We Do It

Album: We Do It (1976)
Charted: 5
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the only UK hit for Anglo/American husband and wife duo, Russell and Joanne Stone. Norfolk-born Stone met Joanne Williams when they were both in German orchestral leader, James Last's choir. Russell told Mojo magazine June 2010: "I always wrote. I'd been through Tony Bennett and Sinatra, it was that style and jazz. Through Joanne, I got into gospel and Ashford & Simpson were a real inspiration."
  • Russell Stone penned this song after he married Joanne; "I was always aware of the sex angle to 'We Do It'," he told Mojo, "but really it's about love. There was a little hue and cry about the lyrics, but it's more subtle."
  • Stone was unable to write a follow-up hit. He explained, that he was, "pressurised into writing another 'We Do It.' I couldn't do it. The music I was writing wasn't felt to be singles material, so I scuffed about for a while."
  • Sadly Joanne died of a malignant brain tumor in 1979, after which Russell went back to studio work and touring. He stayed in music until 1995, recording with Adam Ant, Cliff Richard and Twisted Sister amongst others. Having gained a psychology degree he established a private therapy practice in 1999 and has developed a yoga-based technique called Sounding.

Comments: 3

  • Adrian Symcox from Leicestershirefantastic record she is so beautiful
  • Timothy Palmer from SloughThe death of this wonderful person was too quick.
    I am still very saddened after all this time.
    Such a beautiful duo and couple.
  • John from Lytham St AnnesRecently unaware of Russell & Joanne's backgrounds I did a bit of research, and it was sad to read what happened to Joanne and of course how it affected Russell. At the same time I was looking for therapies and I came across Russell's practice, and decided to give him a try as life has been rather stressful and I was advised to try and get some therapy. I don’t know if it was fate for it to happen like this.

    I have always found music relaxing as it helps with all the driving I do, and find Russell’s sound therapy very relaxing. I go at least twice a year for therapy as life can be so stressful and it is like a holiday. I have always felt relaxed and fresh after a session. Russell is very understanding and knows how to focus on relaxing the mind – and sound is a great influence for relaxation when used in the right way.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."

Michael Bolton

Michael BoltonSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for this talk with Bolton from the '80s when he was a focused on writing songs for other artists.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."