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 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.

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 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, inspiring soul music.

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.

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 with Do 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 Motown’s 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 Motown’s 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 Street 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.

9. The Supremes - Baby Love; 2:36

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 the Ed 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 Well’s hit, My Guy. My Girl was 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 as Full House and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

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 group’s 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 Can’t Help Myself, was the first U.S. hit for the Tops reaching #1 on both pop and R&B charts. 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 songs Shout and Twist and Shout which 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 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 Ain'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 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, 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, she was a unique contribution to Motown music. While the 1966 single, Love's Gone Bad was 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 after Baby 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 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 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 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 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. 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 High Enough; 2:28

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. 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 as Remember the Titans and Stepmom.

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 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 Big Chill and Remember the Titans.

22. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Second That Emotion; 2:41

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 Back was the first.

24. Rare Earth - Get Ready; 2:48

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

ABC 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' Let it Be out of the #1 spot. Upon listening to both ABC and I 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 as Daddy Day Care and Clerks 2. It is even featured in various video games.

26. Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours; 2:47

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.

Works Cited

Early, Gerald. One Nation Under A Groove: Motown and American Culture. Ann Arbor:
University of Michigan Press, 2004.

Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 [BOX SET]. CD. Various Artists. Motown, 1992. Catalog #: 6312. Sampled listening at: http://www.amazon.com/Hitsville-USA-Singles-Collection-1959-1971/dp/B000006NUW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7540538-1711920?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1175699017&sr=8-1

Posner, Gerald. Motown: Music, Money, Sex, and Power. New York: Random House, Inc., 2002.

“SongFacts.” Song Meanings at Song Facts. 29 March 2007.
http://songfacts.com

Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Dir. Paul Justman. 2002. DVD.

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