- 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 theBahamas . The song was featured on Palmer's album "Clues" (1980). "Johnny and Mary" only went to #44 on theUK Singles Chart [cite book|title=Guinness British Hit Singles|editor=O'Brien, Karen|publisher=Guinness Publishing Ltd.|location=London|date=1999|edition=12th|pages=p.317|isbn=085112092X] , but did reach #18 on Billboard'sClub Play Singles chart. [http://wm08.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kifoxqr5ld6e~T51]"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-newRenault Clio .Allmusic notes that "Johnny and Mary" had to be the inspiration forRod Stewart 's later hit "Young Turks".Cover versions
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Status Quo covered the song for their 1996 album "Don't Stop)"
* The track was also covered by British rock band Placebo as aB-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 throughAlmighty Records in 2003
* Other artists who have covered the song include Leigh Jaeger,Tina Turner ,Ellen Foley ,The Notwist , andMartin Taylor References
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