Cultural Dig Essay

Slaybaugh, Mandyjane

Prof. Hannah 

Intercultural 

3/2022

Cultural Dig

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was performed initially by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye in 1967 through Motown, according to a Wall Street Journal article directed to the song, written by Valerie Simpson and Nickolas Ashford, inspired by the journey to success when Nick walked around the New York skyline, specifically Central Park West. When the two began to pursue writing out the lyrics, the song became a playfully, dedicated love song contributing to, in my opinion, one of the most prolific songs for loved ones to share. The music has been time capsuled and remixed by the greats such as The Supremes and then into the lungs of Miss Diana Ross once she went solo. It gained popularity through pop and soul music, hitting the Billboards Number One in 1970. The song speaks to how unconditional love is and encompasses the journey.

Before my dad got custody, I was in over twenty different foster care, my grandmother’s home, and state living homes when safe enough. This song became my legacy by finding these lyrics’ strength, perseverance, and solace. ‘Remember the day I set you free - I told you, you could always count on me, darling - And from - that day on, I made a vow - I'll be there when you want me some way, somehow.’ Developing a connection to music has been the most effective therapy. On the way to school with my dad in the mornings, we would pop one of the many cassette tapes of classic rock n’roll, 50’s, 60’s music and set the theme for the day. Music is one of my primary cultures as it blends my relationship with my family, travel experiences, and self-reflection. Music does much more for my well-being and can take me places literally, figuratively, and spiritually. 

In particular, classic rock, pop, blues, folk, and soul are a staple in my family, specifically oldies; however, that can be a disfavored term depending upon the age group. My dad is a professional drummer, and my mother was a dancer; my maternal grandmother played mandolin along with multiple string instruments, and a few other family members, including myself. Lyrical music helps me connect wholeheartedly to healing and allows an outlet for thoughts, refreshes, memories, or life experiences that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to move through. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had to tell a story that could fill a romantic connection. However, I experience this song as a connection to anyone I love and a tribute to how I show up for them. 

Hal Leonard’s music publication states, ‘the [instruments used in the performance] three saxes, two trumpets, one trombone, piano, and drums; includes optional parts for flute, clarinet, F horn, and tuba.’ Billboard music with jazz instruments and a deep soul is rare in the 21st century. They sing about a love that is flexible as romantic or in any other matter that love reaches. The writers married together in 1974, a testament to their music writing abilities. The metaphors represent the extent a person will go for the one they love. The chorus, “Ain’t no mountain high enough, Ain’t no valley low enough, Ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you.” An influence of jazz, soul, and pop affixes the 60s-70s music culture—a time when music acted as glue through a draft, cultural revolution, and civil rights movement. About Karaoke, this is my go-to song, of course, but since my vocal range cannot reach the levels of Ms.Tammi Terrell or Diana Ross, I try to mimic Marvin Gaye’s B Minor, one of the top used keys for music (Hook Theory). 

A time and place shape the words in a lyrical piece. I sing it to the littles I nanny, my god-children, nieces and nephews, my whole family, and my friends as a timeless montage. This song is a clear, relatable message and easy to listen to regardless of the generation. 

Works Cited

HalLeonard.com. “Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Discovery Jazz.” Hal Leonard Online,  

https://www.halleonard.com/product/7470733/aint-no-mountain-high-enough. Web Accessed Mar 7, 2022

Hook Theory. “Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell Chords and 

  Melody.” Hooktheory, https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/marvin-gaye-and-tammi-terrell/aint-no-mountain-high-enough. Web Accessed Mar 7, 2022

Myers, Marc. “The Story behind 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough.” The Wall Street Journal,

 Dow Jones & Company, 29 Jan. 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-story-behind-aint-no-mountain-high-enough-1517235736 Accessed Mar 5, 2022

Ain't No Mountain High Enough (extra HQ) - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell