The Supremes: Reflections (1967)

The Supreme fired Florence Ballard shortly after recording this classic. The song also reflects the psychedelic movement of the period. At the same time, the country seemed to be going crazy. So, the song had to have resonated with people wanting a return to normalcy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhxUmjVQNtI

1961 in Music

1961 provided a lull in rock music. Although Elvis returned, the pop scene focused on teen idols. However, change was coming. Motown began to move, Bob Dylan was a year away, and the seeds of the British Invasion were planted when The Beatles made their Cavern Club debut.

Motown scored it's first million seller with "Shop Around" and signed The Supremes. The Beach Boys release their initial single. Frank Sinatra starts Reprise Records. Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline is seriously injured in an auto accident.


Shop Around by The Miracles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM




I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZTk1hdpMs




Judy Garland:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i2uXjQZHs



#1 Song of 1961:


Stand By Me by Ben E. King:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZNL7QVJjE

Other important releases:



Runaway by Del Shannon

At Last by Etta James

Crazy by Patsy Cline

Crying by Roy Orbison

Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles

Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes

Runaround Sue by Dion

The Wanderer by Dion

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by The Shirelles
Other Hits:


Let's Twist Again by Chubby Checker

Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley

Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka

Hello Mary Lou By Ricky Nelson

Spanish Harlem by Ben E. King

The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens

Gamble and Huff: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2008

Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff were record producers that pioneered Philadelphia soul. The pair produced 15 gold singles and 22 gold albums. Gamble began at age 17 when he teamed with Jerry Ross. Gamble joined the pair soon thereafter.
In 1971, Gamble and Huff formed Philadelphia International to rival Motown. Clive Davis aided the pair in their venture. The sound evolved from simple to complex. The Philadelphia sound was a major influence on disco. The genre began to decline after 1975. In 1982, their biggest star, Teddy Pendergrass, was paralyzed in a car accident. They have since continued to write (over 3000 songs) and have collected numerous awards and honors.


Some of their work:
I'm Gonna Make You Love Me by Dionne Warwick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUmFpbcm4_8

Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWOTdt9Bovk

If You Don't Know Me By Now by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbaSh8i5eyE

Love Train by the O'Jays: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTp0AlTuPNA

For the Love of Money by the O'Jays: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXE_n2q08Yw

Rockwell: Somebody's Watching Me (1984)

Berry Gordy’s son wanted to record an album. His father was less than enthused until he heard the backing vocals. Michael and Jermaine Jackson helped out Gordy’s son and their talents really propelled the song. Rockwell’s character is extremely paranoid and the video employs a Halloween/Night of the Living Dead feel. Over 20 years later, “Somebody’s Watching Me” could be the NSA’s theme song.

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

Benny Benjamin: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2003

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/benny-benjamin/bio/

Benny Benjamin was the drummer for Motown’s Funk Brothers.

His work:

Money  by Barrett Strong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5KU34DrrPI

Uptight by Stevie Wonder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZf3Byq8oLA

Going to a Go-Go by The Miracles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWt4Hz1KGcQ

 

The Jackson 5: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1997

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

The Jackson 5 formed in 1964 and remained active until 1990. They reached their peak in the 1970s as they combined soul, R&B, pop, and disco.

Their father guided their early careers and the band often played dive bars and strip clubs.  They recorded their first single in 1967 and it was released in January 1968.

Big Boy (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-mqVVj0PyU

They signed with Motown in 1968.

I Want You Back (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QwaGnsQez4&feature=related

 ABC (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7796-au8U

In the early 70s, Jacksonmania struck America.

I’ll Be There (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-apaIOOoAo

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61uYA6qveOY

Never Can Say Goodbye (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snihdG1rE0Y

Dancing Machine (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSjn3CAC5zI

In 1975, they moved to CBS. Motown remained mired in the 60s. The Jackson 5 needed a change.

Forever Came Today (1975):

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

In 1978, Michael appeared in The Wiz. He released Off the Wall the following year and the Jackson 5 never recovered as Michael became a huge star.

Torture (1984):

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

They released their final album in 1989 and disbanded.

A miniseries debuted: The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)

The Jacksons reunited in 2001 to celebrate Michael’s solo career.

In 2012, the surviving members announced a reunion tour.

Gladys Knight: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/gladys-knight-and-the-pips/bio/

In 1952, Gladys Knight won a television talent contest. She formed the Pips the following year. They did not score a hit until 1961.

Every Beat of My Heart (1961):

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

In 1966, they signed with Motown and broke out.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvwP72FuVg

The End of Our Road (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpMHDbJO7sU

The Nitty Gritty (1969):

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

Friendship Train (1970):

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

If I Were Your Woman (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8EjfXlF1c

In the mid-70s, they moved to Buddha Records.

Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX8fZ-lWhFA

Midnight Train to Georgia (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHhItkhc7o

I've Got to Use My Imagination (1973):

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

Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmvm3l7zm4w

On and On (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpoHYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpo&feature=related"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpo&feature=related"feature=related

The Way We Were (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlg2svEAh-w

Love Overboard (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4o1mGXyTjU

In 1988, the Pips retired, but Knight continued on.

License to Kill (1989):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0&feature=fvst"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0&feature=fvst"feature=fvst

Superwoman w/Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-2olRqxK7c

I (Who Have Nothing) (2010):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68CGJg2tBxs
　

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

Fitz and the Tantrums: MoneyGrabber (2011)

Fitz and the Tantrums formed in 2008 and released their first album in 2010. They are an indie band heavily influenced by soul music in the vein of Stax or Motown. These influences are keenly felt in "MoneyGrabber" which has a huge sound. There is a lot going on in this record.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ

The Four Tops: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-four-tops/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.thefourtopsoriginal.com/

Their career in links.

In 1956, Levi Stubbs, Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton sang together at a birthday party. They decided to stay together and signed with Chess Records. They changed their name from The Four Aims to The Four Tops and later signed with Motown Records.

Baby I Need Your Loving (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joqjBAJx4ZA

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (1965):

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

It’s the Same Old Song (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS2nWLz-AbE

Motown was not immune to what was going on in the 60s. The Four Tops echoed the streets with…

Reach Out I’ll Be There (1966):

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

And a more depressed Tops released…

Standing in the Shadows of Love (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhtzMwA5gJI&feature=related

Bernadette (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVM00eoohI

7 Rooms of Gloom (1967):

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

If I Were a Carpenter (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXX36b_mlMo

Their chief songwriters, Holland-Dozier-Holland quit Motown over a royalty dispute with Berry Gordy. They struggled until 1970.

Still Water (Love) (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NASl6heMzw

It’s All in the Game (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvD7RkEkH5A

River Deep-Mountain High w/The Supremes (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHpH5rnX0Ec

Their Still Waters Run Deep album inspired Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On?

They left Motown in 1972 when Gordy relocated to LA. They joined ABC Records.

Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got) (1973):

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

In 1980, they signed with Casablanca Records.

When She Was My Girl (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejg-22i4VYQ

They returned to Motown in 1983.

Indestructible (1988):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COtHMn2BUDE

They were scheduled to fly on Pan Am Flight 103, but missed their plane.

Since the late 80s, they have concentrated more on touring and less on recording.

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

Stevie Wonder: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1989

His career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

 http://rockhall.com/inductees/stevie-wonder/bio/

Born: May 13, 1950
He went blind shortly after birth.
1961: He was discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles. He introduced Stevie Wonder to Berry Gordy, who was impressed and signed him.

Fingertips Pt 2 (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iioFz1wA1pY

Uptight (1966):

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

I Was Made to Love Her (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pYux5-d1Es

For Once in My Life (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vxVyaYuGYE

Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inXC_lab-34

From 1972-1976: Stevie Wonder released some of the greatest albums of all time with Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life.

Superstition (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE

Living for the City (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rid-xkNS67Q

You Are the Sunshine of My Life (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPyq4iqt6Go

Higher Ground (1973):

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

A shot at Richard Nixon...

You Haven’t Done Nothin’ w/the Jackson 5 (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2ma2mfyhU

I Wish (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYKYka-PNt0

Sir Duke (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH36ugGsy4M

Send One Your Love (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMvVYCV-d8E

Master Blaster (Jammin’) (1980):

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

Ebony and Ivory w/Paul McCartney (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmALA8miQY8

I Just Called to Say I Love You (1984):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwOU3bnuU0k&ob=av2e

Part Time Love (1985):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll6LLGePYwM

That’s What Friends Are For w/Elton John, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight (1985):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGbnua2kSa8

My Eyes Don’t Cry (1988):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgH2yswwywI

Fun Day (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uk5f8ZGz1o

Gotta Have You (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev_-RfTmAl0

So What The Fuss (2005):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6dvy4m-LyE

Superbowl XL Pregame Show (2006):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvyZsIbX9jE

Obama Inaugural (2009):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTA_J37kKx4

Special Olympics in Greece (2011):

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

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

Smokey Robinson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

His life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/smokey-robinson/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.smokeyrobinson.com/

The Miracles Official Site:

http://theoriginalmiracles.net/

Smokey met Berry Gordy in 1958 and entered the music business.

Got a Job (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ7GltNmDbg

Shop Around (1960): Motown’s First #1 hit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjy8HqrcYys

You Really Got A Hold of Me (1962):

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

While with the Miracles, Smokey wrote for other artists scoring hits for Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye.

My Guy (Mary Wells):

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

Ooh Baby Baby (1965): Written in the middle of a concert while on stage

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

The Tracks of My Tears (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coh7n6dYj5Y

Going to a Go-Go (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Tfm70dL5s

I Second That Emotion (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI_0tQdEA5k

Tears of a Clown (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kxlZDOHeQ

In 1972, Smokey left the Miracles.

Sweet Harmony (1973): Dedicated to the Miracles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOuuCMXqU3w

Baby That’s Backatcha (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdZcklpO2X8

Cruisin’ (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlzY6cWpoMQ

Being With You (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkqlUaC-wPs

Smokey battled cocaine addiction in the mid-eighties. He re-emerged in 1987.

Just To See Her (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5bvjUrVObk

One Heartbeat (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A39xfn3K_Ps

Everything You Touch (1990):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFdogwFOoW4

In 2009, he released Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, which he produced himself.

Tears Of A Clown (Live at Daryl’s House): 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbHMK-fNlYw

Love Bath (2010):

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

Sam Cooke: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Sam Cooke: His life in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/sam-cooke/bio/

1957:

You Send Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqzv1ZS6uZs

Summertime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWFJLUBwpSY

I’ll Come Running Back to You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqQ92JLKRSg

1960s:

Chain Gang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRyDlVOE86U

Twistin’ the Night Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSoPeZMHMf4

Another Saturday Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i98_Lqcryp8

1963: Cooke’s 18 month old son wandered off from his mother and drowned in a pool. The singer fell into a deep depression.

1964: He died at the Hacienda Hotel in Los Angeles when a hotel manager shot and killed Cooke. She claimed self defense and the singer was found by police without a shirt or pants on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMKnQWEvwlc
The Death of Sam Cooke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly5X_ujTlyM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ0FDIL5gX0&feature=related

Released shortly after his death, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The song is especially powerful considering how Cooke died.

A Change Is Gonna Come: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQU4torUz-Q

After his death, Motown honored Cooke with a Supremes album of cover songs:

Ain’t That Good News: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYnkshAo0eE

834. Reach Out I'll Be There by the Four Tops (1966)

"Reach Out (I'll Be There)" represents a dramatic change for Motown and the Four Tops. First, the song alternates between major chords. Also, it has a darker tone which is reflected in the lyrics and music. For example: "Now if you feel that you can't go on, because all of your hope is gone, and your life is filled with much confusion, until happiness is just an illusion and your world around is tumblin' down..." This is a harsh look at the world as opposed to the happy love songs Motown has been producing.

http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=cjR6u5QOTKE&feature=related

867. Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas (1964)

If Motown has a signature song, this is it. "Dancing in the Street" captures a moment and mood of both Motown records and early sixties optimism. For a brief moment, the song was given a political tone as some decided to turn it into a civil rights anthem in the aftermath of several inner city riots. In 1985, David Bowie and Mick Jagger cut a version of the sixties hit for the Live Aid charity concert. The pair performed the song together in 1986 for the Prince's Trust Concert.

Martha and the Vandellas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc

David Bowie and Mick Jagger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G4jnaznUoQ