Johnny and Mary

"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^[1], but did reach #18 on Billboard's Club Play Singles chart.^[2] In Germany, it peaked at #7 on the singles chart and spent a total of 23 weeks in the Top 20.^[3][4]

"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".

Cover versions

• A German language version, "Johnny und Mary", was released by Anthony Monn
• German band The Notwist covered the song on their 1993 EP Johnny And Mary.
• Status Quo covered the song for their 1996 album Don't Stop
• The track was also covered by British rock band Placebo as a B-side to their 2000 single "Taste in Men" and on their 2003 album Covers
• A dance cover of the song by Nicole Jackson was released through Almighty Records in 2003
• A cover in Swiss German is on the 2008 album Haubi Songs of Züri West
• Nouvelle Vague feat. Ania on their 2009 album 3
• Other artists who have covered the song include Leigh Jaeger, Tina Turner, Ellen Foley, Melissa Manchester and Martin Taylor

References