Up the Ladder to the Roof

The Supremes

About Up the Ladder to the Roof

"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is a 1970 hit single recorded by The Supremes for the Motown label. It was the first Supremes single to feature new lead singer Jean Terrell in place of Diana Ross, who officially left the group for a solo career two weeks before the recording of this song in January 1970. This song also marks a number of other firsts: it is the first Supremes single since "The Happening" in 1967 to be released under the name "The Supremes" instead of "Diana Ross & The Supremes", the first Supremes single solely produced by Norman Whitfield associate Frank Wilson, and the first Supremes single to make the United Kingdom Top 10 since "Reflections" in 1967. Frank Wilson wrote the music for the song, with lyrics written by an Italian-American songwriter from New York City named Vincent DiMirco. "Up the Ladder to the Roof" rose to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the soul chart, in the spring of 1970. Outside the US, The Supremes scored a #6 smash with the song in the UK and number eight in Canada. 


Year:
2002
3:11
75 

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Come with me
And we shall run across the sky
And illuminate the night 
Oh I will try and guide you
To better times and brighter days.
Don't be afraid 
 
Go up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better.
Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven.
 
Stay with me
And we shall let expressions sing
Hear freedom virtues ringing
Oh memories of yesterdays broken dreams 
Don't you know they'll all fade away
If you'll come
 
up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better.
Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven.
 
We'll laugh and I'll tell you the story of love 
(How it is) and the happiness in it baby
We'll combine our thoughts and together we'll travel 
to the fountain of loveliness.
 
I will never ever ever leave you alone to wonder 
As we go on 
Our love, it will grow much stronger stronger.
Don't you wanna 
 
Go up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better.
Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven.
 

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The Supremes

The Supremes was an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s. Originally founded as the Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, the Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco. They were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts and are, to date, America's most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Most of these hits were written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland. At their peak in the mid-1960s, the Supremes rivaled the Beatles in worldwide popularity, and their success made it possible for future African American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream succe… more »

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Written by: Edward Holland Jr., Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Up the Ladder to the Roof" was a song released by American soul group "The Supremes" in 1970.
New Lead Vocalist
It was the first single released by "The Supremes" after Diana Ross had left the group and her replacement, Jean Terrell, became the new lead vocalist.
Chart Performance
The song placed at No. 10 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, marking a successful start for the new lineup of the Supremes.
Songwriters
The track was written by duo Frank Wilson and Vincent DiMirco. Frank Wilson was known for his work with Motown Records.
Album Appearance
"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is featured on the album "Right On," this album also marked the first one without Diana Ross.
Diana Ross' Version
Diana Ross, the original front woman of the Supremes, also performed the song in her solo concerts. However, she never commercially recorded her version of the song.
The Supremes’ Transition Period
The song marked the beginning of a transition period for The Supremes, with Diana Ross pursuing a successful solo career and the remaining members trying to maintain the group's prior success.
Song Meaning
The song is about escaping life's hardships and finding comfort in love. The roof symbolizes a peaceful and quiet place where the worries of the world can't reach.
Cover Versions
The song was covered by various artists, including American pop singer Bette Midler, British singer-song writer Boy George, and American punk rock band The B-52's.
Musical Style
The song continues The Supremes' noted trend of blending pop and soul while introducing more of a rhythm and blues sound that became increasingly popular in the 1970s.
Release and Performers
"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is a song by American soul group The Supremes, which was released in 1970. This was the first single that featured Jean Terrell as lead singer in place of Diana Ross, who had left the band.
Performance
Jean Terrell, Mary Wilson, and Cindy Birdsong performed the song as The Supremes.
Songwriters
The song was written by the Motown team of Vincent DiMirco and Frank Wilson.
Chart Performance
The song hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 5 on the R&B chart.
Album Appearance
The song was featured on The Supremes' album "Right On," which was also their first album that didn't feature Diana Ross.
Diana Ross's Involvement
Although some sources mistakenly associate "Up the Ladder to the Roof" with Diana Ross because of her long-time affiliation with The Supremes, she did not participate in recording or performing this song; it was the band's first single after her departure.
Live performances
The Supremes performed "Up the Ladder to the Roof" on a number of television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and Soul Train, helping to popularize the song.
Cover Versions
"Up the Ladder to the Roof" has been covered by many artists, including the Baja Marimba Band in 1971, and was also memorably performed in the film "More American Graffiti."
Legacy
This song was crucial in establishing the "New Supremes" (as they were referred to after Ross's departure) and in fostering Jean Terrell's reputation as a lead singer. It helped the group continue its success into the 1970s.
Distinction
"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is often seen as one of the group's most popular and recognizable songs, despite the absence of Diana Ross. It emphasizes the vocal abilities and harmonizing of The Supremes' new line-up with Jean Terrell's vibrant lead.

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    Up the Ladder to the Roof

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #10


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