Thursday April 16, 2020 “Dancing in the Streets” Martha and the Vandellas

Last dancing for us was when we did the tighten up with Archie Bell and the Drells so it’s time to get moving again, this time with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. I always knew what a Martha Reeves was but never really gave much thought to what a Vandella might be, so I hit the www only to find out that it is a dream invading demon or vampire. Yikes!

This number two hit in 1964 was co-written by Marvin Gaye, I suspect we may get to him soon, and the band that backed up Martha and her dream demons was the Motown house band known as the Funk Brothers. If you haven’t watched *Standing in the Shadows of Motown*, the video about this amazing band that played uncredited on hundreds of hit songs, now is a great time to do so.

As Martha suggests 'all we need is music, sweet, sweet music and there’ll be swinging, swaying and records playing' even if it’s only in our homes for now. And just like Dick Clark says in the video, a lot of people have done this song but it never sounds quite like their version.

Stay safe and well…and limber.

Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street

They're dancing in Chicago (dancing in the street)
Down in New Orleans (dancing in the street)
In New York City (dancing in the street)All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swinging, swaying, and records playing
Dancing in the street

Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Everywhere around the world

They'll be dancing (dancing in the street)
They're dancing in the street (dancing in the street)It's an invitation across the nation
A chance for folks to meet
There'll be laughing, singing, and music swinging
Dancing in the street

Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)
Baltimore and D.C. now (dancing in the street)
Can't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street)All we need is music, sweet music (sweet music)
There'll be music everywhere (everywhere)
There'll be swinging, swaying, and records playing
Dancing in the street

Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Everywhere around the world

They're dancing
They're dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Way down in L.A. (dancing in the street)
Every day, they're dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Let's form a big, strong line (dancing in the street)
Get in time, we're dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Across the ocean blue (dancing in the street)
Me and you, we're dancing in the street (dancing in the street)