Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)

Last updated
"Up to the Mountain"
Song by Patty Griffin
Written2005
Released2006 (2006)
Genre Contemporary folk
Songwriter(s) Patty Griffin

"Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)" is a contemporary folk song written by Patty Griffin. The song touches upon emotions surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous 1968 "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, given the day before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee. Originally recorded by Solomon Burke in 2006 and Griffin herself in 2007, it has found greater prominence in performances and recordings since then by Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck, Susan Boyle, Crystal Bowersox, and Kree Harrison.

Contents

Patty Griffin original and Solomon Burke recording

The song has been variously described as "gospely" [1] or "folkie spiritual". [2] In writing about King, Griffin followed other songwriters, such as U2 with "Pride (In the Name of Love)" and "MLK", James Taylor with "Shed a Little Light", and Stevie Wonder, whose song "Happy Birthday" about King provided a boost in bringing about the Martin Luther King Jr. Day national holiday. Griffin's take on King uses visual, naturalistic imagery to describe various states of mind expressed in the speech, but with a generality that could extend to other contexts as well:

Some days I look down,
Afraid I will fall—
And though the sun shines ...
I see nothing at all.

"Up to the Mountain" first appeared in public during Griffin's concert appearances in the spring of 2005; she has performed it both with her own acoustic guitar accompaniment and also with a band member's electric guitar. Based upon a rough demo, [1] it was suggested to and selected by soul artist Solomon Burke (who had known King) for recording on his September 2006 album Nashville. Griffin participated in the recording, singing a backup part; she later said, "He sang it ten times I think, and I could tell when he got his take—little chills came on my arms." [3]

Griffin recorded it herself officially in a slow rendition built around Ian McLagan's piano, with an accompanying string section, which appeared on her February 2007 album Children Running Through . [4] It was praised by Slant Magazine for being "reverent and inspired without ever becoming over-the-top or heavy-handed," [1] while a BBC review said it had "a feel of cinematic grandness." [5] Thom Jurek of Allmusic stated that Griffin "carries [King]'s inspiration in the grain of her voice" and complimented her respectful and unassuming singing. [4]

Kelly Clarkson performance

"Up to the Mountain"
Promotional single by Kelly Clarkson featuring Jeff Beck
ReleasedApril 26, 2007
Recorded2007
Genre Pop
Length3:32
Label RCA/19
Songwriter(s) Patty Griffin

"Up to the Mountain" gained visibility through a live rendition by Kelly Clarkson, featuring intertwined electric guitar by Jeff Beck, on an April 25, 2007 charity episode of the sixth season of American Idol, entitled 'Idol Gives Back'. [6] The event was dedicated to poverty relief in Africa and in Hurricane Katrina-related areas in the United States. This event came in the middle of Clarkson's artistic struggle with her record company and management; [2] they wanted her to promote her new single "Never Again", while she thought to do so at a charity event would be "beyond crass". [2] Clarkson—an avowed Griffin fan [3] —instead picked "Up to the Mountain". The audience gave the song and the performance a standing ovation; Beck subsequently said, "[she has] this fully developed soul voice that I wasn't expecting. It just knocked me out. It was quite riveting to listen to. At one point, the audience started to stand up. They were so moved by her." [2] Idol judge Simon Cowell stated the performance was the best of the show. [2]

A live recording of the Clarkson-Beck performance was made available for download on iTunes shortly after being broadcast on television and "Up To The Mountain" entered the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 56. This became the highest chart placement for a Griffin song. [6] Clarkson added the song to the setlist for her 2007 My December Tour, and sang it together with Reba McEntire on the pair's 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour in 2008.

The song was also included on Scottish singer Susan Boyle's November 2009 debut album, I Dreamed a Dream , [7] which became the biggest-selling album in the world for that year. [8] She commented regarding her choice of the song: "Reassurance, love and the ability to keep going no matter what 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' life throws at you.... God is our Light." [9]

Chart

Chart (2007)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 [10] 56

Crystal Bowersox version

"Up to the Mountain"
Single by Crystal Bowersox
ReleasedMay 28, 2010 (2010-05-28)
Recorded2010
Genre Alternative rock
Length3:53
Label 19 Recordings
Songwriter(s) Patty Griffin
Crystal Bowersox singles chronology
"Up to the Mountain"
(2010)		"Farmer's Daughter"
(2010)

The song's Idol visibility continued in May 2010, when Crystal Bowersox performed it as her potential "coronation song" in the final round of American Idol season 9. [7] [11] Her performance of "Up to the Mountain" was well-received, both on the show—judge Randy Jackson characterized it as "an amazing song by an amazing singer" and Cowell said "that was by far the best performance and the song of the night"—and off—MTV said she showed an unmistakable connection to the lyric, while The Boston Globe said her performance of this "great song" was the night's only true highlight. [7] [11]

After Bowersox finished up as runner-up to Lee DeWyze, her recording of "Up to the Mountain" was released as a single on May 28, 2010. [12]

Chart performance

Chart (2010)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [13] 47
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [14] 57

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>American Idol</i> American singing competition

American Idol is an American singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It aired on Fox from June 11, 2002, to April 7, 2016, for 15 seasons. It was on hiatus for two years until March 11, 2018, when a revival of the series began airing on ABC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Clarkson</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1982)

Kelly Brianne is an American singer, songwriter, television personality, and author. She rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA Records. Her debut single, "A Moment Like This", topped the US Billboard Hot 100, and became the country's best-selling single of 2002. It was included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), which entered the Billboard 200 at number one, and also yielded the top-10 single "Miss Independent". Trying to reinvent her image, Clarkson parted ways with Idol management and shifted to pop rock for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). Supported by four US top-ten singles – the title track, "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes", and "Because of You" – Breakaway sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.

Tamyra Monica Gray is an American actress, singer and songwriter, who finished fourth place on the first season of the musical reality competition American Idol in 2002. Post American Idol, Gray has begun acting on Broadway and television. She had a recurring role on the third season of the drama series Boston Public in early 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patty Griffin</span> American singer-songwriter and musician

Patricia Jean Griffin is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is a vocalist and plays guitar and piano. She is known for her stripped-down songwriting style in the folk music genre. Her songs have been covered by numerous musicians, including Emmylou Harris, Ellis Paul, Kelly Clarkson, Rory Block, Dave Hause, Sugarland, Bette Midler and The Chicks.

<i>Breakaway</i> (Kelly Clarkson album) 2004 studio album by Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway is the second studio album by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson, released on November 30, 2004, by RCA Records. The album is the follow-up to her successful debut album, Thankful (2003). Breakaway sees Clarkson collaborating with various producers and songwriters for the first time, primarily Dr. Luke, Max Martin, John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, Ben Moody, and David Hodges; the latter two are former members of American rock band Evanescence. Despite the established commercial success of Thankful, music critics still continued to typecast Clarkson as an American Idol winner and were also critical of her attempts of establishing a commercial appeal on her own. Wanting to stray from those, she was convinced by Davis to work with Dr. Luke and Martin in Stockholm, and with Moody and Hodges in Los Angeles, in pursuit of a pop rock direction. This also led her to part ways with her manager Simon Fuller and hire the management services of Jeff Kwatinetz before the album's release. Breakaway is primarily a pop rock record with elements of rock and soul music, marking a departure from the R&B-oriented sound of Thankful; its lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, love, and escapism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2004 song by Kelly Clarkson

"Breakaway" is a power ballad song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The song, written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne, was originally intended for Lavigne's debut studio album, Let Go (2002). After being deemed unsuitable for the album, it was passed to Clarkson to be recorded as a soundtrack for the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Clarkson, who was finishing her second studio album at that time, recorded "Breakaway" to tide her fans over until the first single from her new album was released. However, the song's success prompted its inclusion on Clarkson's second album, while the record label decided to name the album after the song. "Breakaway" was first released as the first single from The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack on July 19, 2004. In May 2006, "Breakaway" was reissued as the fifth and final single from the album of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Because of You (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2005 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Because of You" is a song recorded by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). It was written by Clarkson along with its producers David Hodges and Ben Moody, both from Evanescence. It was released on August 16, 2005, by RCA Records, as the third single from Breakaway. Clarkson originally wrote "Because of You" when she was 16 years old to cope with the emotional distress caused by her parents' divorce. She wanted the song to be included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), but her record label rejected the song. She then polished the song with Hodges and Moody before successfully convincing her label to include it on Breakaway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Clarkson discography</span>

American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson has released ten studio albums, eight extended plays, one compilation album, one remix album, and 55 singles. In 2002, she won the inaugural season of the television competition American Idol and was immediately signed to a recording deal with 19 Recordings, and RCA Records. She made her chart debut in September 2002 with the double A-side single "Before Your Love"/"A Moment Like This", latter of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and eventually became the year's best-selling single in the United States. Her debut album, Thankful, was released in April 2003 and entered the US Billboard 200 chart at number one. Thankful produced the hit lead single "Miss Independent" and was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sober (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2007 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Sober" is a song recorded by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson taken from her third studio album, My December (2007). The song served as the album's second single on June 12, 2007, through 19 Recordings and RCA Records. Clarkson wrote it after her friend Calamity McEntire, who receives a songwriting credit, gave her the line "pick her weeds and keep the flowers", with additional writing by Aben Eubanks and Jimmy Messer, production by David Kahne, and co-production by Messer and Jason Halbert. "Sober" is an alternative rock song, with lyrics that use addiction as a metaphor for a relationship, evolving around the line "Three months and I'm still sober".

<i>Children Running Through</i> 2007 studio album by Patty Griffin

Children Running Through is Patty Griffin's sixth commercially released album, and fifth studio album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melinda Doolittle</span> American singer

Melinda Marie Doolittle is an American singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season of American Idol. Prior to her appearance on American Idol, Doolittle worked as a professional back-up singer for, among others, Michael McDonald, Kirk Franklin, Aaron Neville, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Alabama, Jonny Lang, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Carman, and Anointed.

<i>My December</i> 2007 studio album by Kelly Clarkson

My December is the third studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The album was released on June 22, 2007, through RCA Records. Clarkson confirmed the name of the album in her journal on her fanclub website on February 27, 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My December Tour</span> 2007–08 concert tour by Kelly Clarkson

The My December Tour was the fourth headlining concert tour by American pop rock recording artist Kelly Clarkson, and followed the release Clarkson's third studio album, My December (2007). Originally a large-scale summer tour timed to coincide with the June 2007 availability of the album, public career battles and poor ticket sales in North America led Clarkson to cancel it before it began. A considerably smaller-scale tour commenced in September 2007 and ran to April 2008, with the international legs in Europe and Australia remaining at arena venues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brooke White</span> American musician

Brooke Elizabeth White is an American folk-pop singer-songwriter and actress who was the fifth place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. In 2005, White released her first studio album, called Songs from the Attic.

The ninth season of American Idol premiered on Fox on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, and concluded on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, and Randy Jackson returned as judges and were joined by Ellen DeGeneres, who was brought on as a replacement for Paula Abdul after a series of guest judges filled in during the auditions. Idol Gives Back also returned on April 21, 2010. The top 24 semifinal format used in the fourth through seventh seasons also returned this season. Cowell, DioGuardi, and DeGeneres all left the show after this season, although only Cowell's departure was announced in advance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crystal Bowersox</span> American singer-songwriter and actress (born 1985)

Crystal Lynn Bowersox is an American singer, songwriter and actress who was the runner-up on the ninth season of American Idol. She was the first female finalist in three years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Idols Live! Tour 2010</span> 2010 summer concert tour

The American Idols Live! Tour 2010 was a summer concert tour in the United States and Canada that featured the Top 10 contestants of the ninth season of American Idol. The 44 date tour started in Auburn Hills and ended in Indianapolis.

<i>Farmers Daughter</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Crystal Bowersox

Farmer's Daughter is the debut album of American Idol season nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox. It was released on December 14, 2010, through Jive Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piece by Piece (song)</span> 2015 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Piece by Piece" is a song written by American singer Kelly Clarkson taken from her seventh studio album of the same name. She co-wrote the track with songwriter Jennifer Garduno and with producer Greg Kurstin. A midtempo pop song about restoring someone's faith in love and family relationships, Clarkson promulgated "Piece by Piece" as a sequel to the song "Because of You" (2004) but with a "happy ending". After a discussion with her sister about their family life, she introspectively co-wrote the song in a first-person narrative to her father, whose neglect of his family was used as a juxtaposition to her then-husband Brandon Blackstock's unconditional love for her and their daughter, whom they both promised to never abandon.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Keefe, Jonathan (March 5, 2007). "Music Review: Patty Griffin: Children Running Through". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved June 29, 2007.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Glock, Allison (June 6, 2007). "Rebel Yell". Elle . Archived from the original on July 10, 2007. Retrieved June 29, 2007.
  3. 1 2 Gonulsen, Jason (February 19, 2007). "Features – Patty Griffin: Sun Shining Through". Glide Magazine . Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2007.
  4. 1 2 Jurek, Thom. "Children Running Through – Review". Allmusic . Retrieved December 27, 2009.
  5. ↑ Groom, Helen (March 12, 2007). "Folk and Country Review – Patty Griffin, Children Running Through". BBC . Retrieved June 29, 2007.
  6. 1 2 Gross, Joe (June 9, 2007). "The Songwriter's songwriter". Austin American-Statesman . Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2007.
  7. 1 2 3 Ditzian, Eric (May 25, 2010). "Crystal Bowersox's 'Up To The Mountain': Behind The 'American Idol' Cover". MTV News . Retrieved May 26, 2010.
  8. ↑ "'American Idol's' Future 'Guaranteed' Sans Cowell". Broadway World. January 20, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  9. ↑ Hutt, Brian (November 17, 2009). "Faith 'is the backbone of who I am', says Boyle". Christian Today . London. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  11. 1 2 Rodham, Sarah (May 25, 2010). "'Idol' Recap – Top Two – A 'Beautiful Day' for Lee? Or a trip to the 'Mountain'-top for Crystal?". The Boston Globe . Retrieved May 26, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Crystal signs record deal". The Sandusky Register . May 28, 2010. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Crystal Bowersox Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  14. ↑ Trust, Gary (June 3, 2010). "Chart Beat Thursday: Lee & Crystal Rock On". Billboard . Retrieved June 3, 2010.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.