Woo)
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can
Don't you know that there
[Chorus: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Tammi Terrell]
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, baby
Don't you know that there
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
@ayiti4009
Who is here with me now in 2024? 😏😝
@patriciamalloy9922
2022!!?
I'm here and going strong in 2023...
Heading into 2024!!
@justforfun538
@@patriciamalloy9922me 2🎉
@unequelyusshop5201
Came here 2023. His daughter posted on FB about Terri and her father had such a great chemistry
@ayiti4009
@@unequelyusshop5201 awwww thats amazing🥰
@pierrechosenone8925
We in it !
@adrienneflowersscott9290
Hard to believe that Tammi was only 21 when she recorded this song and three years later she would be gone. 😢 Such a beautiful song. RIP Tammi and Marvin
@Jeffro5564
Marvin was devastated cos she was his muse
@Slayanimations
What does muse mean tho
@deidresable
Moose@@Slayanimations