Abraham, Martin and John
"Abraham, Martin and John" is a 1968 song written by Dick Holler. It was first recorded by Dion, in a version that was a substantial North American chart hit in 1968–1969. Near-simultaneous cover versions by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Moms Mabley also charted in the U.S. in 1969, and a version that same year by Marvin Gaye became the hit version in the UK. It was also a hit as part of a medley (with "What the World Needs Now Is Love") for Tom Clay in 1971, and has subsequently been recorded by many other artists.
"Abraham, Martin and John" | ||||
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Side A of US single | ||||
Single by Dion | ||||
from the album Dion | ||||
B-side | "Daddy Rollin' (In Your Arms)" | |||
Released | August 1968 | |||
Recorded | Allegro Sound Studios; Engineer Bruce Staple | |||
Genre | Folk rock | |||
Length | 3:15 | |||
Label | Laurie | |||
Songwriter(s) | Dick Holler | |||
Producer(s) | Phil Gernhard | |||
Dion singles chronology | ||||
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"Abraham, Martin and John" | ||||
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Single by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles | ||||
from the album Time Out for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles | ||||
B-side | "Much Better Off" | |||
Released | May 9, 1969 | |||
Recorded | 1969 | |||
Studio | Motown | |||
Genre | R&B | |||
Length | 2:51 | |||
Label | Tamla | |||
Songwriter(s) | Dick Holler | |||
Producer(s) | Smokey Robinson | |||
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles singles chronology | ||||
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"Abraham, Martin and John" | |
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Single by Moms Mabley | |
from the album Abraham, Martin & John | |
B-side | "Sunny" |
Released | June 1969 |
Recorded | 1969 |
Genre | Easy listening |
Length | 3:48 |
Label | Mercury |
Songwriter(s) | Dick Holler |
Producer(s) | Barry Oslander |
The song itself is a tribute to the memory of four assassinated Americans, all icons of social change: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. It was written in response to the assassination of King and that of Robert Kennedy in April and June 1968, respectively.