Diana Ross is known for her timeless music and lasting impact in the entertainment world. Her song “Big Mable Murphy” is a great example of this. It’s a story set in Coffeeville in 1929, written by Dallas Frazier.
The song tells the story of Mable Murphy, a strong woman, and her love for Little Melvin. It’s filled with love, loyalty, and conflict. The story happens in a lively honky-tonk on Saturday nights.
Mable Murphy stands up to Scarface to protect Little Melvin. This shows her deep love and loyalty. Exploring “Big Mable Murphy” gives us a peek into the past and the characters’ strength.
Key Takeaways
- Diana Ross’s “Big Mable Murphy” weaves a compelling story of love and conflict.
- The song is set in Coffeeville, circa 1929, a time of honky-tonk culture.
- Dallas Frazier, the songwriter, brings a rich narrative and emotional depth to the lyrics.
- Big Mable Murphy’s character exudes power and loyalty, especially towards Little Melvin.
- The song highlights themes of protection, conflict, and resilience.
The Origins of “Big Mable Murphy”
Big Mable Murphy, a song filled with emotion and history, was written by Dallas Frazier. His story is set in the late 1920s, a time of speakeasies and 1970s blues and honky-tonk music.
History and Context
In the late 1920s, American music saw a mix of genres. “Big Mable Murphy” was born in this lively time of honky-tonk and 1970s blues. It tells a story of love, jealousy, and revenge, set in the secret world of speakeasies.
Dallas Frazier and His Influence
Dallas Frazier was a master songwriter who touched many artists and genres. He wrote “There Goes My Everything” for Jack Greene, calling it his biggest hit. He also worked with Connie Smith, recording 72 of his songs, second only to George Jones.
Frazier worked with big names like Merle Haggard, Elvis Presley, and the Oak Ridge Boys. He mixed country and rhythm & blues in his songs. Tina Turner recorded “If This Is The Last Time,” and Nick Lowe covered “True Love Travels On a Gravel Road.” “Beneath Still Waters” was a hit, covered by George Jones, Emmylou Harris, and Rhonda Vincent.
Dallas Frazier’s work has left a lasting impact on music. His influence can be seen in many styles, even after he stopped writing.
The Story in the Lyrics
Diana Ross’s “Big Mable Murphy” is a classic example of narrative songs. It tells the story of Big Mable Murphy and Little Melvin in Coffeeville. The song brings listeners into their world, showing their struggles and triumphs.
Big Mable Murphy and Little Melvin
Big Mable Murphy and Little Melvin are key to the song’s story. Big Mable is a strong, brave woman. Little Melvin, her partner, faces many challenges, especially with “bathtub gin.”
The Conflict and Resolution
Scarface becomes a threat to their lives. Big Mable stands up for Little Melvin, showing her bravery. In the end, Big Mable’s actions defeat Scarface, ending the story on a high note.
| Character | Traits | Role in Story |
|---|---|---|
| Big Mable Murphy | Strong, Resilient | Protagonist, Defender |
| Little Melvin | Volatile, Troubled | Protagonist’s Partner |
| Scarface | Antagonistic, Threatening | Antagonist |
The song “Big Mable Murphy” is a deep dive into character analysis and conflict. Diana Ross’s performance brings the story to life. It engages listeners and leaves a memorable mark.
Analyzing the Characters: Big Mable and Little Melvin
In “Big Mable Murphy” by Diana Ross, Big Mable and Little Melvin come to life. Big Mable is a symbol of strength and resilience. Little Melvin, on the other hand, is a flawed but loved partner. Their relationship shows the complex side of love and its harsh elements.
Character Traits and Dynamics
Big Mable Murphy is shown as strong and determined. She faces challenges head-on. Little Melvin, though flawed, is deeply loved. His weaknesses make their bond more interesting and complex.
Symbolic Meanings
Big Mable and Little Melvin are filled with musical symbolism. Big Mable’s strength represents resilience. Little Melvin’s frailties show the tender side of love, despite its flaws. They symbolize the human struggle, with Big Mable facing Scarface, a symbol of chaos.
Musical Style and Genre
“Big Mable Murphy” is a perfect mix of blues music and honky-tonk sound. It pulls listeners into a world of storytelling through music. This blend of genres makes the song’s story even more powerful.
The honky-tonk piano gives the song a real, old-time feel. It takes listeners back to a time full of raw emotions and pure music. Diana Ross’s version adds a soulful touch, making the blues even more heartfelt.
Diana Ross’s album shows her wide musical range. It includes rock, blues, Motown, and classical. This mix shows how she can blend different styles to create unforgettable music.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Seller Location | Berlin, Germany |
| LP Price | $27.75 USD |
| Genre Classification | Rock, Blues, Motown, Classical |
| Condition | Near Mint |
Blues music has shaped culture and art from the Harlem Renaissance to today. “Big Mable Murphy” by Diana Ross captures this history in a way that touches listeners’ hearts.
The Impact of “Big Mable Murphy by Diana Ross”
“Big Mable Murphy” by Diana Ross shows her skill in telling stories through music. This song, along with others, greatly adds to Diana Ross chart history. It also boosts the overall view of her work. Ross’s talent is so wide-ranging that she often catches the eye of music critics and sparks talks about her song legacy.
Chart Performance
Even though “Big Mable Murphy” might not be on every chart, Diana Ross’s music from that time did well. Her voice and style really connected with people. Her long career shows how much her music has touched fans, and “Big Mable Murphy” is part of that story. You can read more about Diana Ross’s chart history here.
Critical Reception
“Big Mable Murphy” caught the attention of music critics for its story and music. The song tells a moving story, thanks to Ross’s powerful voice and range. Its mix of deep storytelling and beautiful music has made it a favorite among fans and critics alike. This praise matches the acclaim for “Sea of Noise” by St. Paul & The Broken Bones, known for its thoughtful lyrics and soulful sounds.
Other Artists Who Covered “Big Mable Murphy”
“Big Mable Murphy” was first known through Dallas Frazier and later Diana Ross. Other talented artists have also made their own versions. Sue Thompson and Brook Benton have added their special touches, enriching the song’s history.
Sue Thompson’s Version
In 1974, Sue Thompson put her own spin on “Big Mable Murphy.” It became one of her standout tracks. Her version, blending country and pop, was a hit. It showed off her unique voice and charm.
Her song is found on “Greatest Hits” collections. Fans often remember it fondly. These albums are available on CD Now for just $6.99, making her music easy to find.
Brook Benton’s Contribution
Brook Benton might have recorded “Big Mable Murphy” before 1975, sparking curiosity. Known for his soulful voice, he was a great fit for this song. Though details are scarce, his music is still available on iTunes and Amazon.
Artists like Diana Ross, Sue Thompson, and Brook Benton have made the song a timeless classic. Their versions, each with its own soul, have made “Big Mable Murphy” a favorite across many generations.
The Song’s Place in Diana Ross’s Career
“Big Mable Murphy” is a special part of the Diana Ross discography. It shows a side of Ross that’s different from her usual hits. The song’s bluesy feel and story make it stand out in her music evolution.
Comparison to Other Works
Diana Ross’s career is full of highlights, and “Big Mable Murphy” is one of them. While she’s known for pop and R&B hits, this song shows her storytelling skill. For example, her 1979 album “The Boss” showed off her vocal talent, earning her praise and an HBO special.
Here’s a look at some of Diana Ross’s key works:
| Album | Key Tracks | Chart Performance | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Boss (1979) | It’s My House, No One Gets the Prize | #14 on Billboard 200, #12 on R&B Albums | Featured in HBO’s “Standing Room Only” series |
| Lady Sings the Blues (1972) | Good Morning Heartache, God Bless the Child | #1 on Billboard 200 | Selling over 300,000 copies within the first eight days |
| Ross (1983) | Pieces of Ice, Love Will Make It Right | #40 on Billboard 200 | Solidified her 80s music evolution |
Looking at the Diana Ross discography shows her talent in many genres. This proves she’s a versatile and lasting icon in music.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The song “Big Mable Murphy” by Diana Ross has left a lasting mark on music. It’s not as famous as some of Diana Ross’s other songs. Yet, it has shown its worth through its deep story and emotional connection.
This song tells a story of love, conflict, and finding peace. It shows how music can tell powerful stories. These stories have touched many people over the years.
“Big Mable Murphy” combines blues and soul, highlighting the struggles and victories of African Americans. It’s like the works of jazz legend Abbey Lincoln and blues women. The song’s portrayal of characters opens up to bigger cultural stories.
It shows the importance of female artists in music. Diana Ross’s career is rich with songs like “Big Mable Murphy.” These songs, along with others by Adele, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, highlight the value of unique contributions in music.
Including songs like “Big Mable Murphy” in music history reminds us of the power of storytelling. It shows how music can touch our hearts and minds.
