the motown movement

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The Motown Movement

Berry Gordy, Jr. formed the Motown record company in 1959. Pop radio swept the nation in the

1950's and roots music black musicians struggled to keep their careers as whites profited from

their counterparts' efforts. From past experiences in the music business, Gordy had found that he

was unable to profit off of his productions when working for white-owned record companies and

distributors. After discovering the young Smokey Robinson in 1957, he began to acquire local

artists from Detroit in effort to create his own record label. Motown records quickly rose to a

successful business. The company ran like a family enterprise; the songwriters, musicians, singers

and producers all had close relationships with one another. No other record company could turn

its humble, local origins into a mark of distinction and symbol of American culture like Motown.

Otis Williams of the Temptations further expressed this emphasis of family by saying, "Joining

Motown was more like being adopted by a big loving family than being hired by a company." The

loyalty the Motown employees had to their goals and to each other was much stronger than would

be found in a normal business. Gordy, of course, acted as the paternalistic figure in the company

maintaining power over all others. Competition between artists and musicians was similar to

sibling competition, and everyone made sacrifices for the label. With everyone's contributions to

the company, Motown Records ran like a well-oiled machine. Like the Detroit motor companies'

production of cars , Motown cranked out number one hits in an assembly-line fashion.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Motown is how it united a generation of Americans despite

differences in race. The label's rejection of the division between "race records" and crossover

music was made blatantly evident by the slogan adopted by the company, The Sound of Young

America. Gordy's entire marketing strategy was based around the existence of one single,

integrated youth market. Gordy realized that all teenagers, despite their race, worry about the

same things: unrequited love, sex, relationships etc. Due to this realization, Gordy was able to
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market to youth united by generation rather than youth divided by race.Motown practiced

integration in its employees and consumer market in effort to make actual integration a reality in

America. In addition to Gordy's efforts of uniting Americans, he was also viewed locally somewhat

as a hometown hero. He was employing Blacks in a time when their auto working jobs were

moving out of Detroit into the suburbs.

For all of these reasons, it is evident that Motown holds a significant position in American culture.

Each song found in this list of tracks contributes a small piece to Motown, thus contributing to

America's national identity.

POSTED BY MEGHAN RONEY AT 6:27 PM 1 COMMENTS

Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Funk Brothers

In 1959 Berry Gordy began to gather Detroit's best musicians from the thriving blues and jazz

scene to cut songs for his new record company. This group became known as the Funk Brothers,

and they are the heartbeat behind nearly every Motown song. By hiring a mixed race group,

Motown once again displayed its attitude on the subject of integration. According to their

documentary, the Funk Brothers played on more #1 hits than the Beach Boys, Rolling Stones,

Elvis and the Beatles combined. With this skill and talent of these musicians, Motown tracks were

produced one after another. These musical geniuses made the Motown song. Almost anyone

could have sang a great hit on the tracks provided by this group. The Funk Brothers came from all
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over the country bringing different musical influences with them. Many moved from Boston,

Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina in order to work in the car factories in Detroit. Gospel

music and other regional music (Afro-cuban, Caribbean congo, Native American) greatly

influenced this group. Several of the Brothers played in jazz clubs for additional money in the

evenings. From their jam sessions in local night clubs, the Funk Brothers brought new textures

and sounds into the recording studio. The musicians in this group were so talented that often

times, Motown writers would come to them with general ideas for a song and the Brothers would

begin to jam and would have a complete song within an hour. The band became so close to one

another that they were all in sync. Although, often overlooked and unknown, the Funk Brothers

introduced America to the world of powerful, ins piring soul music.


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1. Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want); 2:35

Barrett Strong, from Mississippi, helped put Motown on the map in 1959 by producing their first

hit single, "Money". Among the first artists of Motown, Strong was greatly influence by gospel

music. This track reached #2 on the U.S. R&B charts and #23 on the pop charts. This was Strong's

only hit, he became a writer for the label, writing songs for Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, and The

Temptations among others. Several artists/bands including the Beatles have produced covers of

this popular song. The 1978 movie,Animal House, features Strong's song.
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2. The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman; 2:29

The Marvelettes were the 1st hit girl group and the 1st Motown act to reach a #1 spot on the pop

charts in 1961. The group consists of Georgeanna Tillman, Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson,

Georgia Dobbins, and Juanita Cowart. All five of the girls attended Inskter High in Wayne

County, and were discovered through a high school talent contest. The Marvelettes helped write

their own hits. This particular track features Marvin Gaye on the drums and the accompaniment

is provided by the Funk Brothers. This song was also covered by the Beatles in 1962.


3. The Contours - Do You Love Me; 2:53

This native Detroit band, consisting of Billy Gordon, Joe Billingslea, Billy Hoggs, Sylvester Polts,

and Hubert Johnson offered a new style to Motown. Unlike other Motown hits, this 1962 track is

particularly rough and rowdy. It is also much more bluesy than pop. With screaming vocals and

an upbeat rhythm provided by the Funk brothers, this song was an instant hit with consumers.

Orginally, it was written by Gordy for the Temptations, but Motown Records was unable to get a

hold of the group. The Contours were in the studio recording another song when Berry came to

them withDo You Love Me, and it became their one hit wonder. It reached #3 on the pop charts

and #1 on the R&B charts.Do You Love Me benefited from a resurgence of popularity when it was

featured in the 1988 film,Dirty Dancing.
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4. The Miracles - You've Really Got A Hold On Me; 2:57

This R&B/soul group from Detroit became known as one of Motown's signature acts in the 1960's.

Members Smokey Robinson, Claudette Rodgers, Bobby Rodgers, Pete Moore, and Ronnie White

reached the top of the R&B charts with this hit in 1962. You've Really Got A Hold On Me was

written by Robinson for his wife Claudette Rodgers. The Beatles covered this song in 1963, as they

stated they were very influenced by black music and helped the group get their music noticed.

This is, without a doubt, the most famous song of the early Motown era. The Funk Brothers

provide an excellent accompaniment.


5. "Little" Stevie Wonder - Fingertips Part 2; 3:09

Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Morris in Saginaw, is known across the country as a singer,

musician, producer and songwriter. Despite his blindness, Wonder is an excellent musician

playing instruments such as drums, congas, keyboard and bass guitar. This particular track was

recorded live at Chicago's Regal Theater in 1962. Stevie was only 12 years old, hence the name

"Little Stevie Wonder". He was the first artist to have a live recording reach #1 on the charts and

the first to have a single and album reach #1 at the same time. Fingertips Part 2 was Motown's
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seconds #1 hit (after Please Mr. Postman). This song features the young Wonder playing bongos

and harmonica rifs and Marvin Gaye on the drums. Wonder engages the audience in a call and

response routine and ad libs a lot in this piece.


6. Martha & The Vandellas - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave; 2:45

This group, consisting of Martha Reeves, Rosalyn Ashford and Betty Kelly, was founded in Detroit

in 1960. Martha & The Vandellas mix in a gospel flavor, jazzy overtones, and doo-wop call and

response vocals inHeat Wave. This 1963 Southern-style soul track cemented Motown as a

genuine musical force. The Funk Brothers, especially Joe Hunter on the electric piano, provided

this upbeat track with a spark of urgency. reached #4 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts.Many covers of this song were performed by artists like The Who and Whoopi Goldberg in the

film, Sister Act.


7. Mary Wells - My Guy; 2:48

Mary Wells and her two siblings grew up in a poor Detroit neighborhood without a father. Her mother

worked tirelessly to support the family. Wells loved singing and was in her high school choir; she also
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sang in local clubs. In 1960, her mother brought her in to meet Gordy after Wells had written a song

for a Motown artist. After singing it for Gordy, he asked her to record it, and signed her as an artist.

She was Motowns first female star, the first artist on the label, and the first Motown Grammy

nominee. The Beatles considered her their favorite American singer. My Guy, written by Smokey

Robinson, was her biggest hit, reaching #1 on the pop charts in 1964. This track was also Motowns

first British hit. The Funk Brothers provided the instrumentation for this song.


8. Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street; 2:38

This 1964 hit by Martha & The Vandellas became an anthem-like song during the unpredictable

decade of the '60's. Singing to a globally-conscious generation, the group announced, "Calling out

around the world are you ready for a brand new beat?".Dancing in the Streetgave Martha & The

Vandellas the reputation of a gutsy black girl group. This track singles out cities across the

country urging everyone to have a good time no matter where you live. This inclusion of various

locations provides a sense of intimacy between the group and the listeners and gives them a sense

of a trans-local community while listening to this song. The Funk Brothers provided the

background music for this track, featuring Benny Benjamin and Marvin Gaye on the drums. In

addition to the oddity of having two drummers, another member created a dramatic drum beat

for the track by banging a crowbar against the cement floor. This song, which for many became an

anthem for social change and civil rights, reached #2 on the pop charts.


9. The Supremes - Baby Love; 2:36
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This group consisting of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard, was founded in

1959. All of the girls came from Brewster-Douglas public housing project in Detroit. The

Supremes were the sister act for The Temptations and epitomized glamour in an era known

for anything but glamour. This group was the international symbol of Motown sound, as they

were the first girl group to have a #1 hit in Britain. This 1964 song about innocent teenage

love features cooing lead vocals with the pleading baby-baby backups. The Funk Brothers

provide the instrumentation and in this particular song perform foot stomping to give the

tune a unique sound. The Supremes appeared on theEd Sullivan Show twenty times, and

were nominated for a Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording in 1965.


10. The Temptations - My Girl; 2:55

This group, founded in Detroit in 1960, is known as one of the greatest entertaining artists of

all time. Members Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul

Williams are easily recognized by their signature dancing, distinct harmonies, and onstage

attire. Their standard dance move was coined the Temptation Walk and is displayed a show

of pride, confidence, success, and group coordination. Smokey Robinson wrote this 1964 hit

for his wife, Claudette of The Miracles. It is the counterpart of Mary Wells hit,My Guy.My

Girlwas the first of four U.S. #1 hits for the Temps. The Funk Brothers backed up the singers

and Robert White, the guitarist, is given credit for playing what is considered one of the most

popular guitar intros of all time. This song can be heard in TV Shows such asFull House and

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
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11. Jr. Walker & The All-Stars - Shotgun; 2:59

Junior Walker, born Autry DeWalt Jr. in Arkansas, was known for his distinctive saxophone style

and rowdy vocals. This groups 1965 hit,Shotgun, offered a different sound to Motown. This track

has a soul and funk feel to it and features a bluesy, gritty sound.Shotgun was this groups first and

signature hit and was written by Junior Walker. It reached #1 on the pop charts and #4 on the

R&B charts. The rest of the group consisted of drummer James Graves, guitarist Willie Woods,

and keyboardist Vic Thomas. In addition to the unique sound, this group also differed from other

Motown groups because they had their own band.How Sweet It Is and Come See About Me are

the groups other two big hits.


12. Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch);2:44

This Motown musical quartet was founded in 1959 in Detroit. Unlike most Motown groups, the

Four Tops had a baritone sing the lead vocals (most groups had tenor sing lead). The foursome

consisted of Levi Stubbs, Laurence Payton, Renaldo Benson, and Abdul Fakir. The 1965 song,I

Cant Help Myself, was the first U.S. hit for the Tops reaching #1 on both pop and R&B charts.
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Levi Stubbs is noted for his singing style that comes close to shouting. The sound created is very

similar to that of a Baptist preacher in church. As many other Motown hits, the Funk Brothers

provided instrumentation for this track. Both LaToya Jackson (1995) and Dolly Parton covered

this song, and it was featured in the 2001 movie,Rat Race.


13. Isley Brothers - This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You);2:46

This brotherly Motown group originated in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1959. The brothers O'Kelly,

Ronald and Rudolph all sang in church as boys and were greatly influenced by gospel music. The

1966 hit, This Old Heart of Mine, was the groups only hit on their short career on the Motown

label. The track was originally intended for The Supremes. The song peaked at #12 on pop charts

and #6 on R&B charts. The Isley Brothers are also known for their songsShoutand Twist and

Shoutwhich they produced under their own label. In this particular track, the Funk Brothers

musically back the group.


14. The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg; 2:32

This catchy hit reached #13 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. Released in 1966, it was
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another hit single for what, at that point of time, were the underperforming Temptations. The

blues-inspired tune and use of horns provided by the Funk Brothers throughout this track are

accredited for recreating The Temptations' sound. The high vocal range elicits a sense of strain

and pleading that the song lyrics suggest. The Temps performedAin't Too Proud To Beg on

American Bandstand. Numerous covers have been created of this hit, and it is featured in the

1983 film, The Big Chill.


15. Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes of the Brokenhearted; 3:01

Jimmy Ruffin was born in Mississippi and is the older brother of Temptations' singer, David

Ruffin. This poignant soul ballad tells of the anguish of unrequited love. The lyrics are full of

despair, which is not characteristic of most bubbly Motown hits. The Funk brothers add to the

song their musical abilities, and lesser known Motown session singers provide vocal backup tomake the ballad even more dramatic. The track reached #7 on pop charts and #6 on R&B. This

song was features in the 1991 movie,Fried Green Tomatoes.


16. Chris Clark - Love's Gone Bad; 2:21

Chris Clark is far from the typical female Motown singer. This six foot tall, platinum blond, blue

eyed soul singer was born in California and dated Gordy. Because her appearance was so unlike

any of the other Motown artist of the time, she was often ridiculed by many. However, this thick-

skinned girl had a gutsy, powerful voice which was often mistaken for that of an African

American's voice. The track reached #105 on the pop charts and #41 on the R&B. Nevertheless,
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she was a unique contribution to Motown music. While the 1966 single,Love's Gone Badwas her

only hit, she became very famous in England. She also later became the vice president for Motown

Records based in Los Angeles.


17. The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love; 2:50

This song was released in the summer of 1966 and quickly reached #1 on the pop and R&B charts.

You Can't Hurry Love is easily one of The Supremes' signature songs. Gospel music greatly

influenced this track which features a mother's words telling her daughters to be patient in the

game of love. The song was written based on a gospel song entitled "You Can't Hurry God". This

track, released two years afterBaby Love, marks when The Supremes began to drift away from

their teen pop sound and focus on more mature topics and sounds. The Funk Brothers provide

excellent instrumentation especially Earl Van Dyke boogieing on the piano, James Jamersonstrumming unique rhythms on bass guitar, and Jack Ashford on the ever present tambourine.

Phil Collins made a very successful cover of this hit. It was also covered by the Dixie Chicks on the

Runaway Bride Soundtrack.


18. Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There; 2:59

This track is known as the Tops' signature song. Reaching #1 on pop and R&B charts, it features

Levi Stubbs' powerful, almost shouting vocals and contrasting tonal nuances provided by the
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Funk Brothers. This song features several shifts between minor, major and augmented chords

which help form the well known hook. The Tops' recorded this song in just two takes in 1966 and

quickly forgot about it. However, Gordy released it as a single. Stubbs' was told by producers to

sing with a sense of urgency like Bob Dylan did in his famous song,Like A Rolling Stone. Diana

Ross performed a successful cover of this hit.


19. Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston - It Takes Two; 2:58

Marvin Gaye, born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., is undoubtedly an extremely important figure in the

black music world. Similar to Stevie Wonder, Gaye was skilled in writing, singing, producing, and

accompanying. Growing up in Washington D.C., Gaye's father was a minister and the churchgreatly influenced Gaye's music. After moving to Detroit and signing with Motown Gaye recorded

several well known solo tracks and many duets. Singing with Gaye was Weston's biggest claim to

fame.It Takes Two was written by Kim Weston's husband. This 1966 song reached #14 on the

pop charts and #4 on the R&B charts. A 1995 movie featuring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson called

It Takes Two features this song.


20. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel - Ain't No Mountain HighEnough; 2:28

Tammi Terrell was born in Philadelphia, PA. In 1965 she was discovered by Gordy. She sang a
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series of duets with Gaye starting with this track in 1967. Terrell dated famous soul singer, James

Brown and David Ruffin of the Temps. In a concert with Gaye, she collapsed into his arms and it

was later discovered she had a brain tumor. She died at the young age of 24 in 1970. This upbeat,

danceable, and all around feel good song reached #19 on the pop charts and #3 on R&B.Ain't No

Mountain High Enough was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Funk Brothers

drummer, Uriel Jones, brought added a sense of psychedelic soul to track. Diana Ross covered

this song in 1970 with much success.Ain't No Mountain High Enough is also featured in many

movies such asRemember the Titans andStepmom.


21. Gladys Knight & The Pips - I Heard It Through The Grapevine;

2:54

This R&B/soul act from Atlanta features lead singer Gladys Knight, her brother Merald Knight,

Edward Patten and William Guest. The group is known for their excellent entertaining skills,

always offering smoothly polished dance routines while singing. In addition to their visual

trademark dances, Gladys offered fiery gospel-like lead vocals while the rest of the group sang

sweet, soft backups. This quartet joined Motown in 1966 and recorded their best known hit,I

Heard it Through The Grapevine, in 1967. The Funk Brothers provided the instrumentation. It

reached #1 on the R&B charts and #2 on pop charts. The doo-wop call and response trademark isalso used in this song. Marvin Gaye covered this song in 1968 with great success (his version is

the most commonly recognized). Gaye's version is used in movies such asBig Chilland

Remember the Titans.


22. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Second That Emotion;2:41
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This 1967 hit was written and produced by Smokey Robinson. He also sang the lead vocals.I

Second That Emotion was the groups first top 5 hit reaching #4 on the pop charts and #1 on the

rhythm and blues charts. Robinson got the idea for the song when Christmas shopping with

Motown writer, Al Cleveland. Cleveland apparently mistook the saying "I second that motion" for

"I second that emotion". Robinson was a prolific force in Motown and eventually became a

Motown vice president. The Funk Brothers accompanied the group on this Motown hit.


23. The Jackson 5 - I Wan't You Back; 2:59

The Jackson 5 is an extremely popular quintet from Gary, Indiana. The group consisted of Jackie,

Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Michael. Their father, Joe Jackson, served as the group's manager

and boss. The Jackson 5 is, arguably, the last great Motown act. A savvy and well choreographed

group, they were the epitome of a teenybop band. In 1969 at the time of recording this act,

Micheal was only 11 years old. Full of charisma and charm, he was adored by fans all over and it

was obvious that Motown could profit by making him a solo act. This track topped both charts in

1969, making Michael the youngest person to ever be part of a #1 hit in the U.S. The Jackson 5

took the world of Motown music by storm releasing four consecutive number one hits.I Wan't

You Backwas the first.


24. Rare Earth - Get Ready; 2:48
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16/27

Rare Earth was somewhat of an experimental group for Motown. They were an all white rock 'n'

roll and soul band from Detroit. Members consisted of Gil Bridges (sax and flute player), Kenny

James (keyboard), John Persh (bass, trombone), Rod Richards (guitar), and Pete Hoorelbeke

(drums and vocals). The Temps first sang this hit in 1966, but Rare Earth released their well-

known version in 1970. Get Ready reached #4 on the pop charts and #20 on the R&B charts.


25. The Jackson 5 - ABC; 2:58

ABCwas the 2nd of the four consecutive hits released by the Jacksons in 1970. Soaring to number

one on pop and R&B charts, this track knocked the Beatles'Let it Be out of the #1 spot. Upon

listening to bothABCandI Want You Back, there are very strong sonic similarities between the

two. This track is probably the most popular song sung by the Jackson 5. The song is found in

movies such asDaddy Day Care and Clerks 2. It is even featured in various video games.


26. Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours; 2:47
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This song marks Wonder's first solo production of his famous, ingenious career. He was 20 years

old in 1970 when this song was released. This track offers a new kind of soul music and has a

"joyously gritty and personal" tone to it. Both Wonder's mom and wife (at the time) helped him

write the lyrics. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for best R&B song in 1970.Signed,Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours reached #3 on pop charts and #1 on the rhythm and blues charts.
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18/27

The Golden Age of the Motown Sound

By Vivian M. Baulch / The Detroit News

March 1, 2000

That man, of course, was Berry Gordy Jr.

Smokey Robinson saw something in Gordy, too, and urged him to start his

own recording company. In 1959, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and

"Motown" was born.

"It is probably true to say that Motown was as much Robinson's company as it wasGordy's, although Gordy was unquestionably the head of the company," author Sharon Davis

wrote in her book, 'Motown, the History.'

By 1972 Berry Gordy was the richest black man in America with an annual income in

excess of $10 million.

Berry Gordy was born in Detroit in 1929. His parents

had migrated to the city in 1922 attracted by the job

opportunities.

Berry Gordy Sr.'s grandmother had been a slave in

Georgia, his grandfather a slaveowner. Berry Jr. was the

seventh of eight children of Bertha and Berry Sr. Love and

family ruled for the large Gordy clan.

After attending Northeastern High, Berry Jr. chased a

dream of becoming a professional boxer. He even once

fought on the same card as Joe Louis.

He served in the Korean War and returned to Detroit to

work at Ford's Mercury plant, earning $85 a week. Bored with his assembly line job, he spent

all his free time writing songs.

Berry Gordy Jr.: The genius

behind Motown.


19/27

Later, on borrowed money, he bought the home at 2648 W. Grand Blvd. that later became

Hitsville USA. Success came quickly. The Motown Revue at New York's Apollo Theater in

October, 1962, showed the world that the new Motown sound was a major force to be

reckoned with.

By 1966, three out of every four Motown releases made the charts. The stars were

polished by Motown's "Motown U pros" who taught them how to dress, stand, wear makeup,

and do the motions with style, poise and grace.

The history of Motown is a string of lists -- lists of hits, lists of stars, and lists of triumphs

and tragedies.

Motown moved from Detroit to California in the mid-1970s, but removed from its roots it

was never the same again. The $100 million annual sales slipped to $20 million by 1989, with

only two power hitters in the lineup -- Boyz II Men and Queen Latifah.

Hitsville USA: The home at 2648 W. Grand

Blvd. that became the birthplace of the

"Motown Sound" and is now a Motown

museum.

Later, Gordy wrote, "Motown would have been better off with the record thing if we had

stayed in Detroit."


20/27

Now under new ownership, with 35-year-old Andre Harrell leading the company,

Motown is trying to find new roots by reaching out from California to satellite offices in other

cities. Detroit will get an office, possibly in Harmonie Park.

Harrell, the Bronx-born hip-hopper, now looks for natural talent in the same assembly line

manner that Gordy used in Motown's early years. Local talent searches sponsored by the

company seek the stars of tomorrow.

"It's the Same Old Song, with a different meaning, since you been gone."

Small Businessman of the Year: Berry

Gordy accepts the Small Businessman of the

Year Award in 1965 from then Detroit Mayor

Jerome Cavanaugh.

The Motown successes

The Four Tops

The Four Tops first performed in 1954 and are still

together after 42 years. Levi Stubbs, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir,

Renaldo 'Obie' Benson, and Lawrence Payton have

survived several generations of musical tastes. Currently

they can be seen singing the praises of Michigan on a Michigan Travel Agency TV promo.

The Four Tops


21/27

Over the years the group has managed to avoid the tragedies that dogged many other Motown

acts. Luck was involved too. A delayed TV taping in England kept them off the doomed Pan

Am Flight 103 that crashed in Lockerbie in 1988.

Some of their hits:I Can't Help Myself, 'Reach Out, I'll be there,' 'Standing in the

Shadows of Love,' 'It's the Same Old Song.'

The Temptations

At least 14 singers sang at one time or another as

Temptations. Only Otis Williams survives as the

remaining member of the classic 1960s group of David

Ruffin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and Melvin

Franklin. Franklin died at age 52 of diabetes. Paul

Williams killed himself in 1973. David Ruffin overdosed

on drugs in 1991 at age 50. Eddie Kendricks died of lung

cancer in 1992.

Some of their hits: 'Shotgun,''The Way You do the

Things You Do,' 'I'm Losing You,' 'I Wish It Would Rain,'

'I Can't Get Next To You,' 'My Girl, ' 'Since I lost my Baby,' 'Get Ready,' 'Ain't Too Proud to

Beg,' 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone.'

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Smokey Robinson, a pillar of Motown and a vice-president, finally quit in 1991, a few

years after the 1988 sale of the company to MCCA and Boston Ventures. But he was there at

the beginning, and his history there helped shape the history of the music industry. He won

entrance into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as

winning a Grammy Living Legend Award. His songs prompted Bob Dylan to call him

"America's greatest living poet." 'Shop Around'in 1960 started a string of 38 more hits before

Robinson quit the Miracles in 1972.

The Temptations: From left,

Damon Harris, Dennis Edwards,

Richard Street (seated) Otis

Williams and David English.


22/27

In 1994 Robinson spoke to a Florida group of

students at an anti-drug rally and mentioned religion,

touching off a firestorm of controversy went all the way

to the Supreme Court. Robinson had said that he believed

that God saved him from a bout with substance abuse. He

recited a Psalm and referred to the Hymn 'Amazing

Grace'. He was not invited back for the second day of the

rally. School officials said he violated his agreement to

keep religion out of his speech.

I'll Try Something New

I will build you a castle with a tower so high

it reaches the moon.

I'll gather melodies from birdies that fly

and compose you a tune.

Give you lovin' warm as Mama's oven

and if that don't do,

Then I'll try somethin' new.

I will take you away with me as far as I can

to Venus or Mars.

There we will walk with your hand in my hand

you'll be Queen of the stars.

And every day we can play on the Milky Way and if that don't do,


I will bring you a flower

from the floor of the sea to wear in your hair.

I'll do anything and everythin to keep you happy girl

to show you that I care.

I'll pretend I'm jealous of all the fellows and if that don't do,


Smokey Robinson and the

Miracles


23/27

I'll take the stars and count them and move a mountain

and if that don't do,

Then I'll try somethin'new.

(c)1961 Jobete Music Con, Inc. William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.

Diana Ross

Slinky, skinny with spidery eye lashes, her singing

defines the 60s. After a successful streak with Motown

and a close personal relationship with Berry Gordy, she

left Motown and the Supremes to try a new career in

movies. She left after the hit, 'Someday We'll be Together,'

and headed for California. Gordy and Motown followed

her to California a few years later, hoping for more and different successes. Diana recently

announced on television that one of her daughters is Berry Gordy's.

Some of her hits: 'Where Did Our Love Go?,' 'I Hear

A Symphony,' 'Nothing But Heartaches,' 'Love Is Like an

Itching in My Heart,' 'River Deep, Mountain High,' 'Love

Child.'

Michael Jackson

Diana Ross was instrumental in introducing child

prodigy Michael Jackson to Motown when he was only 11. He soon topped the charts with

four singles in a row. Later he left the family group the Jackson 5 and now, as a world

superstar, he continues to top the charts with his shocking and innovative videos, while at the

same time trying to deflect rumors and charges of child molestation. His strange marriage to

Lisa Presley ended recently.

Diana Ross and the Supremes in

1965

Michael Jackson, center, with

the Jackson 5.


24/27

Some Jackson 5 hits: 'ABC', 'Never Can Say Goodbye,' 'Ben.'

Stevie Wonder

Little Stevie Wonder, who began recording at age 11 in 1963,

grew up and dropped the 'Little'. He not only sang his own hits, but he

wrote hits for other artists as well. He earned total artistic control and

the rights to his own songs.

His early hits: 'Fingertips, Part 2,'

'Uptight,' 'I Was Made to Love Her,'

'Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day,' 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered,

I'm Yours.'His song 'I Just Called to Say I Love You'won an

Oscar.

Gladys Knight and the Pips.

Gladys Knight and her brother and two cousins, the Pips, had

performed together 14 years before they joined Motown in

1966. There they turned out a string of hits. They left Motown for Budda Records in 1973.

The 1967 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' is considered a classic.

Martha and the Vandellas.

Martha Reeves worked as a secretary at Motown and

occasionally did some background singing. Finally the earthy

singer hit with 'Heatwave,' 'Dancing in the Street,'and 'Jimmy

Mack'party music. She later moved to MCA.

The Marvelettes

The Marvelettes, a group of 16-year-old tee-nage girls from Inkster,

hit No.1 on the charts with 'Please Mr. Postman.'Smokey Robinson

guided the girls' career through the 1960s until they disbanded in

1970.

The Contours

Stevie Wonder in

1968

Gladys Knight and the

Pips

Martha Reeves and the

Vandellas

The Marvelettes


25/27

The Contours, early rough singers of'Do You Love Me?'and 'First I Look at the Purse'

featured the gravelly Billy Gordon. They gave up member Dennis Edwards to the

Temptations to replace David Ruffin.

The Motown tragedies

Mary Wells

Mary Wells arrived at Motown at age 17 and her star rose

brightly from 1961 to 1964 under the production genius of

Smokey Robinson. She later left Motown and much of the plans

for her career were switched to Diana Ross. Destitute, she died

in July 1992 of throat cancer at the age of 42.

Her hits: The One Who Really Loves You, "You Beat Me to the Punch" "Two Lovers" "My

Guy"

David Ruffin

David Ruffin died at age 50 on June 1, 1991 of a drug overdose. An ex-Temptation, he had

once been fired by Motown for trying to change the Temptations, but was later rehired as a

solo.

Flo Ballard

Flo Ballard sued Motown over her ouster from the Supremes.

Later on ADC with her five kids in 1976, she died at age 32 of

cardiac arrest. The Supremes attended her funeral.

Tammi Terrell

Tammi Terrell, 25, collapsed and died of a brain tumor on

stage in Cleveland, in the arms of Marvin Gaye.

Mary Wells

Flo Ballard


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Her hits: 'You're All I Need to Get By.'

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye started with backup singers who later became

Martha and the Vandellas. He broke through in 1962 using his

gospel and R&B background to offer romantic dance/make-out

music. He married Berry Gordy's sister, Anna, who was 17 years

older. In April 1984, at age 44, after a string of marital and financial

woes, he was shot and killed by his father in a dispute over money.

His hits: 'I'll Be Doggone,' 'Ain't That Peculiar,' 'Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,'

'What's Going On,' 'Mercy, Mercy Me,' 'Inner CIty Blues.'

Junior Walker

Junior Walker, a Motown background

saxophonist, once jammed with then Arkansas Gov.

Bill Clinton in 1987. Born Audrey Dewalt, he died of

cancer in his Battle Creek home in Nov 1995.

His hits:'Shotgun,''Road-Runner.'

Jackie Wilson

Jackie Wilson, 'Mr. Excitement' was incapable of

making a bad record, according to his devotees. His

'explosive falsetto and his downright weird phrasing

made him utterly unique,' said Rob Bowman in a

1992 review. The magnetic performer, who sang a

few of Berry Gordy's early songs, hit the charts more than 50 times.

In private life he was not so blessed. In 1961 he was shot and wounded by a fan in New

York. In 1965 he divorced. His son, age 16, was killed in 1970. In 1975 he had a heart attack,

suffered brain damage and was left in a coma. He died at age 49 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey,

and was buried in an unmarked grave. Fans later purchased a grave marker for him. In 1987

his daughter age 37 was also killed.

Marvin Gaye

Junior Walker Jams with then-

Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton in 1987 at

the National Governors' Conference

in Traverse City.


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Berry Gordy wrote 'Reet Petite'for Jackie Wilson in the late 1950s and it quickly topped

the U.S. charts. The next song Barry wrote for Jackie, 'To Be Loved,'thrilled Berry. He later

titled his autobiography with the same name.

Berry said, "Jackie Wilson was the epitome of natural greatness. Unfortunately for some,

he set the standard I would be looking for in artists forever. Watching this man perform 'To

Be Loved'was always a thrill." Barry also wrote Lonely Teardrops for him. But Jackie never

became part of Motown, only part of the legend.

the motown movement

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