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 in Heat 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.