tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26212440962223487762024-02-19T20:53:10.557-05:00The Sound of Young America: The Motown MovementA sampling of some of the most influential Motown tracks, artists, and musicians in American cultureMeghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-62363379044612472112007-03-29T21:14:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:25.007-05:0026. Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours; 2:47<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3vVGAFf6ieeNJunoJOzlFCSpEhooBzvvyaXB9sXRk4VEVtQz3qPuwX8thz2uDCJahIkHPE5-YZD2w82GB8E5ag-a9T_KV5aHt-gkzEQeM08tEWQ2SXsuRAGnTxISQKyzUGeUJAJVQLo_/s1600-h/Stevie+Wonder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3vVGAFf6ieeNJunoJOzlFCSpEhooBzvvyaXB9sXRk4VEVtQz3qPuwX8thz2uDCJahIkHPE5-YZD2w82GB8E5ag-a9T_KV5aHt-gkzEQeM08tEWQ2SXsuRAGnTxISQKyzUGeUJAJVQLo_/s200/Stevie+Wonder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049038688896292226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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. <span style="font-style: italic;">Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours</span> reached #3 on pop charts and #1 on the rhythm and blues charts. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-63447771533945679252007-03-29T21:15:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:24.576-05:0025. The Jackson 5 - ABC; 2:58<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s80i7B2SLUWFLnr0gYMKPj7_jkOphyEUqK07BTBVpyzmKQPG_p8PJnnJo0hIvljLY6Nh6d1FAymp5xiI72p5SxWhXfStK5qUrjRrYvsOQVH52N9gNPXLzrjp56QGgDZNKhYGKGxJfpzU/s1600-h/j5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s80i7B2SLUWFLnr0gYMKPj7_jkOphyEUqK07BTBVpyzmKQPG_p8PJnnJo0hIvljLY6Nh6d1FAymp5xiI72p5SxWhXfStK5qUrjRrYvsOQVH52N9gNPXLzrjp56QGgDZNKhYGKGxJfpzU/s200/j5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049037434765841778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ABC</span> was 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' <span style="font-style: italic;">Let it Be</span> out of the #1 spot. Upon listening to both <span style="font-style: italic;">ABC </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">I Want You Back</span>, 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 as <span style="font-style: italic;">Daddy Day Care </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Clerks 2.</span> It is even featured in various video games. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-76233785092531395052007-03-29T21:16:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:24.429-05:0024. Rare Earth - Get Ready; 2:48<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-YHWUnfXDn5BUr0T5Vp8zgvEQathRXFplEavAhbbA9AwsY9vpdxFwdv1X6fJalhXZF6SxGYT8qlcIuPagLOyIGiAjOJ0vQSWf1T4S-QT79SgeMMg6StDn4iVnDBqUFH3B5tssJpT39mn/s1600-h/rare+earth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-YHWUnfXDn5BUr0T5Vp8zgvEQathRXFplEavAhbbA9AwsY9vpdxFwdv1X6fJalhXZF6SxGYT8qlcIuPagLOyIGiAjOJ0vQSWf1T4S-QT79SgeMMg6StDn4iVnDBqUFH3B5tssJpT39mn/s200/rare+earth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049034505598145890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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. <span style="font-style: italic;">Get Ready</span> reached #4 on the pop charts and #20 on the R&B charts. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-3308092509134353342007-03-29T21:17:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:24.149-05:0023. The Jackson 5 - I Wan't You Back; 2:59<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ_GdViKntHtVUpqk2yorvBvtEs9dRmXCojQlbYGKshBmgYhoD13C8yl2JAsGpJmimvwbyAqY9zPlgNzfpD8HRLSyuCwCc2FJJE5qwNVTcdjqFatLgILTgR53E-V92x1LX1wZq2TbIJUB/s1600-h/jacson5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ_GdViKntHtVUpqk2yorvBvtEs9dRmXCojQlbYGKshBmgYhoD13C8yl2JAsGpJmimvwbyAqY9zPlgNzfpD8HRLSyuCwCc2FJJE5qwNVTcdjqFatLgILTgR53E-V92x1LX1wZq2TbIJUB/s200/jacson5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049032761841423698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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. <span style="font-style: italic;">I Wan't You Back </span>was the first.<br /></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-17774215807855525552007-03-29T21:18:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:23.901-05:0022. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Second That Emotion; 2:41<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT6vHGlqXUdO-HBvAeZIJOHobsb4eiamZoFPjmhnwmqa_Obx-UeCaiou_J5_mvBuK33v7tych9phKeLCESBVyr0iARIklvOvvPfhzrWNwbHsICbaQ8H5VjJniA5ycx5fG65FwjGFCizos/s1600-h/smokeyrob&miracles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT6vHGlqXUdO-HBvAeZIJOHobsb4eiamZoFPjmhnwmqa_Obx-UeCaiou_J5_mvBuK33v7tych9phKeLCESBVyr0iARIklvOvvPfhzrWNwbHsICbaQ8H5VjJniA5ycx5fG65FwjGFCizos/s200/smokeyrob&miracles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049029403176998210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This 1967 hit was written and produced by Smokey Robinson. He also sang the lead vocals. <span style="font-style: italic;">I Second That Emotion</span> 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. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-45004945081393207812007-03-29T21:19:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:23.697-05:0021. Gladys Knight & The Pips - I Heard It Through The Grapevine; 2:54<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01s9xoXjYIa7YoncxKBBL1vyhO1opq8IfXKdhThPLm7NeAIidDKvxi2iIrS9a0xVGSzrT86xegxwUMNysyHH0AU4Ux-0_s_S4T6txMbWAfHBl9X7lzv_WhnZLLZ63yk3JJZz8pv56hCI/s1600-h/gladysknightpips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01s9xoXjYIa7YoncxKBBL1vyhO1opq8IfXKdhThPLm7NeAIidDKvxi2iIrS9a0xVGSzrT86xegxwUMNysyHH0AU4Ux-0_s_S4T6txMbWAfHBl9X7lzv_WhnZLLZ63yk3JJZz8pv56hCI/s200/gladysknightpips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049022415265207602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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, <span style="font-style: italic;">I Heard it Through The Grapevine</span>, 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 is also 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 as <span style="font-style: italic;">Big Chill</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Remember the Titans</span>. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-41824488052323514252007-03-29T21:21:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:23.592-05:0020. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel - Ain't No Mountain High Enough; 2:28<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaZujp-pMij8K-KZGsuW4ZROly5-bkQyI8uD_v21w8SS9rcJTNDI8bvFd6PEdKBNI5x-RGcaVBByhbMguZu_ICzIQXctlaZZ9IPpOFKNusJs3-z8AHt2Qg4pvrOwhM5zoNxXxxscHVMlf/s1600-h/marvinandtammi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaZujp-pMij8K-KZGsuW4ZROly5-bkQyI8uD_v21w8SS9rcJTNDI8bvFd6PEdKBNI5x-RGcaVBByhbMguZu_ICzIQXctlaZZ9IPpOFKNusJs3-z8AHt2Qg4pvrOwhM5zoNxXxxscHVMlf/s200/marvinandtammi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048869372695549218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Tammi Terrell was born in Philadelphia, PA. In 1965 she was discovered by Gordy. She sang a 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. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ain't No Mountain High Enough</span> 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. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ain't No Mountain High Enough</span> is also featured in many movies such as <span style="font-style: italic;">Remember the Titans </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Stepmom</span>. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-87223125466228897692007-03-29T21:22:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:22.724-05:0019. Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston - It Takes Two; 2:58<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIkJEHhsgcN-j3kSeEIe_iTrGHtwFvs-AvCrxYL1crf_0LocJxxdpvqThu7oGufR948kPsCdkj1k_x4wh7IvZ3_ngnDdemmp4JTo-Rk5rfn5p2sYppsrpVuuH-TtgmZFDqw7vTjkM-RA4/s1600-h/marvinandkim.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIkJEHhsgcN-j3kSeEIe_iTrGHtwFvs-AvCrxYL1crf_0LocJxxdpvqThu7oGufR948kPsCdkj1k_x4wh7IvZ3_ngnDdemmp4JTo-Rk5rfn5p2sYppsrpVuuH-TtgmZFDqw7vTjkM-RA4/s200/marvinandkim.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048864180080088338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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 church greatly 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. <span style="font-style: italic;">It Takes Two</span> 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 <span style="font-style: italic;">It Takes Two </span>features this song. </span><b></b>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-27160363749364953122007-03-29T21:26:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:22.516-05:0018. Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There; 2:59<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0umJQQiMYncy4k3OKuXjjCayUTNYjfOXyKydtsiz8izhfOfNPRZNkAhyWwU1y36HX4jLCh6Vsd5J7Y3r1Q-pWO1wQ4hc4ZZboqAQP0izyj9wEEH3snxgoKjKqvLXCuxqSWhWvCLa2-1Y/s1600-h/Fourtops1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0umJQQiMYncy4k3OKuXjjCayUTNYjfOXyKydtsiz8izhfOfNPRZNkAhyWwU1y36HX4jLCh6Vsd5J7Y3r1Q-pWO1wQ4hc4ZZboqAQP0izyj9wEEH3snxgoKjKqvLXCuxqSWhWvCLa2-1Y/s200/Fourtops1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048125127877596418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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 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, <span style="font-style: italic;">Like A Rolling Stone</span>. Diana Ross performed a successful cover of this hit. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-21971841579577745362007-03-29T21:27:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:22.346-05:0017. The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love; 2:50<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24fDVXzksp1HP0hdNRvbbDnxbj_a7CRXeRr2N8FZXJX4U9e1EhlFFB_UDMzrQRNLW0M7trVI9pLjFcxqgazOXC-aCh4iYx4b920zrtiH9iEGzyeDaoPunWrBqvihvXmkSK4I7poalMUjH/s1600-h/supremes1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24fDVXzksp1HP0hdNRvbbDnxbj_a7CRXeRr2N8FZXJX4U9e1EhlFFB_UDMzrQRNLW0M7trVI9pLjFcxqgazOXC-aCh4iYx4b920zrtiH9iEGzyeDaoPunWrBqvihvXmkSK4I7poalMUjH/s200/supremes1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048120003981612274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This song was released in the summer of 1966 and quickly reached #1 on the pop and R&B charts. <span style="font-style: italic;">You Can't Hurry Love</span> is easily one of The Supremes' signature songs. Gospel music greatly influenced this track </span><span style="font-size:85%;">which features a mother's words telling her daughters to be patient in the game of love</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. The song was written based on a gospel song entitled "You Can't Hurry God". This track, released two years after <span style="font-style: italic;">Baby Love</span>, 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 Jamerson strumming 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 <span style="font-style: italic;">Runaway Bride</span> Soundtrack. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-30873814739981810592007-03-29T21:28:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:22.138-05:0016. Chris Clark - Love's Gone Bad; 2:21<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIeOaY_6x8-FTaJXfvl5SW-j9CM1miP7BTdkIJyfUIgCt-BI7sAXMY9s_o6gAGy-GzRtavHCRiJiWTaK4xsIF6P4qjv5XBJZ_feBNk7540XBFFAY_efGO5yiP4IxlJ9-Iw6LDO7dcG8dL/s1600-h/Chris+Clark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIeOaY_6x8-FTaJXfvl5SW-j9CM1miP7BTdkIJyfUIgCt-BI7sAXMY9s_o6gAGy-GzRtavHCRiJiWTaK4xsIF6P4qjv5XBJZ_feBNk7540XBFFAY_efGO5yiP4IxlJ9-Iw6LDO7dcG8dL/s200/Chris+Clark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047915069617083618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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, she was a unique contribution to Motown music. While the 1966 single, <span style="font-style: italic;">Love's Gone Bad</span> was her only hit, she became very famous in England. She also later became the vice president for Motown Records based in Los Angeles.</span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-81041063508029551782007-03-29T21:29:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:21.892-05:0015. Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes of the Brokenhearted; 3:01<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib__kcaVoQ3KPJt9a-SAJfLfgks_68ncAEUxnXMKLvHe47ulPyxeh7seMejGB9TAs-fISc7jZG-tThQnFvudhDADTQp-4BlXTIomGShu-Po-9J7VF8FgbjS_Wy0ySnKi1xNh4kVphL2jP6/s1600-h/jimmyruffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib__kcaVoQ3KPJt9a-SAJfLfgks_68ncAEUxnXMKLvHe47ulPyxeh7seMejGB9TAs-fISc7jZG-tThQnFvudhDADTQp-4BlXTIomGShu-Po-9J7VF8FgbjS_Wy0ySnKi1xNh4kVphL2jP6/s200/jimmyruffin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047910727405147346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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 to make 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, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fried Green Tomatoes</span>. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-88978717126706475022007-03-29T21:30:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:21.723-05:0014. The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg; 2:32<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSFtdOcFzsF7pMTPY0dAh6iZRTMqjtKBPQvel90K2CR_XwcNRM2p0a8DrrZl-YhGpTI5t5_HkXlDIC9O5tr8ahtbs8tHT1lHthXSw1-n2OTNxqpBqxL7aq1qct3ElCsBr_O06WBdPT6Js/s1600-h/temptations_d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSFtdOcFzsF7pMTPY0dAh6iZRTMqjtKBPQvel90K2CR_XwcNRM2p0a8DrrZl-YhGpTI5t5_HkXlDIC9O5tr8ahtbs8tHT1lHthXSw1-n2OTNxqpBqxL7aq1qct3ElCsBr_O06WBdPT6Js/s200/temptations_d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047908562741630146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This catchy hit reached #13 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. Released in 1966, it was 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 performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Ain't Too Proud To Beg</span> on American Bandstand. Numerous covers have been created of this hit, and it is featured in the 1983 film<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Big Chill. </span></span></span><br /></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-68569912086057835402007-03-29T21:48:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:21.450-05:0013. Isley Brothers - This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You); 2:46<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMecGJ2Jzd_NH3i6lLC2ZM2jkzZLZkNaYaJij-Kwd6YegV3k44qqgD3s3lCGOpoSQ3CBBUujdRIw9SQdrkyiRyUw2L46JC-B3sXOGtBPMMtMHzJlPy7tWMmb8NxktdxiSyeGBrXj1g13PY/s1600-h/isleybrothers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMecGJ2Jzd_NH3i6lLC2ZM2jkzZLZkNaYaJij-Kwd6YegV3k44qqgD3s3lCGOpoSQ3CBBUujdRIw9SQdrkyiRyUw2L46JC-B3sXOGtBPMMtMHzJlPy7tWMmb8NxktdxiSyeGBrXj1g13PY/s200/isleybrothers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047905165422498978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">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, <span style="font-style: italic;">This Old Heart of Mine</span>, 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 songs <span style="font-style: italic;">Shout</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Twist and Shout</span> which they produced under their own label. In this particular track, the Funk Brothers musically back the group.<br /></span></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-59830784290967550912007-03-29T21:49:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:21.179-05:0012. Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch); 2:44<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivauEcJtQdrc9mr_xipM45AWRnRVWb2b1EdtTRDzh0JYaGxMWDbLiq8lLGfLCmo12YQLlp0T6JEanci8n5WUBTM020YcfltotWI32m2Eprz55eTnwP5XGm8k-8Ov-I_-6TS9GdDb-v2bS6/s1600-h/fourtops.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivauEcJtQdrc9mr_xipM45AWRnRVWb2b1EdtTRDzh0JYaGxMWDbLiq8lLGfLCmo12YQLlp0T6JEanci8n5WUBTM020YcfltotWI32m2Eprz55eTnwP5XGm8k-8Ov-I_-6TS9GdDb-v2bS6/s200/fourtops.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047902657161598098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">This Motown musical quartet was founded in 1959 in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city>. <span style=""> </span>Unlike most Motown groups, the Four Tops had a baritone sing the lead vocals (most groups had tenor sing lead).<span style=""> </span>The foursome consisted of Levi Stubbs, Laurence Payton, Renaldo Benson, and Abdul Fakir. <span style=""></span>The 1965 song, <i style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I Can’t Help Myself,</i> was the first <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> hit for the Tops reaching #1 on both pop and R&B charts. <span style=""> </span>Levi Stubbs is noted for his singing style that comes close to shouting. <span style=""> </span>The sound created is very similar to that of a Baptist preacher in church. <span style=""> </span>As many other Motown hits, the Funk Brothers provided instrumentation for this track. <span style=""> </span>Both LaToya Jackson (1995) and Dolly Parton covered this song, and it was featured in the 2001 movie, <i style="">Rat Race</i>. </span><span style=""><br /></span></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-78922858159458950612007-03-29T21:50:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.954-05:0011. Jr. Walker & The All-Stars - Shotgun; 2:59<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2i-0x0tOCwPhf9qL4iTw5xeEadRa07-cEAXWVV78wRnOMKSTpIMN2VEDCOcasEW3zZBwLRGwgFmJIypsH_UaGZDwPQ3iz0PkU8Dqw8gHPx8vgi6a_Akzl5zp5AYRdvgDALDFSd8MMy5A/s1600-h/jr.walker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2i-0x0tOCwPhf9qL4iTw5xeEadRa07-cEAXWVV78wRnOMKSTpIMN2VEDCOcasEW3zZBwLRGwgFmJIypsH_UaGZDwPQ3iz0PkU8Dqw8gHPx8vgi6a_Akzl5zp5AYRdvgDALDFSd8MMy5A/s200/jr.walker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047896816006075490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN-ub8-Sugk3UmXl3BTeKe77EZjZk78H0FQOOmQwy8NuA30xoksmrZrXaagiLBV5T6AzY5w6T7JKDTNnbp5UOZxsdjNL196FXm2wcN-s4AJ788BCEsUGHNlE2S-rvG0NZPc5ksuD40gJB/s1600-h/jr.walker.jpg"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" ><span style=""></span></span></a><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Junior Walker, born Autry DeWalt Jr. in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arkansas</st1:place></st1:state></st1:place></st1:state>, was known for his distinctive saxophone style and rowdy vocals. This group’s 1965 hit, <i>Shotgun</i>, offered a different sound to Motown. This track has a soul and funk feel to it and features a bluesy, gritty sound. <i>Shotgun</i> 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. <i>How Sweet It Is</i> and <i>Come See About Me</i> are the groups other two big hits. </span><o:p></o:p></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-64885733773731142022007-03-29T21:51:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.794-05:0010. The Temptations - My Girl; 2:55<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5imA13lvw2DM2A860Y_Y_LxRq_9Z5Z0xYDIBdgDOfE-YrgOPMhV__2mPKpE3fvAUazglFCwqzp2kh9w2Xbq1vg_v6oRu8teWGB5L7NsTpalu6gyAskt718hpzqn4uaDmMzxGfHXuh2Uy6/s1600-h/Temptations.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5imA13lvw2DM2A860Y_Y_LxRq_9Z5Z0xYDIBdgDOfE-YrgOPMhV__2mPKpE3fvAUazglFCwqzp2kh9w2Xbq1vg_v6oRu8teWGB5L7NsTpalu6gyAskt718hpzqn4uaDmMzxGfHXuh2Uy6/s200/Temptations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047905852617266354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Georgia;">This group, founded in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Detroit</st1:city></st1:place></st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:City> 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 Well’s hit, <i>My Guy</i>. <i>My Girl</i> was the first of four <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region> #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 as <i>Full House </i>and <i>The Fresh Prince of Bel Air</i>.</span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-52425288152948596972007-03-29T21:52:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.585-05:009. The Supremes - Baby Love; 2:36<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjI5A-reL0AbV85vaLPPLJfdeeKwrTHMiQjn0I-3ZpMwKgJIOUHvLRU-XP3uoMTtBm15VSe8sDdmSKNhA2wJGrCM6uQ4PwcArNRyms8U4K-6CN3Tny7jUadJvdjXWJlveRwCAx1cHQpIi/s1600-h/supremes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjI5A-reL0AbV85vaLPPLJfdeeKwrTHMiQjn0I-3ZpMwKgJIOUHvLRU-XP3uoMTtBm15VSe8sDdmSKNhA2wJGrCM6uQ4PwcArNRyms8U4K-6CN3Tny7jUadJvdjXWJlveRwCAx1cHQpIi/s200/supremes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047897838208291970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Georgia;">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 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:City>. 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 <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region>. 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 the <i>Ed Sullivan Show</i> twenty times, and were nominated for a Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording in 1965.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-90676927355300967642007-03-29T21:53:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.379-05:008. Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street; 2:38<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLof6xFtJwyNqE4Kzs2CtNLlLBNUQa0uST7Gu5USJLAUad6H7OQlA-guejZndheqovx6S_p1xkkGgxoFgxF_2g79b7ZDKgNBJ5K6rEmx9ge0YDDvKm5VoneWYEbg0h6Jf0qFcUuVigCKia/s1600-h/martha&vandellas1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLof6xFtJwyNqE4Kzs2CtNLlLBNUQa0uST7Gu5USJLAUad6H7OQlA-guejZndheqovx6S_p1xkkGgxoFgxF_2g79b7ZDKgNBJ5K6rEmx9ge0YDDvKm5VoneWYEbg0h6Jf0qFcUuVigCKia/s200/martha&vandellas1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047878042704024626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">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?". <span style="font-style: italic;">Dancing in the Street</span> gave 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. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqys6yVjJPzV13cBVJ5IUa2xA5nr-8srtmH4kZpwKFZwf8P4gUftrf59LG7guBnll8h63GpSKWGQdtZ7k7VwK2AXwyse9V_SmT66SGIha8k_qiQ1llFSKn2IhjVbkT0lbfWLotBctttpc/s1600-h/martha&vandellas1.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></a>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-83645819434125389752007-03-29T21:54:00.001-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.229-05:007. Mary Wells - My Guy; 2:48<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIww95bXd-qe1ibpZtW3H9nrav40EMskdwNHhhoAq7qTyy3M6XCJsAeUZHKFmRlwzPtSCmin3avWUxNVuPN3nCUNNIAOyZpTh4OBIuJmehijZqmQjpA68BP6uvRY5_0oq86sFS5tsMmEht/s1600-h/marywells.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIww95bXd-qe1ibpZtW3H9nrav40EMskdwNHhhoAq7qTyy3M6XCJsAeUZHKFmRlwzPtSCmin3avWUxNVuPN3nCUNNIAOyZpTh4OBIuJmehijZqmQjpA68BP6uvRY5_0oq86sFS5tsMmEht/s200/marywells.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047873992549864482" border="0" /></a> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >Mary Wells and her two siblings grew up in a poor <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city> neighborhood without a father. <span style=""> </span>Her mother worked tirelessly to support the family. Wells loved singing and was in her high school choir; she also sang in local clubs. <span style=""> </span>In 1960, her mother brought her in to meet Gordy after Wells had written a song for a Motown artist. <span style=""> </span>After singing it for Gordy, he asked her to record it, and signed her as an artist. <span style=""> </span>She was Motown’s first female star, the first artist on the label, and the first Motown Grammy nominee. <span style=""> </span>The Beatles considered her their favorite American singer.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i style="">My Guy</i>, written by Smokey Robinson, was her biggest hit, reaching #1 on the pop charts in 1964. <span style=""> </span>This track was also Motown’s first British hit. The Funk Brothers provided the instrumentation for this song. <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> <span style=""> </span></span></span></p>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-85814159344726406362007-03-29T21:55:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:20.077-05:006. Martha & The Vandellas - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave; 2:45<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7VqeDwpWlOsYExMD8L2b_z7i-7kDMN7D-w8IILYQPrWmGM5M-U8j38chpm8GqpBHMGviUJEi2WeLbfmXxhxSVJMEBsfIXRKi3lkf1v-stO_nIpdpXwqZK3mWOh4E0r2cfQKWMoJ8QJB6/s1600-h/martha&vandellas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7VqeDwpWlOsYExMD8L2b_z7i-7kDMN7D-w8IILYQPrWmGM5M-U8j38chpm8GqpBHMGviUJEi2WeLbfmXxhxSVJMEBsfIXRKi3lkf1v-stO_nIpdpXwqZK3mWOh4E0r2cfQKWMoJ8QJB6/s200/martha&vandellas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047869053337474050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:85%;" >This group, consisting of Martha Reeves, Rosalyn Ashford and Betty Kelly, was founded in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:city></st1:place></st1:city> in 1960. Martha & The Vandellas mix in a gospel flavor, jazzy overtones, and doo-wop call and response vocals in <i>Heat Wave</i>. 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,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sister Act</span>. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-12409701175572950222007-03-29T21:56:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:19.737-05:005. "Little" Stevie Wonder - Fingertips Part 2; 3:09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy8KpE5_5YDcZ56vIJkncJoRgCIXMF0Gy6KOmwuvtvbQr_zI-FKMVWS-zJvTDH72Du1OeyhSSD4FlMGAktpExLCbGhQ8oWbgvRQGylE57n3Vm4JuWYFJUx6PwG_4CaUSdluM-nnXVUmTd/s1600-h/littlesteviewonder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy8KpE5_5YDcZ56vIJkncJoRgCIXMF0Gy6KOmwuvtvbQr_zI-FKMVWS-zJvTDH72Du1OeyhSSD4FlMGAktpExLCbGhQ8oWbgvRQGylE57n3Vm4JuWYFJUx6PwG_4CaUSdluM-nnXVUmTd/s200/littlesteviewonder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047863792002536402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Morris in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Saginaw</st1:place></st1:city>, 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 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>'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 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 </span></span><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:85%;">routine and ad libs a lot in this piece.</span></span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-44370169771839398462007-03-29T21:57:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:19.604-05:004. The Miracles - You've Really Got A Hold On Me; 2:57<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v9yQSOXo20XOceXjWFww3GtcWE8ovCfB0-fWkABAxgM4vtgkRXwQnXToERin8bsC9rJwzCIKIWCzPX0a2RU8AhfSrU9MUXwqc33QHty__lUdA9pAHYiXgYxMbwevalWHeNiqzW2oX7S8/s1600-h/miracles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v9yQSOXo20XOceXjWFww3GtcWE8ovCfB0-fWkABAxgM4vtgkRXwQnXToERin8bsC9rJwzCIKIWCzPX0a2RU8AhfSrU9MUXwqc33QHty__lUdA9pAHYiXgYxMbwevalWHeNiqzW2oX7S8/s200/miracles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047564514386383634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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. <span style="font-style: italic;">You've Really Got A Hold On Me</span> 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. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-37312288107611855912007-03-29T21:58:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:19.454-05:003. The Contours - Do You Love Me; 2:53<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfqu_L83HtItxjciFhso9qytVEiYzD83A3zZZooCfvkT4MuPjA5FrDtD-NMPo0UyNISubhLGOzK67L_0sRwhN0c-bWFLP_jaBxLeKC0RBrc8fMghp1aa8D9yj0ab-h4JWHll-u4P7Rey3/s1600-h/Contours.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfqu_L83HtItxjciFhso9qytVEiYzD83A3zZZooCfvkT4MuPjA5FrDtD-NMPo0UyNISubhLGOzK67L_0sRwhN0c-bWFLP_jaBxLeKC0RBrc8fMghp1aa8D9yj0ab-h4JWHll-u4P7Rey3/s200/Contours.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047561580923720450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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 with <span style="font-style: italic;">Do You Love Me</span>, and it became their one hit wonder. It reached #3 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts. <span style="font-style: italic;">Do You Love Me</span> benefited from a resurgence of popularity when it was featured in the 1988 film, <span style="font-style: italic;">Dirty Dancing</span>. </span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621244096222348776.post-24842123986709395782007-03-29T21:59:00.000-05:002008-12-12T01:56:19.264-05:002. The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman; 2:29<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwCeqtG2lsDem3dLYwoIlYO8S3HF8krPSZi6S2ALFAr8nFzcPoVLIrUsU-9_yTTzPJ7FXPP0QLq6aIMu-LFE5Lzvr2vVEdk6vihvU6Ryqio2KHoZzNgmEzXLPJEIePOS15LcyxNWokoEO/s1600-h/untitled.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwCeqtG2lsDem3dLYwoIlYO8S3HF8krPSZi6S2ALFAr8nFzcPoVLIrUsU-9_yTTzPJ7FXPP0QLq6aIMu-LFE5Lzvr2vVEdk6vihvU6Ryqio2KHoZzNgmEzXLPJEIePOS15LcyxNWokoEO/s200/untitled.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047570080663999282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">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.</span>Meghan Roneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07094619822318845535noreply@blogger.com0