THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.
948-Martha and the Vandellas-Dancing in the Street.
1964-Number 28 single. When reissued in 1969 it peaked at Number 4.
Best Bit-At 1.37.The song was written about the joys of partying outside,well I can vouch that after playing the song at many party’s, it is just as effective indoors.
‘Dancing in the Street’ was co-written by Marvin Gaye, William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter. The idea for the song came from Stevenson, from watching people on the streets of Detroit cool off in the Summer water from opened fire hydrants, they appeared to be dancing in the water.
The song was surrounded by controversy, taking on a different meaning, when riots in the inner-city America led to many young black demonstrators citing the song as a ‘Civil Rights Anthem’ for social change.Martha Reeves strongly refutes any connection between the song and the Civil Rights Movement, and it is also well known that Tamla Motown founder Berry Gordy was extremely wary about affiliating his business with any organisation that might negatively influence his company’s commercial success.
There have been many cover versions of the song, with the most successful being the David Bowie, and Mick Jagger collaboration in order to raise money for the ‘Live Aid’ famine relief cause in 1985.The iconic music video was shown twice during the Live Aid event, helping to significantly boost charitable donations.
‘Can’t forget the Motor City.’
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The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.
For a list of all the best 1000 songs click on the blog at www.barryphilipsdiscos.