Martha and the Vandellas: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1995

Rock Hall Bio: 

http://rockhall.com/inductees/martha-and-the-vandellas/bio/

Barry Gordy signed Martha and the Vandellas in 1962. It did not take long for the group to hit it big.

Heat Wave (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCpDMQf5o9s&feature=related

Dancing in the Street (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b5HXZRQFss

Nowhere to Run (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhcflDSUMvc

I’m Ready for Love (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9ZKJjN5IeY

Jimmy Mack (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbOu3XZraWg

Honey Chile (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxhO-qZIrJc

Around this time, Gordy began focusing almost exclusively on The Supremes and Diana Ross. As a result, the quality of material sent to the Vandellas suffered. Infighting made the troubles worsen.

Baby Don’t Leave Me (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4UKsuBXJsM

　
Motown moved to Los Angeles and Reeves did not want to go. She negotiated out of Motown Records and signed with MCA. She received critical acclaim for her first solo album, but fell into alcohol abuse. She sobered in 1977 and became a born-again Christian. She served as a Detroit city councilwoman from 2005-2009.

“Dancing in the Streets” was later covered by Van Halen and Mick Jagger and David Bowie.

Van Halen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CAHDI_vkSs

Mick Jagger and David Bowie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-x2fWKbmo

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1993

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/frankie-lymon-and-the-teenagers/bio/

Frankie Lymon joined a doo wop group at 12. He wrote “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” at age 13.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love? (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUW0n2TdWs

I Want You To Be My Girl (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdESZ-eyB8A

Who Can Explain (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kowoPwGneE4

I Promise to Remember (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAC2YxUrLi8

The ABCs of Love (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tThIFeRuIww

Paper Castles (1957):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jOIepUX9PY

Goody Goody (1957):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL3RoEhjRoQ

Lymon went solo in 1957 and his career decline steeply. He also began experimenting with heroin. The Teenagers tried other singers, but failed to achieve success.

In 1957, he was caught dancing with a white girl resulting in scandal.

Little Pretty One (1960):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ziaIcKiOzA

He was drafted in 1965, but was dishonorably discharged for going AWOL to perform live.

1968: Lymon died of a heroin overdose.

I’m Sorry (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuYzp_L_Hv0

In 1981, his estate battled over royalties from “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” The case ended in 1992.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love by Diana Ross (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPO46xvT0Xk&ob=av2n

Holland, Dozier, Holland: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Official Site:

http://www.hollanddozierholland.com/

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/holland-dozier-and-holland/bio/

Holland, Dozier, Holland is one of the greatest songwriting teams in history. They worked at Motown from 1962-1967 and continued as a team until 1974.
Here is a sampling of their hits:

Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE2fnYpwrng

Where Did Out Love Go by the Supremes (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E

Baby Love by the Supremes (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) by the Four Tops (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bksUSPB4c

Reach Out I’ll Be There by the Four Tops (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDm3qr1Knk

Baby I Need Your Loving by Johnny Rivers (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqfEQwrR5Wc

Band of Gold by Freda Payne (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65LLafsa9g

This Old Heart of Mine by Rod Stewart with Ronald Isley (1990):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eQShsxkj4

Gerry Goffin: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

His life and career in links...

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/gerry-goffin-and-carole-king/bio/

Goffin married Carole King in 1960 and the pair became prolific songwriters and hit makers. They were inducted into the Rock Hall together. I split them up for simplicity’s sake.

Will You Love Me Tomorrow by the Shirelles (1960):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbxxkwBQk_o

Take Good Care of My Baby by Bobby Vee (1961):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awNqLO6auQA

The Loco-Motion by Little Eva (1962):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNNW0SPkChI

One Fine Day by the Chiffons (1963):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvyOqKhKWQ4

Pleasant Valley Sunday by the Monkeys (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0

After divorcing King:

Theme from Mahogany by Diana Ross (1975):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOH6SzDX3l4

Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston (1985):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewxmv2tyeRs

Miss You Like Crazy by Natalie Cole (1989):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-AUljWlvFI

The Temptations: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1989

Their career in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-temptations/bio/

They formed in 1960 and released several singles without making much impact.

This broke them:

The Way You Do The Things You Do (1964):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDakhsaPTE0

My Girl (1965):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltRwmgYEUr8

Get Ready (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV97roslmt0

Ain’t To Proud to Beg (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfyFI-4ZsaE

Beauty is Only Skin Deep (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PU1PEA8S6M

Cloud Nine (1968):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkBSZUzds2c

I’m Gonna Make You Love Me w/The Supremes (1968):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI844RAJo58

David Ruffin left the group in 1968. By this point, he thought he was bigger than the group and wanted to be treated like Diana Ross.

Ball of Confusion (1970):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZWYmxr8XE

Just My Imagination (1971):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Z9-QCmZyw

Eddie Kendrick left after recording “Just My Imagination.” Paul Williams quit soon thereafter and committed suicide in 1973.

Papa Was a Rolling Stone (1972):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We4-lJe0JRY

The band began its decline and scored its last hit in 1975.

Shaky Ground (1975):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEt28c6QxTM

Rick James used The Temptations on Super Freak (1981):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M&ob=av3e

The group continued to record with little success. However, “My Girl” experienced a resurgence because of Hall and Oates. Ruffin and Kendricks joined Hall and Oates to close out Live Aid (1985):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK14lmxpZS0

In 1990, Rod Stewart recorded with the Temptations:

The Motown Song (1990):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFyPxUnsyi0

David Ruffin passed away in 1991.

Eddie Kendricks passed away in 1992.

Otis Williams remains the only original member still with the group.

The Supremes: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1988

Their career in links.
Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-supremes/bio/

They signed as The Primettes in 1959, but changed their name to the Supremes.

Tears of Sorrow (1960): Their first release

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4OPDynjTTs

They failed to chart until late 1963. Nowadays, record companies might drop an act regardless of their talent.

Where Did Our Love Go? (1964): Their breakthrough

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E

Baby Love (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM

Come See About Me (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PycKSdKG_74

Stop! In the Name of Love (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yPcoS7Y38Q

Back in my Arms Again (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdKlA1phM2s

I Hear a Symphony (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9SEY8eLyk

My World is Empty Without You (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SuSsvJUqKI

You Can’t Hurry Love (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQvCci9txEg&ob=av3n

You Keep Me Hanging On (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bjMtqpGBw

In their heyday, only the Beatles were more popular than the Supremes.

The Supremes became Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1967

Reflections (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRjCqaX2IvQ

Love Child (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IluVWcNtR8

Diana Ross left Motown in early 1968 over a dispute over royalties. As the country radicalized, some complained the Supremes were not “black enough.”

I’m Gonna Make You Love Me w/The Temptations (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI844RAJo58

Someday We’ll Be Together (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-ULTch7fY8

The Supremes continued without Diana Ross.

Stoned Love (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS-Gqe8yUUI

Floy Joy (1972): Their last major hit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuMCksvMrD4

The Supremes’ Farewell Concert (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FA-vFGJ1Rs

Diana Ross continued as a solo artist and starred in film and television.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEnKEcBvBvw

Theme from Mahogany (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOH6SzDX3l4

Love Hangover (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrBYKslPrbg

Upside Down (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtaLI74XFtU

Endless Love w/Lionel Ritchie (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnfwnOp6uek

Missing You (1984):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVlbbk4SPC4

When You Tell Me That You Love Me w/Westlife (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwSL-57pNqM&ob=av2n

I’ve Got a Crush on You w/Rod Stewart (2006):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtW_QBHOArs

Goin’ Back (2011):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOJIP934O8k

Berry Gordy: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1988

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/berry_gordy_jr/bio/

Motown site:
http://www.motown.com/

Berry dropped out of school to be a boxer and got drafted to fight in Korea. He worked as a janitor before Jackie Wilson recorded his “Reet Petite.”

Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson (1957):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ3-NnNx6Zs

Gordy also co-wrote “Lonely Teardrops” for Wilson and “All I Could Do Was Cry” for Etta James. He took the money from songwriting and reinvested it eventually creating Motown Records.

The First Motown Release: Bad Girl by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (1959):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca9pyyu7dpM

Shop Around by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (1960): helped put Motown on the map
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM

Please Mr. Postman by the Marvelettes (1961): Motown’s first #1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dVt11UZ0uA

My Guy by Mary Wells (1964):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgwpHYzcwUA

Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas (1964):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc

My Girl by the Temptations (1965):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltRwmgYEUr8

You Can’t Hurry Love by The Supremes (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyxVYl8DrKI

Uptight by Stevie Wonder (1966):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDbyOLzEyfk

Reach Out I’ll Be There (1966): Notice the change in tone from earlier Motown hitshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoPOrBm-4w

I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hajBdDM2qdg

ABC by the Jackson 5 (1970):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOXG8wtxx_w

The Tears of a Clown (1970):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kxlZDOHeQ

What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-5c5o85SGo

In 1972, Gordy relocated Motown Records to Los Angeles.

Lady Sings the Blues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z39AXp-uWzQ

The company continued into the eighties, but never achieved its previous success. Gordy sold the company in 1988.

In 2006, Dream Girls based its character Curtis Taylor Jr. on Gordy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owpvh1821tU