Tag Archives: Motown

Music Monday: November 17, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the architects of the Motown label turned 85 this year. William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. was born February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. The music icon started singing as a teenager in a doo wop group, The Five Chimes, with future Miracles members Ronald White and Pete Moore. By 1957 Bobby Rogers and his cousin, Emerson (Sonny) Rogers joined them under the new group name, The Matadors. Emerson was replaced that year by his sister, Claudette Rogers, when he enlisted in the Army.

In 1958 Marv Tarplin joined the group who was touring Detroit clubs as The Miracles. That year they released their first single, “Got a Job” with the help of Berry Gordy who they met when they auditioned for Brunswick Records the year before. When he founded Tamala Records in 1959, The Miracles were one of the first groups signed to the label. Robinson became one of its top performers, songwriters and soon its Vice President.

The Miracles circa 1962 (L-R): Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Ronnie White, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers Robinson (not pictured Warren Pete Moore). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Miracles released six albums between 1961 and 1964. In 1965, they became known as Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The first album under their new name-Going to a Go-Go-was released 60 years ago in November 1965 (The Rolling Stones released a fabulous live cover of the title track in 1982).

And 55 years ago they released the single, “Tears of a Clown”, in July 1970. It was first introduced in 1967 on the album, Make It Happen. The track reached the #1 spot in the country for two weeks in December 1970. The group released nearly a dozen albums together until 1972 when Robinson went solo and the remaining members became known once again as The Miracles.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

He married Claudette in 1959 and they had two children before they divorced in 1986. Throughout his 60+ years in entertainment, Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades that continue in the present. In April 2025, he was one of the honorees at the third annual American Music Honors show, presented by The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Robinson is also currently on tour and the dates are available on his website.

A performance at the third annual American Music Honors show on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre in New Jersey featured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, Marc Ribler, Steven Van Zandt and Robinson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Temptin’ Temptations was released 60 years ago on November 1, 1965. It was their third album for Motown and the first single-which came out five months earlier-was a Top 20 hit, peaking at #17 in August 1965.

Earlier that year in March they released their second album, The Temptations Sing Smokey, which contains their signature tune released in December 1964 & featured the inimitable David Ruffin on lead vocal. It became the group’s first #1 record, hitting the top spot for one week in March 1965 (Three more #1 songs would follow: “I Can’t Get Next To You” in 1969, “Just My Imagination (Running Away From Me)” in 1971 and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” in 1972). In their career the Temptations charted 53 times with 15 Top Ten songs. They remain one of Motown’s most successful groups and one of my personal favorites.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stephen Stills released his eponymous debut solo album 55 years ago on Nov 16, 1970. The singer/songwriter/musician/producer-who turned 80 in January-wrote all 10 tracks himself & the first single peaked at #14 in January 1971. The front cover photo was taken by Henry Diltz who also took the cover picture for Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 debut album. Before becoming a member of that supergroup, Stills had established his talents in Buffalo Springfield, so it made sense that several guests joined him on his solo record including John Sebastian, Cass Elliot and Stills’ bandmates-David Crosby & Graham Nash-on backing vocals. Several acclaimed musicians also appear on the album including Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Booker T. Jones and Jimi Hendrix, who died two months before the album was released. He befriended Stills in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, leading Stills to dedicate the album to him in the liner notes under his formal name, James Marshall Hendrix.

“Well there’s a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can’t be with the one you love honey
Love the one you’re with”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “Going to a Go-Go” (1965, written by Pete Moore, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., Bobby Rogers and Marv Tarplin).

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “The Tears of a Clown” (1970, written by Hank (Henry) Cosby, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Stevie Wonder).

The Temptations: “My Girl” (1964, written William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Ronald White).

The Temptations: “Since I Lost My Baby” (1965, written by Pete Moore and William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.).

Stephen Stills: “Love The One You’re With” (1970, written by Stephen Stills).

Stephen Stills: “Church (Part Of Someone)” (1970, written by Stephen Stills). ​

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 9, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Levon Helm was born 85 years ago on May 26, 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas. Best known as the drummer and primary singer for The Band, the multi-instrumentalist eventually branched out into acting. His best known role was as Loretta Lynn’s father in the 1980 film, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Helm also appeared in “The Right Stuff” (1983), “Smooth Talk” (1985) and “In The Electric Mist” (2009).

After a bout with throat cancer in 1998, he regained his voice to record his 2007 album, Dirt Farmer. It won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008. Two more Grammy wins soon followed, one in 2010 for Best Americana Album for his 2009 release, Electric Dirt and the other in 2012 in the same category for 2011’s Ramble at the Ryman.

Helm’s autobiography, “This Wheel’s on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band“, was published in 1993. He died from throat cancer on April 19, 2012 at age 71.

Top: Levon Helm circa 1977. Bottom: Helm (R) with Sissy Spacek in 1980’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward, better known as Tom Jones, celebrated birthday #85 yesterday. The Welsh superstar was born June 7, 1940 in Wales. He started singing as a child and by 1964 he was signed to Decca Records. Two years later he won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. From 1969 to 1971 he hosted his own TV show, “This Is Tom Jones”.

That exposure coupled with his signature powerhouse baritone voice made him one of the leading sex symbols of the 1970’s. He eventually branched out into acting and by the 1980’s started recording country music as well. In 1988 he teamed up with The Art Of Noise for a cover of Prince’s song, “Kiss”. Jones has spent the last 40 years performing, recording music (his last studio album, Surrounded by Time, was released in 2021) and participating in shows like “The Voice”. Jones’ 60 year career remains a part of music & pop culture history.

Top: Tom Jones circa 1970. Bottom: The performer circa 2019. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

April marked the 80th birth anniversary of one of my favorite voices from Motown. Tammi Terrell was born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA. By the time she was 15, she was discovered by songwriter & record producer, Luther Dixon. A year later she was a backup singer for The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. In 1963, she released a song he co-wrote, “I Cried” on his label, Try Me Records. On Terrell’s 20th birthday in 1965, she was signed to Motown Records. By 1967, she was recording duets with Marvin Gaye. Their songs were successful on both the R&B and the pop charts.

In October 1967 she collapsed on stage and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Terrell fought a brave fight that ended 55 years ago when she died on March 16, 1970 at the age of 24.

Top: Tammi Terrell circa 1968 by Earl Fowler for SOUL Newspaper. Bottom: Terrell (R) with Marvin Gaye (L), circa 1967. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

John Fogerty turned 80 last month. Born John Cameron Fogerty on May 28, 1945 in Berkeley, California, his most successful solo album was released forty years ago in January 1985. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 for one week on March 23, 1985. Between his years as the lead singer & primary songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival and his solo career of 52 years, Fogerty’s voice remains a constant in the classic rock genre.

Top: John Fogerty from his days with Creedence Clearwater Revival circa 1970. Bottom: The singer circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Michael James “Mick” Hucknall was born 65 years ago on born June 8, 1960 in Manchester, U.K. He was the lead singer for the band, Simply Red. The group’s undeniable sound was led by the incredibly rich soulful timbre of Hucknall’s voice & the poignancy of his poetic lyrics. The band’s debut album, Picture Book, was released nearly 40 years ago in October 1985.

The third single put the group on the map and garnered them overnight success. Hucknall wrote it when he was 17. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week on July 12, 1986.

Another of their songs that I simply adore is from their fourth album which was released in September 1991. It is the title track which was the second single and like every Simply Red song, Hucknall’s incredible voice makes it an experience worth hearing again and again.

Top: Simply Red’s 1985 album. Middle: The band in the 1980’s with Mick Hucknall featured in the center, seated. Bottom: Hucknall circa 2021. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Levon Helm and Sissy Spacek: “Ain’t Got The Time” (1980 appearance on The Midnight Special. Credit(s) unknown. NOTE: The video cuts out just before the song ends, but it is a great performance nonetheless).

Tom Jones: “She’s A Lady” (1971, written by Paul Anka).

Tammi Terrell: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

John Fogerty: “Centerfield” (1985, written by John Fogerty).

Simply Red: “Holding Back the Years” (1985, written by Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss).

Simply Red: “Stars” (1991, written by Mick Hucknall).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 12, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stevie Wonder was born 75 years ago on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI. Out of all the artists who started their career with Motown Records, he is arguably the most successful & most enduring from that iconic label. He is an undeniable powerhouse in soul, funk & pop. This is from my post from May 16, 2022:

“What is left to say about “The Eighth Wonder Of The World”, Stevie Wonder, who turned 72 last week? The child prodigy born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI began his career in The Motor City at age 11 as Little Stevie Wonder. His career grew even bigger as an adult in the 1970’s with three Album Of The Year Grammy awards for Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness‘ First Finale (1974) and Songs in the Key of Life (1976). His talent continued to dominate from there and today, with over six decades of musical brilliance under his belt, Wonder continues to show us all how genius is defined.“

Top: Stevie Wonder circa 1963 at age 13. Middle: The artist circa 1972. Bottom: Wonder at the 2025 Met Gala in NYC earlier this month. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Four Tops first album was released sixty years ago in January 1965. The opening track, “Baby I Need Your Loving”, came out in July 1964 which proved to be their first hit, reaching #11 a month later. That prompted the record label to release the group’s follow up eleven months later in November 1965, aptly titled Four Tops Second Album. It features “It’s The Same Old Song” which peaked at #5 in August 1965 and the group’s first #1 record which hit the top spot nearly 60 years ago on on June 19, 1965 for two consecutive weeks.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye released his 10th studio album 55 years ago in January 1970. It consisted of 12 cover songs, with several made famous by other Motown stars like The Temptations (“I Wish It Would Rain” & “Cloud Nine”) and The Marvelettes (“No Time for Tears”) along with a few by other artists including The Beatles (“Yesterday”) and The Young Rascals (“Groovin”). But the title song-originally recorded by The Isley Brothers in 1967-is my absolute favorite track. Gaye’s version is a slower, more soulful take turning the song into a cautionary tale of love’s fickle side. He released it as a single in the summer of 1969 and it peaked at #7 in October of that year.

Marvin Gaye circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another Motown song celebrating a milestone this year is by Freda Payne. Fifty-five years ago she teamed up with the powerhouse writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. However, the song was credited to the collective pseudonym “Edythe Wayne” due to the trio’s ongoing dispute with Motown Records. The track peaked at #3 in July 1970, just three months after it premiered in the #93 spot in April 1970. It hit #1 for six weeks (September 19-October 24) that year on the UK charts. It remains an undeniable gem from its decade, and as I wrote on Day 85 of my Lockdown Countdown, “The string interlude arrangement @ 1:37 is one of my all time favorites ever.  It just kicked this song to the next level from great to absolutely glorious.  I have reveled in the beauty of this song from the first time I heard it, and fall more in love with each listen.“

Freda Payne circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stevie Wonder: “I Was Made To Love Her” (1967, written by Stevie Wonder, Lula Mae Hardaway, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby).

Stevie Wonder: “Superstition” (1972, written by Stevie Wonder).

Stevie Wonder: “Living For The City” (1973, written by Stevie Wonder).

The Four Tops: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” (1965, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Marvin Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong).

Freda Payne: “Band Of Gold” (1970, written by Ron Dunbar and “Edythe Wayne”, which was the collective pseudonym for Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: July 29, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another big loss in music for 2024. Singer Abdul “Duke” Fakir died on July 22 at age 88. He was the last surviving member of The Four Tops, one of Motown’s premier vocal groups. The four original members were together for 44 years without any personnel changes, a feat nearly unheard of in the music industry. On top of their success with Motor City material, the Tops also covered songs from outside of that genre including “If I Were A Carpenter” and “Walk Away Renee”, a cherished favorite of mine. They were also the only Motown group to perform at the Live Aid concert in Philadelphia in 1985. It is indeed the end of a beautiful era of music.

Abdul
Four Tops

Top: Abdul “Duke” Fakir in 2009 at the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony where The Four Tops received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bottom: The group circa 1968 (L-R): Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Levi Stubbs, Fakir and Lawrence Payton. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Happy birthday to singer/songwriter Pete Yorn who just celebrated his 50th. Born July 27, 1974 in New Jersey, he first rose to fame in 2001 with his incredible debut, musicforthemorningafter. Ten more studio albums followed along with several live ones and EPs. He has also covered a few songs by that other guy from Jersey, Bruce Springsteen: “Dancing In The Dark” and “New York City Serenade”. Yorn’s take on the Albert Hammond 1972 classic, “It Never Rains In California”, was featured in the 2003 movie, “Stuck On You”. Yorn just announced his new record, The Hard Way, will be released next month.

Pete

Pete Yorn circa 2022. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I just rewatched “After Life” for the 900th time since it ended in 2022. The incredibly beautiful series, written & directed by my spirit animal, Ricky Gervais, affected me in a way no other series ever has. That is saying something given the fact that TV has been a lifelong constant of mine. The series was spectacularly real, heartbreaking, funny, brave and unbelievably eloquent. And the music chosen for each episode was absolute perfection.

A song featured in S2 E2 was one I had never heard before and the sheer beauty of it hit me to my core. It was written by one of my favorite songwriters, the American treasure known as Jimmy Webb. His longtime friend & musical collaborator, Glen Campbell, recorded it first for his 1988 album, Light Years.  Then he recorded it with Webb the same year for a Canadian TV show but it was not released until 2012 on Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb: In Session.  Webb recorded it himself for his 1996 album,  Ten Easy Pieces, and it is this version that was featured in the show. I never thought I could love Webb more after the elegance of “Wichita Lineman” but I was wrong.

Jimmy

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Four Tops: “7 Rooms Of Gloom” ( 1967, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Pete Yorn: “Lose You” (2001, written by Pete Yorn).

Jimmy Webb: “If These Walls Could Speak” (1996, written by Jimmy Webb).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 1, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate a man I adore and love who I have worshipped nearly all of my life. And I miss him every time I breathe. Marvin Gaye was born 85 years ago on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. He began singing in church at just four years old. Later he joined a few high school vocal groups before he enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 17.

The future “Prince of Soul” learned to play piano, drums and to write songs. He joined a few doo-wop groups before he ended up in Detroit at the start of the 1960’s just as Motown was being developed. After some time as a musician & backup singer, he had his first hit with “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” in 1963. And for the next 10 years, he earned another nickname, “The Prince Of Motown”, thanks to a string of hits including three #1 songs, several duets and a thought-provoking seminal album, “What’s Going On”, in 1971.

A decade later, he had a #3 smash with “Sexual Healing” which earned him his first Grammy Awards. But despite his career resurgence, Gaye’s life ended exactly 40 years ago when he was killed on April 1, 1984. He was not only one of the greatest voices ever in music history but one of the most prolific to come out of the Motor City. He spoke his conscience through his songs as well which provided the label with some social awareness and perspective.

In honor of this beautiful extraordinary man’s life, I am sharing my top three favorite tracks of his. Two are solo songs and the other is my favorite duet of his with Tammi Terrell, Gaye’s dear friend whom he recorded a majority of duets with before she died from a brain tumor on March 16, 1970 at age 24. If you believe in heaven, you have your own version of what it looks and sounds like. For me, I envision these two incredible souls singing together in harmony and happiness for all of eternity. And I have a front row seat.

Thank you for your heart, soul & voice, Marvin. You are still missed and beloved every moment of every day. Sending love & peace to you always.

Marvin young
Marvin hat
Marvin Tammi

Top: Marvin Gaye in the early 1960’s. Middle: Marvin Gaye circa 1971. Bottom: Tammi Terrell and Gaye circa 1967. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

Marvin Gaye: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (1968, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Marvin Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: Aug 7, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones celebrated three major milestones over the last several weeks. I believe that calls for a triple play from the band.

First, their dynamic, enigmatic and legendary frontman celebrated the big 8-0 last month. Sir Michael Philip Jagger was born July 26, 1943 in Dartford, UK. He has been the lead singer of the Stones from the first day they formed the band back in 1962. That is six decades of singing, co-writing the bulk of the group’s songs and taking center stage in every show they have ever performed. A staggering statistic anyway you look at it. He also recorded four solo albums along the way. Happy birthday, Mick Jagger.

In 1973, the Stones released their 13th American studio album, Goats Head Soup. It was released fifty years ago-August 1973-on the band’s own eponymous label which was founded in 1970. Our second feature today is my favorite track off this album and was released as the first single.

Five years later, the band released Some Girls in June 1978. Two months later, the last of today’s three songs hit the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard chart for one week. The album also includes a salute to one of the Stones’ favorite genres-Motown-with a cover of the Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”. After 45 years and despite the controversy surrounding the lyrics on the title track, the album still holds up. But there are not many from The Rolling Stones that don’t.

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Top: The band circa 1963 (L-R): front: Jagger and Bill Wyman (front), Brian Jones (center), Charlie Watts and Keith Richards (top). Middle (L-R): Richards and Jagger sometime in the 1970’s. Bottom (L-R): Watts, Richards, Jagger, Ron Wood and Wyman sometime in the 1980’s. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Let’s Spend the Night Together” (1967, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Angie” (1973, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Miss You” (1978, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 3, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday marked what would have been Marvin Gaye’s 84th birthday. Motown’s “Prince Of Soul” was born April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. His voice was one of the strongest, one of the most recognizeable, one of the most powerful & one of the most beautiful to come out of the Motor City. He was also a musician, a songwriter and a producer.

He started with the Motown label in 1960 and by 1962 he had his first hit, “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow”. He spent the next 20 years of his career at the label, and despite incredible highs with hit songs like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, duets with Tammi Terrell and seminal albums like “What’s Going On”, Gaye also experienced incredible lows including the end of his first marriage, the death of Terrell and struggles with depression and addiction. He left Motown for CBS Records in 1982.

That same year Gaye enjoyed a career resurgence with the release of Midnight Love. The lead single, “Sexual Healing”, hit #3 by January 1983. It won him the first Grammy Award of his career, Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male (the instrumental version earned him Grammy #2 the same year). But it was what he did next that gave him another career defining moment that is still revered and celebrated 40 years later.

On February 13th, 1983, the NBA’s best gathered at the Los Angeles arena for the 33rd All-Star Game between Eastern and Western Conferences. Gaye was chosen to sing the National Anthem and went on to make history with his suave, soulful and utterly sensational interpretation of the song. The Star Spangled Banner would never sound the same from that point on. It was like watching what Ray Charles did for “America The Beautiful” all over again.

Marvin NBA 1983

Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All Star Game. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I miss this man every single day. I fell in love with his voice before I knew what soul music was but I knew Gaye’s voice was the definition of it, even when I was a young child. He was just that good, just that talented and just that powerful. And every time I hear one of his songs, I remember the first time I heard his voice all over again. But his legacy is best summed up on his website: “His greatness rests in his genius for transforming spiritual energy into songs that both inspire and delight.” Amen.

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Gaye circa 1982. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “National Anthem” (1983, Live at the NBA All Star Game, lyrics by Francis Scott Key and music by John Stafford Smith).

Marving Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 20

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 20 2022

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Original source unknown.)

Time for another Motown take on a holiday song. One of the most definitive voices from The Motor City started his career there in 1961 at the tender young age of 11. In six years time he had released eight albums, including 1967’s “Someday At Christmas“. The record contains six original compositions & six traditional songs. Today’s pick is my favorite from the second category.

“Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear“.

Stevie

Stevie Wonder circa 1967. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Stevie Wonder: “Silver Bells” (1967, written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: June 13, 2022

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Before The Motor City had Motown it had Mr. Excitement. Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. a/k/a Jackie Wilson was born June 9, 1934 in Detroit, MI. He started singing in his church as a child, then as a member of a few singing groups before releasing his first solo single, “Reet Petite”, in 1957. That was the first in a string of hits he would have throughout the rest of that decade & the next.

My mother was a big fan of Wilson’s and she & my dad went to see this incredible talent at The Apollo Theatre in the early 1960’s. By 1967 Wilson had another hit record with today’s song. Outside of his music career he had a tumultuous and sometimes tragic life. I wish his story had a better ending than it did. But one listen to anything from his catalog proves this man had an opportunity to live his dream. That is no small feat.

“I’m so glad, I’ve finally found you
Yes that one in a million girl
And with my loving arms around you, honey
I can stand up and face the world“.

Jackie Wilson

Jackie Wilson circa 1961. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jackie Wilson: “(You’re Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” (1967, written by Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl Smith).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 16, 2022

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This week is a Motown Music Monday because we have three powerhouses from that genre with birthdays this month. I discovered this polarizing style of singing as a young child thanks to my parents. They bought a K-Tel compilation of this remarkable sound and that four album set changed me in a profound way. The voices from the Motor City became my first great musical love.

Songwriter & producer Norman Whitfield was born in Harlem, NY on May 12, 1940. He co-wrote & produced my favorite Motown song of all time, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” along with other tracks recorded by Marvin Gaye including “That’s The Way Love Is” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby”. Whitfield was also one of the writers behind Edwin Starr’s “War” and several hits by The Temptations including “I Wish It would Rain”, “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “I Know) I’m Losing You” as well as one of today’s featured songs.

After Whitfield left Motown in 1970 when the label relocated to California, he started his own eponymous recording company. His success as a songwriter continued with hits like “Smiling Faces Sometimes” for The Undisputed Truth and the theme song from the 1976 movie, “Car Wash” by Rose Royce. The mark Whitfield left on music, Motown & the industry is indelible. We lost this prolific artist in 2008.

Whitfield

Norman Whitfield circa 1975. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.).

What is left to say about “The Eighth Wonder Of The World”, Stevie Wonder, who turned 72 last week? The child prodigy born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI began his career in The Motor City at age 11 as Little Stevie Wonder. His career grew even bigger as an adult in the 1970’s with three Album Of The Year Grammy awards for Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness‘ First Finale (1974) and Songs in the Key of Life (1976). His talent continued to dominate from there and today, with over six decades of musical brilliance under his belt, Wonder continues to show us all how genius is defined.

Stevie wonder

Stevie Wonder circa 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“The Empress Of Soul” Gladys Knight will celebrate birthday number 78 on May 28. She was born that day in 1944 in Atlanta, GA & began singing in the church by age five. Three years later, she won an amateur hour contest on a local TV show, then joined her brother (future Pip Merald “Bubba” Knight, Jr.) and a few other relatives to form a group, By the late 1950’s, they were signed to Brunswick Records and were opening shows for Jackie Wilson & Sam Cooke. In 1966 Knight & her revised group, The Pips, signed with Motown. But their real success came with their next label, Buddah Records, in the early 1970’s. Knight became a solo act in the following decade & collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Ray Charles, Patti LaBelle and others. She also became part of the James Bond movie music legacy when she recorded “License To Kill” in 1989. She remains one of the greatest female singers of all time.

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Gladys Knight circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.).

NOTE: Both Wonder & Knight appear in the stunning Oscar-winning 2021 documentary, “Summer Of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”. If you have not seen it yet, PLEASE stop reading now (you can come back later) and head over to Hulu NOW to watch it. You cannot go another day without the music & performances from this film in your life. You’re welcome.

The Temptations: “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” (1966, written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr.).

Stevie Wonder: “I Was Made To Love Her” (1967, written by Stevie Wonder, Lula Mae Hardaway, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby).

Gladys Knight & The Pips: “Midnight Train To Georgia” (1973, written by Jim Weatherly).

Stay safe & well.