Entertainment
Niece-uncle duo give goosebumps singing epic Marvin Gaye classic
Vocal coach Joseph and niece Bri'Anna sing a sterling cover of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Their performance is one for the ages.
Blake Hyatt
05.21.20

Joseph Clarke and his 12-year-old niece Briโ€™Anna Harper have been melting hearts around the world with their soulfully smooth vocal cover of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrellโ€™s version of โ€œAinโ€™t No Mountain High Enough.โ€ The songโ€™s a true American classic, in every sense of the phrase.

Little did they know that their performance would touch thousands and thousands of people around the world.

They kick things off in what appears to be a living room, atop a suave brown leather couch. Dressed in street clothes, they look like normal, everyday people.

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The instrumental introduction enters the airwaves. Briโ€™Anna and Joseph prep themselves, leading into Josephโ€™s buttery smooth croon.

The moment Joseph opens his mouth, you just know itโ€™s going to be special.

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Wow.

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His voice is booming. He holds absolutely nothing back, featuring an absolutely gorgeous, thick tone. His voice is as smooth as creamy peanut butter on a hot summer day.

The song choice is perfect, especially for the times.

โ€œAinโ€™t No Mountain High Enoughโ€ was originally written by Motown songwriting duo Ashford and Simpson in 1966. The original recording, featuring the vocals of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, was released in 1967. The song peaked at 19 on the US charts.

Years later in 1970, famous American soul singer Diana Ross released her own version, peaking at number one on the charts. The songโ€™s remained ingrained in the collective American psyche ever since.

Most know the song intimately, including its touching lyrics. The tune appears in a handful of memorable films, even playing an important role in the famous locker room scene in Remember the Titans.

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To date, Joseph and Briโ€™Annaโ€™s video has over 560,000 views on Instagram. They had absolutely no idea the performance would blow up the way it did. Whether they like it or not, theyโ€™ve entered the realm of โ€œviral sensation.โ€

Briโ€™Anna proceeds to layer her fine voice atop the instrumentals, adding a beautiful foil to Josephโ€™s lower registers.

She playfully points to the camera while mouthing the lyrics, โ€œTo keep me from getting to you.โ€

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Somewhat unsurprisingly, Josephโ€™s a vocal coach and member of the a capella trio Resound, based in Virginia.

Both of their voices are incredibly strong. Josephโ€™s voice is a little more audible, but Briโ€™Annaโ€™s got game, too. Her raw talentโ€™s undeniable. Sheโ€™s found a perfect home under Josephโ€™s vocal wings.

They proceed to sing the iconic chorus together. At this point theyโ€™re both belting.

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Naturally, the song ends with numerous repetitions of the chorus, featuring both vocalists just like the original.

The dynamic duo end their performance with a soulful bang.

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There you have it. The uncle-niece combo close out their performance with their beautiful vocals at the forefront.

Their performance touched thousands around the world. Their YouTube and Instagram pages are filled with nothing but praise,

โ€œThank you so much for the tears of joy you gave me.โ€

Some of the comments are poetic,

โ€œMy ears, my heart, and the rest of me thanks you for this great moment of music!โ€

Listeners have nothing but the highest praise,

โ€œIโ€™m really blessed to witness something wonderful. Your voices are so warm and tender.โ€

Thank you Joseph and Briโ€™Anna for sharing your talents with the world, undoubtedly bringing smiles to countless faces. They should consider dropping an album in the near future. Just call it Goosebumps, because thatโ€™s what I get when I hear them sing together.

These days, we need music now more than ever.

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