CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#24 AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH
DIANA ROSS
(1970)
Writers: Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
For this Top 2000 listing, I have restricted the songs to just 1 version, even though some tracks may have a few interpretations that I also enjoy. The sole exception is "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Elsewhere, the magical duet recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is also included. But that- the original- take is vastly different to the Diana Ross version; also released by Motown Records.
Ross had previously recorded the song while still a member of The Supremes. The trio's version was a collaboration with The Temptations. This was released in 1968 on the 'Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations' album. The following year, it was announced that Ross was quitting the girl group.
The Supremes continued without its lead vocalist. With new member Jean Terrell, the trio enjoyed further chart success. Ross' solo career was launched with the single "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)" in early 1970. That disc did not meet the high expectations Motown had for its star. The single only peaked at #20 Pop and 7 R&B in the USA. It seemed that Ross' solo career was going to struggle compared to her former group's 1970 success.
Married songwriters Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson selected "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for inclusion on Ross' debut solo album. The singer was not keen on the idea at first because the Gaye - Terrell duet had been a hit just 3 years prior. They convinced her to record the track. The couple produced Ross' version and Paul Riser created a completely different arrangement for the remake.
If Motown had been concerned before, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" quelled the label's fears. Ross achieved her 1st (official) solo #1. The single topped the US Pop and R&B charts. It also peaked at #6 on the American AC chart. In Britain and Canada, the disc reached the Top 10.
Ross had previously recorded the song while still a member of The Supremes. The trio's version was a collaboration with The Temptations. This was released in 1968 on the 'Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations' album. The following year, it was announced that Ross was quitting the girl group.
The Supremes continued without its lead vocalist. With new member Jean Terrell, the trio enjoyed further chart success. Ross' solo career was launched with the single "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)" in early 1970. That disc did not meet the high expectations Motown had for its star. The single only peaked at #20 Pop and 7 R&B in the USA. It seemed that Ross' solo career was going to struggle compared to her former group's 1970 success.
Married songwriters Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson selected "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for inclusion on Ross' debut solo album. The singer was not keen on the idea at first because the Gaye - Terrell duet had been a hit just 3 years prior. They convinced her to record the track. The couple produced Ross' version and Paul Riser created a completely different arrangement for the remake.
If Motown had been concerned before, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" quelled the label's fears. Ross achieved her 1st (official) solo #1. The single topped the US Pop and R&B charts. It also peaked at #6 on the American AC chart. In Britain and Canada, the disc reached the Top 10.
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.
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