Marv Johnson
Marv Johnson was an influential American R&B singer, songwriter, and pianist pivotal to Motown's early days. Born Marvin Earl Johnson on October 15, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, he passed away on May 16, 1993, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Johnson grew up in Detroit immersed in gospel, blues, and doo-wop. He sang with the Junior Serenaders in the mid-1950s and played piano, blending those influences into his style.
Discovered by Berry Gordy at a record store or carnival, Johnson recorded "Come to Me," co-written with Gordy, as Tamla Records' first single in 1959 (Tamla 101). Licensed to United Artists, it hit #6 on the R&B chart and #30 on the Hot 100, kickstarting Motown.
Johnson signed with United Artists, releasing hits like "You Got What It Takes" (#2 R&B, #9 Hot 100 in 1959) and "Ain't Nothin' Like a Big Eyed Girl." He rejoined Motown in 1964 as artist, writer, and producer, charting minor hits like "I Miss You Baby" (#39 R&B, 1966). Later roles included sales, promotion, and songwriting for artists like The Dells and Tyrone Davis.
His track "I'll Pick a Rose for My Rose" (1968) became a UK #10 Northern soul hit in 1969. In the 1980s-1990s, he released singles on Ian Levine's Motorcity Records. Inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2015, Johnson enjoyed more success abroad than in the US.
I Believe
A2 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 4:03
A3 How Long Has It Been Since You Prayed 4:02
A4 He's Got The Whole World In His Hands 2:59
A5 I Believe 2:08
A6 Ride The Chariot 2:12
B1 He Gave Me You 2:34
B2 You Better Mind 2:29
B3 When I've Done The Best I Can 4:25
B4 I'm Going To Work Until The Day Is Done 2:29
B5 If I Can Help Somebody 3:50
B6 Everytime I Feel The Spirit 2:15
Label: United Artists Records – UAS 6187
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: R&B Gospel
Style: Gospel
Marv Johnson's I Believe album marked his departure from early Motown success, returning to gospel roots with producer George Fowler, away from Berry Gordy's direct influence, offering a chance for his voice to shine but often struggling with strained falsetto and weak delivery, described by some as a less successful, chaotic effort compared to his later Motown work, though still showcasing his vocal talent.
Handled by George Fowler, it aimed for a different sound than the burgeoning Motown style.
Reviews note Johnson's voice often strains for notes, becoming weak by the end, with some critics finding it a poor performance, while others appreciate the raw emotion.
Released when his Motown connection was fading, it's seen as a transitional or less polished work, especially compared to his subsequent return to Motown later.
While it allowed Johnson's voice to be heard, it's often viewed as an underwhelming or messy record that doesn't match the quality of his future Motown releases.
It's considered a significant shift from his prior United Artists albums, highlighting his vocal ability but also its limitations on that particular project.
In Summary, I Believe is a religiously themed album that let Marv Johnson's voice take center stage but is generally regarded as a weak, strained, and chaotic release, lacking the polish and strength of his later, iconic Motown recordings.
I’ll Pick A Rose For My Rose
Written-By – Dean, Johnson, Weatherspoon
2:38
A2 I'm Not A Plaything
Written-By – Bradford, Johnson
2:09
A3 Just The Way You Are
Written-By – Johnson
2:43
A4 Sleep (Little One)
Written-By – Hunter, Stevenson
3:08
A5 Bad Girl
Written-By – Gordy, Robinson
3:01
A6 Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues
Written-By – White, Robinson
3:14
B1 So Glad You Chose Me
Written-By – Dean, Bowden, Weatherspoon
2:30
B2 I Wish I Liked You (As Much As I Love You)
Written-By – Lee Lambert, Williams, Gentile
2:42
B3 I Miss You Baby (How I Miss You)
Written-By – Paul, Broadnax
2:47
B4 Why Do You Want To Let Me Go
Written-By – Gordy
2:59
B5 You Got The Love I Love
Written-By – Allen, Johnson
2:32
Label: Tamla Motown – STML 11111
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Marv Johnson's "I’ll Pick a Rose for My Rose" is a notable soul album released in the UK in 1969 by Tamla Motown to capitalize on the title track's Top 10 success in the British charts. Because Johnson struggled to find similar commercial success in the US during this period, the album was never issued in the United States.
The album is highly regarded by Northern Soul enthusiasts for its "ultra-stompy" rhythms and classic Motown arrangements.
Reviews highlight Johnson’s "acidic" yet smooth voice, sitting somewhere between a tenor and countertenor. While some critics have labeled him a "second-string" Motown act compared to legends like Marvin Gaye, most agree his performances on this set are of high quality and characteristic of the label's "Golden Age".
Fans often praise the "brilliant musical arrangements" featuring crisp drums, vibraphones, and backing vocals by The Andantes.
The album consists of recordings made between 1964 and 1971. Standout tracks include:
"I’ll Pick a Rose for My Rose": A smooth, orchestrated track about enduring affection.
"I Miss You Baby (How I Miss You)": A popular dance floor track known for its high energy.
"You Got the Love I Love": Originally the B-side to the title single, frequently cited as a favorite for its soulful lead and "swaggering guitar riff".
"Bad Girl": Co-written by Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.
User reviews across collector platforms consistently rank the album highly:- Discogs: Average ratings range from 4.4 to 4.75 out of 5 across various pressings; Rate Your Music: Critics describe it as a "bomb of classic Motown soul" that is both cheerful and danceable.
In 2011, Kent Records released a remastered CD version that includes the original 11 tracks from the STML 11111 LP plus 15 bonus tracks from the Motown vaults.
I ll Pick A Rose For My Rose