1-2-3

Len Barry

About 1-2-3

"1 - 2 - 3" is a 1965 song recorded by American blue-eyed soul singer Len Barry, who co-wrote the song with John Medora and David White. The recording's chorus and accompaniment were arranged by Jimmy Wisner. The single was released in 1965 on the American Decca label. The writers were sued by Motown Records at the time, claiming that the song is a reworking of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Ask Any Girl" released by The Supremes as the B-side to their single "Baby Love" the year before. They denied the claim, but after two years of litigation, agreed to give the Motown writers 15% of the song's writing and publishing royalties. Holland-Dozier-Holland are listed as co-authors by BMI. The personnel on the original recording included Vinnie Bell, Bobby Eli, and Sal Ditroia on guitar, Joe Macho on bass, Artie Butler on percussion, Leon Huff on piano, Artie Kaplan on sax, Bill Tole and Roswell Rudd on trombone, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Fred Hubbard on clarinet, and Bobby Gregg on drums."1-2-3" reached number two in the US Billboard chart, ("I Hear a Symphony" by The Supremes kept it from the number one spot). "1-2-3" also went to number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart. Overseas, the song peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. In addition, it was also a Top 10 hit in both Australia, where it went to number seven, and in Ireland, where it went to number eight. 


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1-2-3, oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be
C'mon, let's fall in love, it's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby
A-B-B (A-B-C) fallin' in love with you was easy for me (easy for me)

And you can do it, too, it's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby
Baby, there's nothin' hard about love
Basically, it's as easy as pie

The hard part is livin' without love
Without your love, baby, I would die
It's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby, yay

One and one are two (one and one are two)
I know you love me and oh,oh, how I love you (how I love you)
Don't try to fight it 'cause it's easy (it's so easy)
Like takin' candy (like takin' candy) from a baby, yay

1-2-3 (1-2-3) oh, that's how elementary it's gonna be (it's gonna be)
C'mon, let's fall in love, it's easy (1-2-3)

Oh, that's how elementary

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Len Barry

Len Barry (born Leonard Borisoff, June 12, 1942, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States) is a retired American vocalist, songwriter and record producer. more »

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Written by: Leonard Borisoff, David White, John Madara

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Date of Release
"1-2-3" was released by Len Barry in 1965.
Performance
It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart.
Genre
The song best fits into the genre of blue-eyed soul, a term used for rhythm and blues or soul music performed by white artists.
Collaboration
Barry co-wrote "1-2-3" with John Madara and David White.
Grammy Nomination
The song earned Barry a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary (R&R) Vocal Performance, Male.
Musical Composition
The song is characterized by its punchy brass section, elegant strings, and catchy chorus, making it a dancefloor favorite during its time.
Chart Performance
The song was also number one on the R&B singles chart for two weeks.
Lyrics
The lyrics of this song express a simple but universal theme of romantic infatuation.
Plagiarism Accusation
The songwriters of "1-2-3" were sued by Motown because the company claimed the song's melody was too similar to Holland-Dozier-Holland's song "Ask Any Girl" released by The Supremes in 1964. The case was settled out of court.
Record Sale
The song was one of the very few in the 60's era that sold over 1 million copies.
Popular Cover
In 1980, the song was covered by the Bay City Rollers on their album "Voxx", with the song itself being released as a single.
Music Video
The music video for "1-2-3" features Len Barry performing the song in a TV studio. It reflects the typical style of mid-1960s music videos.

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    1-2-3

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #2


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