Johnny and Mary
Encyclopedia
"Johnny and Mary" is a song written by Robert Palmer and was recorded in 1980 at Compass Point Studios
, New Providence
, in the Bahamas. The song was featured on Palmer's album Clues (1980). "Johnny and Mary" only went to #44 on the UK Singles Chart
, but did reach #18 on Billboard's Club Play Singles chart. In Germany, it peaked at #7 on the singles chart and spent a total of 23 weeks in the Top 20.
"Johnny and Mary" was used as the signature tune in advertisements promoting Renault
cars throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Early adverts used Palmer's original version, while a range of special recordings in different styles were produced during the 1990s; most famously Martin Taylor's acoustic interpretation which he released on his album Spirit of Django. Taylor recorded alternate versions for Renault; the last being in 1998 for the launch of the all-new Renault Clio
.
Allmusic suggests that "Johnny and Mary" was the inspiration for Rod Stewart
's later hit "Young Turks
".
Compass Point Studios
Compass Point Studios were founded in 1977 by Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records.In the late 1970s and mid-1980s, many musical artists from across the world came to the Bahamas to record music at its facilities. Many producers, including Chris Blackwell himself, used the studio to produce...
, New Providence
New Providence
New Providence is the most populous island in the Bahamas, containing more than 70% of the total population. It also houses the national capital city, Nassau.The island was originally under Spanish control following Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World, but the Spanish government showed...
, in the Bahamas. The song was featured on Palmer's album Clues (1980). "Johnny and Mary" only went to #44 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, but did reach #18 on Billboard's Club Play Singles chart. In Germany, it peaked at #7 on the singles chart and spent a total of 23 weeks in the Top 20.
"Johnny and Mary" was used as the signature tune in advertisements promoting Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
cars throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Early adverts used Palmer's original version, while a range of special recordings in different styles were produced during the 1990s; most famously Martin Taylor's acoustic interpretation which he released on his album Spirit of Django. Taylor recorded alternate versions for Renault; the last being in 1998 for the launch of the all-new Renault Clio
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a supermini car produced by the French automobile manufacturer Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation...
.
Allmusic suggests that "Johnny and Mary" was the inspiration for Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
's later hit "Young Turks
Young Turks (song)
"Young Turks" is the title of a song by Rod Stewart that first appeared on his album Tonight I'm Yours. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, at #11 on the UK Singles Chart and #3 in Australia....
".
Cover versions
- A German language version, "Johnny und Mary", was released by Anthony MonnAnthony MonnAnthony Monn a.k.a. Tony Monn is a German singer, composer, and record producer.Monn started his career as a singer in the German schlager genre in the early 1970s...
- German band The NotwistThe NotwistThe Notwist are a German indie rock band. Formed in 1989, the band moved through several musical incarnations despite maintaining a relatively stable lineup...
covered the song on their 1993 EP Johnny And Mary. - Status Quo covered the song for their 1996 album Don't StopDon't Stop (Status Quo album)Don't Stop is the twenty-second studio album by English rock band Status Quo. The album of cover versions includes guest appearances from Tessa Niles on tracks 6 and 14, The Beach Boys on track 1, Brian May of Queen fame on track 7 and Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span fame on track 15.Fun, Fun, Fun,...
- The track was also covered by British rock band PlaceboPlacebo (band)Placebo are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 1994 by singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal. The band was joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and...
as a B-side to their 2000 single "Taste in MenTaste in Men"Taste in Men" is a single by alternative rock band Placebo. Taken from their third album, it reached number 16 in the UK singles chart.-Music video:...
" and on their 2003 album CoversCovers (Placebo album)Covers is a cover album by British alternative rock band Placebo. The album was originally released as a bonus disc with the special edition version of Sleeping with Ghosts on 22 September 2003 through Hut Records and Astralwerks, which has since gone out of print. "Running Up that Hill" is mostly...
- A dance cover of the song by Nicole Jackson was released through Almighty RecordsAlmighty RecordsAlmighty Records is a British recording label and remix production team founded in 1989, releasing their first single in the same year. Producing mainly Dance-Pop and Hi-NRG music, the label is best known for releasing remakes and remixes of mainstream pop songs...
in 2003 - A cover in Swiss GermanSwiss GermanSwiss German is any of the Alemannic dialects spoken in Switzerland and in some Alpine communities in Northern Italy. Occasionally, the Alemannic dialects spoken in other countries are grouped together with Swiss German as well, especially the dialects of Liechtenstein and Austrian Vorarlberg...
is on the 2008 album Haubi Songs of Züri WestZüri WestZüri West is one of Switzerland's best-known rock bands. The majority of their lyrics are written in Bernese German.The name is ironic and refers to Bern as merely being a place west of Zürich or as the westside of Zürich.... - Nouvelle VagueNouvelle Vague (band)Nouvelle Vague is a French musical collective led by musicians Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux. Their name is a play on words, meaning "new wave" in French, and "bossa nova" in Portuguese...
feat. Ania on their 2009 album 3 - Other artists who have covered the song include Leigh Jaeger, Tina TurnerTina TurnerTina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
, Ellen FoleyEllen FoleyEllen Foley is an American singer and actress, who has appeared on Broadway and television, where she co-starred in the sitcom Night Court. In music, she has released three solo albums but is best known for her collaborations with the singer Meat Loaf.- Early life and career :Foley was born in St....
, Melissa ManchesterMelissa ManchesterMelissa Manchester is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Beginning in the 1970s, she has recorded generally in the adult contemporary genre. She has also appeared as an actress on television, in films, and on stage....
and Martin TaylorMartin TaylorMartin Taylor, MBE is a British jazz guitarist who has performed in groups, guitar ensembles and as an accompanist to many of the world’s most famous musicians...