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.
I Wanna
Marvin & Johnny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I gotta be where you are, oh
I want to be where you are, ooh yeah
Ooh, I've got to be where you are
Ah
Ooh
Goodnight little Frankie, Nona
'Night, little Marvin
I love you all
I'll always love you, Janis
I want to be where you are, ah
I've got to be where you are, baby
Oh, my children, I'll always be where you are
Oh
The lyrics to Marvin & Johnny's song "I Wanna" depict a deep longing and desire to be in the presence of someone they love. The repetition of the phrases "I wanna be where you are" and "I gotta be where you are" emphasize the urgency and importance of being near this person. The use of the term "baby" suggests a romantic relationship, indicating that the singer yearns to be by their lover's side.
The lyrics also express a sense of devotion and commitment. The line "I'll always love you, Janis" showcases a lasting love for someone named Janis. This suggests that the singer is deeply connected to this person and will continue to love them indefinitely. The inclusion of names like Frankie, Nona, and Marvin further reinforces the theme of love and affection for family members or loved ones.
The chorus of the song expresses a strong desire to be close to the person they love. The repetition of "I wanna be where you are" and "I've got to be where you are" emphasizes the all-encompassing need to be near this individual. It symbolizes a craving for their presence, suggesting that the singer feels incomplete without them. This longing and yearning for closeness can be interpreted as a portrayal of love's power and its ability to shape one's emotions.
The lyrics also allude to the idea of finding solace and happiness in the presence of the person they love. The lines "Oh, my children, I'll always be where you are" convey a sense of protection and support. It suggests that being in the presence of loved ones, specifically their children, brings the singer comfort and fulfillment. Overall, the lyrics of "I Wanna" convey a deep emotional connection and a strong longing to be in the presence of someone they love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Ross, Leon Ware
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aileen
They must play Frankie Marvin in my funeral because they must play music who did me happy. When I hear Frankie and also Johnny I’m 150% happy and get very good feelings. Music of hitlist today makes me very depressed. I can’t hear it. I can’t live every day in big depression rest of my life.
Billy
Very great hear the Marvin brothers in this so great song. They was two very great and very talented singers.
Jawahar Singh
"I wanna live when I am living, I want my boots on when I die"
Awesome song :-)
Aileen
Jawahar Singh I want to die when I listen to Frankie or Johnny so I can died happy.
Billy
Ada Jones fan When You are a old lady
Wandering Monk
AWESOME LYRICS AND BEAUTIFUL FEELING..... typical cowboy song :-)
Billy
I have heard Johnny sing this song solo here on Youtube
mrblindfreddy9999
i have this song can't hear frankie singing on this one
Billy
@mrblindfreddy9999 Frankie maybe playd guitar here
Aileen
My friend Beauty have talk with Frankie Marvin. She said he was a very nice man. She ask for his autogaph. He said if I get your you get mine. Beauty said ok.