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Backstory: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

By on February 3, 2024

Ain’t No Mountain is a classic soul song that expresses the power of love and devotion. The song was written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, a married couple who also wrote many hits for Motown Records. (Solid… Solid like a Rock” )

The song was first recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967, and became a huge success, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was inspired by Ashford’s experience of moving to New York City and feeling lonely and homesick.

By Tamla (Billboard, page 1, 27 April 1974) via Wikimedia Commons

Marvin’s version begins with “Ain’t no mountain high, ain’t no valley low….

The song was later covered by many artists, including Diana Ross, who released her version in 1970 as a solo single after leaving The Supremes. Her version was more upbeat and disco-oriented, and became an even bigger hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning her a Grammy nomination. Her version also featured a spoken intro, where she dedicated the song to the fans who supported her throughout her career.

Many people didn’t know that it was the same song, because Ms. Ross’ version began with the spoken phrase, “If you need me, call me……….. no matter where you are……… no matter how far…

Photo of Diana Ross in Concert 2015
File Photo: Diana Ross performs at the Ruth Eckard Hall in Clearwater, FLorida in 2015. Photo by permission, Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com

Ain’t No Mountain is a song that celebrates the strength and resilience of love, and has been used in many movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song is considered one of the greatest duets of all time, and one of the signature songs of both Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Taste it again, for the first time..

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