McFadden & Whitehead Discography | Discogs

About the Song

McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is more than just a song; it’s a pulsating celebration of life and optimism. Released in 1979, this disco masterpiece quickly became an anthem of joy and empowerment.

The duo’s infectious energy is palpable from the song’s opening notes. With its driving beat, shimmering instrumentation, and the pair’s soulful vocals, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is a quintessential example of the disco genre at its finest. The lyrics, filled with positive affirmations and a refusal to be deterred by obstacles, perfectly captured the spirit of the era.

One of the song’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to transcend musical genres. While undeniably a disco classic, its uplifting message and catchy melody have resonated with audiences of all ages and tastes. It’s a track that never fails to get people moving and feeling good.

Beyond its commercial success, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” has become a cultural touchstone. It’s been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials, ensuring its place in popular culture. The song continues to inspire and uplift listeners, serving as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, there’s always hope and the possibility for triumph.  

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - Song Download from McFadden & Whitehead @ JioSaavn

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Lyrics: Ain’t No Stopping Us Now

[Intro: Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson & Evette Benton]
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove

[Verse 1: John Whitehead]
There’s been so many things that’s held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around
I know we’ve got a long, long way to go
And where we’ll end up
I don’t know
But we won’t let nothing hold us back
We’re puttin’ ourselves together
We’re polishing up our act, well
And if you’ve ever been held down before
I know you refuse to be held down any more, well

[Pre-Chorus: Gene McFadden, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson & Evette Benton]
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
Nothing stand in your way
I want you to listen, listen
To every word I say
Every word I say

[Hook: All]
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (No)
We’re on the move (Huh)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (Huh)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (I know, I know)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (We got it)

[Verse 2: John Whitehead]
I know you know someone that has a negative vibe
And if you tryin’ to make it, they only push you aside
They really don’t have nowhere to go
Ask ’em where they’re going
They don’t know
But we won’t let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together, come on
We gonna polish up our act, well
And if you’ve ever been held down before
I know you refuse to be held down any more, well

[Pre-Chorus: Gene McFadden, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson & Evette Benton]
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
Stand in your way
I want y’all to listen, listen
To every word I say
Every word I say

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Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.