MOTOWN, Key Dates, Musicians, Performers


	Phil Brodie Band Info Page MUSO INDEX PAGE / MUSIC FACTS & NEWS Motown Musicians . . Motown Acts . . Motown No.1 Hits Motown Detroit Today . . Motown L.A. Stories :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: JAMES JAMERSON PETITION CLICK HERE :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: TAMLA ~ MOTOWN Jazz obsessed ex boxer, Berry Gordy Jr. owner of Tamla-Motown family record labels, built Motown Records into the most important independent labels in the early '60s. Gathering the very best and hardworking musicians, songwriters, and producers, Motown Records with the help of an in house band, which maybe was the best band the pop world has ever had, built the most impressive list of artists in the history of pop music. Motown became the largest & most successful independent record company in the USA by 1964. HITSVILLE USA Eight houses on West Grand Boulevard were acquired by the company to house its growing operations until it moved its offices to a high-rise in downtown Detroit in 1968. In 1959 with an $800 loan Berry bought a small 2 story building on West Grand Boulevard. This was split into 2 flats, one for himself and his young family to live, the second flat were his offices and he assembled his recording studio in the basement/garage. Gordy called the music "The Sound of Young America" and fixed a sign over his studio that read "Hitsville U.S.A." Then in April of 1961 he purchased 2644-2246 West Grand Boulevard & he placed Jobete (his publishing company), the sales, shipping and public relations departments in it. In January of 1962, he bought 2650-2652 West Grand Boulevard to house his own and his sister Esther's offices International Talent Management. From 1965 on 2656 housed the finance department. 2662-64 purchased the next year was home to the sales and marketing. 2666-68 was bought at the same time. ITMI was moved to 2670-72 after it was bought in late 1966. Across the street, and 2657 was converted into Artist Development Department in early 1966. (In 1985, Esther Gordy Edwards opened the Motown Historical Museum inside the restored Hitsville). THE SNAKE PIT ~ Recording “Studio A” In 1959 Motown Records created its first recording studio, originally a basement/garage at West Grand Boulevard, down a few steps was the famous “Studio A.” (the snakepit). “Studio A” was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 1959 until 1972. Although in 1968 the company moved it’s headquarters to a ten-story building in downtown Detroit, artists continued to record in “Studio A”. Motown building: Downtown Detroit Motown stands for more than just the music: it is also very much a reflection of the extreme hard work of totally dedicated individuals of the musicians, composers, songwriters, singers, producers, directors overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve great success. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE MUSICIANS 1959 ~ 1962 Keyboards/piano - Joe Hunter, Earl Van Dyke, Popcorn Wylie Guitars - Robert White, Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, Larry Veeder, Dave Hamilton Bass - James Jamerson, Clarence Isabell Drums - Benny Benjamin, Richard "Pistol" Allen, George McGregor, Clifford Mack Percussion - Jack Ashford, Eddie "Bongo" Brown Vibes - Jack Ashford, Dave Hamilton, James Gittens Trumpets - Herbie Williams, John "Little John" Wilson, Marcus Belgrave, Russell Conway, Johnny Trudell Saxophones- Hank Crosby, Andrew "Mike" Toney, Norris Patterson, Thomas "Beans" Bowles, Teddy Buckner, Ronnie Wakefield, Lefty Edwards, Eli Fontaine, Ernie Rodgers Trombone - Bob Cousar, George Bohanon, Paul Riser Piccolo - Clement Barone. Flute - Clement Barone. 1963 ~ 1967 Keyboards - Earl Van Dyke, Johnny Griffith, Johnny Gittens, Ted Sheely Guitars - Robert White, Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, Marv Tarplin, Cornelius Grant Bass - James Jamerson, Tony Newton Drums - Benny Benjamin, Richard "Pistol" Allen, Uriel Jones, Frederick Waites Percussion - Jack Ashford, Eddie "Bongo" Brown Vibes - Jack Ashford, Jack Brokensha Trumpet - Johnny Trudel, Herbie Williams, Floyd Jones, Maurice Davis, Billy Horner, Jon "Little John" Wilson, Russell Conway, Marcus Belgrave, Don Slaughter. Trombone - George Bohanon, Jimmy Wilkens, Bob Cousar, Paul Riser, Don White, Carl Raetz, Patrick Lanier, Bill Johnson Saxophone - Hank Crosby, Andrew "Mike" Terry, Thomas Beans" Bowles, Kasuka Malia, Teddy Buckner, Lefty Edwards, Eugene BeeBee" Moore, William "Wild Bill" Moore, Angelo Carlisi, Ernie Rodgers, Dan Turner, Bernie Peacock, Larry Nozero Piccolo - Clement Barone. Flute - Dayna Hartwick, Clement Barone. Strings - Gordon Staples (concertmaster) and the Detroit Symphony Strings. Harmonica - Stevie Wonder, Danny Stevenson 1968 ~ 1972 Keyboards - Earl Van Dyke, Johnny Griffith Guitars - Robert White, Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, Dennis Coffey, Wah Wah Watson Bass - James Jamerson, Bob Babbit, Eddie Watkins Drums - Richard "Pistol" Allen, Uriel Jones, Andrew Smith Percussion - Jack Ashford, Eddie "Bongo" Brown Vibes - Jack Ashford, Jack Brokensha Trumpet - John Trudell, Russell Conway, Herbie Williams, Floyd Jones, John "Little John" Wilson, Maurice Davis, Marcus Belgrave, Billy Horner, Don Slaughter, Eddie Jones Trombone - Jimmy Wilkins, Bob Cousar, Paul Riser, Don White, Carl Raetz, Patricl Lanier, Paul Johnson Saxophones - Hank Crosby, Kasuka Mafia,Teddy Buckner, Lefty Edwards, Bernie Peacock, Thomas "Beans" Bowles, Eugene "BeeBee" Mooore, William "Wild Bill" Moore, Angelo Carlisi, Ernie Rodgers, Dan Turner, Eli Fontaine, Larry Nozero, Lanny Austin Piccolo - Clement Barone. Flute - Dayna Hartwick, Clement Barone. Strings - Gordon Staples (concert master) and the Detroit Symphony Strings Harmonica - Stevie Wonder, Danny Stevenson FURTHER LIST Motown's West Coast Studio Band. Keyboards - Mike Rubini, Joe Sample, Clarence McDonald, Don Randi, Larry Knechtel Guitars - Arthur Wright, David T.Walker, Thomas Tedesco, Louie Shelton, Adolph Green, WeldonT. Parks Bass - James Jamerson (session), Wilton Felder, Carol Kaye, Bill Pitman, Ron Brown Drums - Earl Palmer, Ed Greene, Gene Pello, Paul Humphreys Percussion - Gary Coleman, Bobbye Porter, King Errisson, Joe Clayton, Sandra Crouch, Jerry Steinholtz, Emil Richards Arrangers - Gene Page, James Carmichael, Arthur Wright, Gil Ashley, William Goldstein. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE FUNK BROTHERS left to right: Benny Benjamin - drums [top], James Jamerson - bass, Joe Hunter - keyboards, Larry Veeder - guitar, Hank Cosby - sax/arranger and Mike Terry - baritone sax. The Funk Brothers performed like a championship team and were the very best and most successful band in the history of popular music. This studio band have played on more No. 1 hits than Elvis Presley, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys put together, and 1000's of other tracks over a decade and a half ~ but alas ~ they were never given any credits! In the late 50's a group of true dedicated Jazz musicians played the bars and clubs around Detroit, they were known as the Joe Hunter Band, led by Mr. Joe Hunter on piano. The Joe Hunter band show-cased Berry's work around Detroit. This built the foundations of what came to be called "the Motown Sound". Legend has it that Alabama-born Shorty Long christened the group ~ "Today" he would announce, "we ain't playin' nuthin' but Funk, Brothers!" and the name stuck! So the first Tamla "the Motown Sound" tracks were all backed by the Joe Hunter Band. In 1963 Joe Hunter moved on from Motown, he was replaced by the great Earl Van Dyke. The recordings were all done in a smoky, dimly lit basement type room, originally a garage with carpets hung on the walls, they affectionately dubbed "The Snakepit." at Hitsville, West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. They were paid $10 per song. The "whole" of The Funk Brothers never went on tour together. There was a separate touring band who backed the Motortown Revue, led by Choker Campbell or George Bohannon, but the Funk Brothers on tour? " No Way!" ~ quote Earl Van Dyke. Earl also confessed The Funks moonlighted a bit in the early days. The actual Funk Brothers would not have time to tour as they were the studio men, the top musicians, who had to be on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When they weren't in the studio they would jam in the bars and clubs of Detroit City sometimes under the name 'Earl Van Dyke and the Soul Brothers', when they left the snakepit in an evening and played in the clubs at night, such as their favorite "Chat Chat" bar. This is where they would get rid of their frustrations and would 'really' play their first true love, that funky jazz (and some proper R & B), where bassist James Jamerson would go wild, playing lots of solos!! Also they used to go on jamming weekends to the older Jazz boys homes and learn new tricks and tracks off each other. On weekends and nights like this James Jamerson would play till his fingers bled at times, and then back to the snakepit early next morning for Motown, where they would put these new techniques they had devised in jam sessions into the songs which further enhanced the Motown sound and kept it a head of others. This awesome band came to sad end in 1973 when Gordy moved to Hollywood. fuller version on James Jamerson page ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE VOCALISTS
		1970's Aretha Franklin Barbara Randolph Bobby Darin Bonnie Pointer Commodores (The) Craic Haus Diana Ross (solo) Duane Eddy Eddie Kendricks (solo) Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons G.C. Cameron High Inergy Jermaine Jackson (solo) Kiki Dee Michael Jackson Rick James Stoney & Meatloaf Syreeta Wright Undisputed Truth Willie Hutch 1980's Angela Clemmons Billy Preston Boys (The) Bruce Willis Bunny DeBarge Carrie McDowell Charlene Chico DeBarge Dazz Band (The) DeBarge El DeBarge Georgio Allentini Lionel Richie Mary Jane Girls Pal Phyllis St. James Rockwell Sam Harris Siedah Garrett Stacy Lattisaw Teena Marie Val Young Vanity 1990's 702 98 Degrees Another Bad Creation Brian McKnight Boyz II Men Debelah Morgan Erykah Badu Felicia Taylor Good Girls (The) Johnny Gill MC Trouble Queen Latifah Shanice Tony! Toni! Toné! Valerie George Zhane 2000's Akon Ashanti Birdman Blue October Be Your Own Pet Damian Marley Dave Hollister Dina Rae Drake Bell Forever The Sickest Kids India.Arie Jada JoJo Kem Lil' Wayne Lindsay Lohan Lloyd London Michael McDonald Mya Nelly Q-Tip Remy Shand Sharissa Shiny Toy Guns Shontelle Sparkle Stephen Marley Trick Trick Trina Broussard Yummy Bingham Zion
1960's Andantes (The), 1962-1973: Comprising of Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps, the group sang background vocals and over dubbed on numerous Motown recordings. They issued two singles of their own: "Just Be Yourself"/"I Can't Help It I've Got To Dance" (1963) and "(Like A) Nightmare" / "If You Were Mine" (1964). Barbara McNair, 1965-1968: scoring her biggest hit with her label debut "You're Gonna Love My Baby." followed by "Everything Is Good About You" and "My World Is Empty Without You" In 1966, she recorded "Baby a Go-Go," arguably her strongest disc to date, Berry Gordy rejected it, it went unreleased for decades, until bootleg copies earned rave reviews from the DJs and dancers populating Britain's Northern Soul club circuit. Motown finally gave "Baby a Go-Go" a legitimate release on the 2002 compilation A Cellarful of Motown! Barrett Strong, 1959-1973: among the first artists signed to Motown, and had Motowns first top 10 hit, "Money (That's What I Want)" No.2 U.S. R&B in 1960, on the Tamla record label. Blinky, late 60's: L.A. Studios .. she debuted on Motown with the single “I Wouldn’t Change The Man He Is,” in 1968, she was tapped as one of the label’s future stars. Unfortunately, most of her solo work, save for a few singles, remain unreleased. Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, 1965- 1970: soul band from Vancouver, Canada. Briefly signed to Motown having one top 30 hit single, "Does Your Mama Know About Me". Bobby Taylor is most notable for discovering and mentoring The Jackson 5. For a July, 1968 engagement at Chicago's Regal Theater, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers had a local-area family band, The Jackson 5, as their opening act. Impressed with the group, he personally brought them to Detroit and the Motown offices, arranging an audition for them with Motown executive Suzanne de Passe. de Passe and Berry Gordy were impressed with the Jacksons, and the group was signed to the label within a year. Brenda Holloway, 1964-1968 : L.A. Studio, the first West Coast-based artist on the label, she also was one of the few female artists in Motown to write her own songs and had a much grittier approach to songs than her contemporaries in the label, although she was given many songs which were written for Mary Wells. Carolyn Crawford, 1963- 1965: signed by Motown at the age of only 13 years. She sang backup vocals for many of the early Motown artists. Her first solo recording on the Motown label was a self penned song "Forget About Me" in 1964, followe by "My Smile Is Just A Frown Turned Upside Down" and "When Someone's Good To You", which reached the R&B charts, both written and produced by Smokey Robinson, but Carolyn also recorded a great track "Until You Came Along" which was shelved for 38 years, until 2002, this great track appeared on a Motown compilation album 'Cellar full of Motown'! Choker Campbell & His 16-Piece Band, 1961 - 1969: he joined Motown to organise the band that supported the Motortown Revues. His work was mainly on the road for Gordy but he did do some studio work including his own 1964 album (remakes of Motown hits). He ran the recording sessions for big band dates for artists like Billy Eckstine, Tony Martin and Barbara McNair. He left Motown at the end of the 60s to ran his own label (TriCity) in Michigan for a while. Chris Clark, 1963- 1968: she is still acknowledged by Northern Soul fans for songs such as 1965's "Do Right Baby Do Right" and 1966's "Love's Gone Bad". Another of her notable songs was the 1967 single "I Want To Go Back There Again". The United States' answer to Dusty Springfield, Chris, who also dated Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., managed to have only one hit; ironically, it was on the R&B singles chart. "Love's Gone Bad" Chuck Jackson, 1968- 1970: He recorded 3 albums on the Motown label,1968's Chuck Jackson Arrives, 1969's Goin' Back to Chuck Jackson and 1970's Teardrops Keep Falling on My Heart. Contours (The), 1960- 1967: best known for its singular Billboard Top 40 hit, "Do You Love Me". The group's seven-year contract with Motown expired in 1967 and when lead singer Dennis Edwards was recruited to replace the departed David Ruffin as lead singer of The Temptations in early 1968, The Contours disbanded. David Ruffin, 1958- 1979: he and Marvin Gaye use to pack records for Anna Records, which was a Chess distributed label formed in 1958 by Gordy, Fuqua and Billy Davis. He became a member of The Temptations after founding member Elbridge "Al" Bryant was fired from the group. David's first recording session with the group was January 9, 1964. He went solo in 1969, debuting with "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)". Dennis Edwards, 1967- 1989: Started at Motown when he joined The Contours in 1967, soon after, in early 1968 he replaced David Ruffin as lead singer of The Temptations. He led the group through its psychedelic, funk, and disco periods; two of the Temptations songs he appears on, "Cloud Nine" (1968) and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972), won Grammy Awards. He was a member of the Temptations 3 times over a twentyone year period, 1968–1977, 1980–1984, 1987–1989. UPDATING Diana Ross & the Supremes Dorsey Burnette Edwin Starr Elgins (The) Four Tops (The) Gladys Knight & the Pips Howard Crockett Irene Ryan (Granny Clampett) Hattie Littles J. J. Barnes Jackson 5 Jimmy Ruffin Jr. Walker & the All Stars Kim Weston Isley Brothers Little Stevie Wonder/Stevie Wonder Mable John Martha & the Vandellas Martha Reeves & the Vandellas Marv Johnson Marvelettes (The) Marvin Gaye Mary Wells Miracles (The), 1959- 1977: Known as Smokey Robinson & The Miracles until Smokey went solo in 1972. During their first 19 years The Miracles charted over 50 hits and recorded in the genres of soul, doo wop, R&B and disco. 26 songs reached the Top 10 of the Billboard R&B singles chart, including four R&B number ones. 16 songs charted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs climbing into the Top Ten and two 1970's "The Tears of a Clown" and 1975's "Love Machine" (Part 1) reaching No.1.. The several line-ups have included Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Claudette Rogers (Robinson), Ronnie White, Pete Moore, Marv Tarplin, Dave Finley, Tee Turner, Mark Scott, Billy Griffin, Sidney Justin, Donald Griffin and Alphonse Franklin. Monitors (The) Originals (The) Patrice Holloway Pecker R. Dean Taylor Rare Earth San Remo Golden Strings (The) Shorty Long Smokey Robinson 1959- 1988: one of the primary figures associated with Motown Records, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. his countless hits, and consistent contributions to the Motown label earned him the title of the "King of Motown". As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, he recorded thirty-seven Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987, and also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988. Spinners (The) 1963- 1972: Supremes (The) Syreeta Wright Tammi Terrell Temptations (The), 1962- 2004: one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music. Over nearly 5 decades the line up has included Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Ricky Owens, Bruce Williamson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, Ron Tyson, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Paul Williams, Richard Street, Glenn Leonard, Louis Price, Damon Harris, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Harry McGilberry, Barrington "Bo" Henderson, G.C. Cameron, Ray Davis, and Theo Peoples. Thelma Houston, 1973- 1982: LA Studios, she released 8 albums with Motown and scored a number-one hit in 1977 with her cover version of the song "Don't Leave Me This Way", which won the 1978 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Valadiers (The), 1960- 1963: Motown's first white group, consisting of Stuart Avig as lead singer, Martin Coleman, Art Glasser and Jerry Light. Their first recordings "Nothing Is Going to Change It," and "Somebody Help Me Find My Baby," Motown shelved them. Their second recording was the self-written "Greetings, This Is Uncle Sam," and "Take a Chance," on the B-side. Their other recordings with Motown were. "When I'm Away" in 1962 and "I Found a Girl" in 1963. Velvelettes (The), 1962- 1970: The varied line ups have consisted of Carolyn Gill, Mildred Gill, Bertha Barbee, Norma Barbee, Betty Kelly, Annette McMillan and Sandra Tilley. They were backing singers on many of the Motown hits, and their own best known single was the 1965 hit "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'"
	~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ TIME-LINE 1957: Berry Gordy become a professional songwriter. 1957: Berry Gordy & Raynoma Liles (second wife to be) formed the Rayber Music Writing Company. For $100 they would do whatever was necessary to help a young singer make a record, be it writing, arranging, rehearsing or recording a demo. 1957: Late '57 Berry Gordy's first success with Reet Petit performed by Jackie Wilson and The Dominoes. 1958: James Jamerson enters with his bass. 1958: Meeting with The Matadors who's lead singer is William Smoky Robinson. Changing to the Miracles, Gordy managed their single 'Got A Job' 1958: Formed own label Tamla Records 1958: Tamla's first release, R&B singer Marv Johnson's "Come To Me." followed by "Money," which was recorded by Barrett Strong. 1959: Berry Gordy, founded the Motown empire after securing an $800 loan from his family on Jan. 12, 1959. 1959: Gordy started his own publishing company, Jobete Publishing. If you wrote for Motown you were published by Jobete which grew to be one of the most powerful in the industry. 1959: A sixteen year old Mary Wells joins Motown as singer/songwriter, 1960: The Miracles were the very first successful Motown group, bringing Motown it's first ever gold record for selling a million copies with the song "Shop Around". 1960: Marvin Gaye started as a session drummer at Motown 1960: Norm Whitfield, Smoky Robinson, (Brian)Holland-(Lamont)Dozier-(Eddie)Holland formed the legendary Motown songwriting production crew. 1960: Richard "Popcorn" Wylie signed to Motown 1961: January, Supremes signed to Motown 1961:April, 2644-2246 West Grand Boulevard is purchased to house Jobete, the sales, shipping and public relations 1961: The Valadiers were signed to Motown Motown's first white group. 1961: Martha Reeves hired as a secretary at Motown 1961: Before their move to Motown The Temptations recorded "Oh Mother of Mine" which received little response. 1961: Marvelettes sign to Motown 1962: January, 2650-2652 West Grand Boulevard was added to house Berry and Esther's offices International Talent Management. (I.T.M.) 1962: April, the Temptations moved to Motown and recorded "Isn't She Pretty," 1962: Songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland full employment 1962: The Vandellas with Martha Reeves is formed as Marvin Gayes' backing vocals 1962: Richard "Popcorn" Wylie leaves to Motown 1963: Carolyn Crawfords signs with Motown, at the age of 13. 1963: June, Motown's first Album. The Miracles 'You've Really Got A Hold On Me' 1963: The Four Tops sign to Motown 1963: Pianist Joe Hunter moved on from Motown, replaced by the great Earl Van Dyke 1964: Maxine Powell who had operated a finishing and modeling school is hired, to prep his performers and transform Motown artists into polished professionals. 1964: Choreographer, Cholly Atkins, a well known dancer in the 1930s and 1940s who had performed at the Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom, is hired to teach these groups how to move gracefully. 1964: Mary Wells was the first Tamla Motown artist to chart in the UK with 'My Guy' 1964: Harvey Fuqua's labels became part of the Motown stable bringing Jr. Walker & The Allstars to Motown 1965: 2656 West Grand Boulevard bought for a finance department; 1966: 2662-64 West Grand Boulevard purchased for sales and marketing. 1966: 2666-68 West Grand Boulevard purchased 1966: 2670-72 West Grand Boulevard purchased 1967: Florence Ballard of the Supremes was replaced by Cindy Birdstrong. 1968: Gordy fired David Ruffin of the Temptations and hired Dennis Edwards. 1968: Holland-Dozier-Holland quit and filed suit against Motown 1968: Jackson Five were signed to Motown Records 1970: Diana Ross goes solo 1970: Supremes record “Up The Ladder To The Roof,” their first hit with Jean Terrell singing lead. 1971: Gordy starts to move Motown to Hollywood and established Motown Industries, expanding to Broadway musicals and films. 1971: After recording their million seller "Vibrations" (Lester Williams on keyboard) while still at High School in 1970, Eric & the Vikings signed with Motown Records. 1971: Richard "Popcorn" Wylie briefly signed with Motown's Soul subsidiary to cut perhaps his best-known record, "Funky Rubber Band." It wasn't released until 1975. 1972: Commadores signed to Motown 1973: End of the Snakepit. The recording studio at Hitsville, West Grand Boulevard is closed. 1974: Gladys Knight and The Pips signed to Buddah 1974: Martha Reeves left Motown and recorded solo 1974: The Four Tops signed with ABC/Dunhill. 1975: The Jackson Five moved to Epic, Jerome stays with Motown 1977: Ryck James signed to Motown 1978: Michael Jackson moved to Epic 1981: Lional Ritchie goes solo 1981: Diana Ross moved to RCA 1982: Marvin Gaye signed with Columbia. 1983: May. NBC-TV broadcast of Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Still not mention of the Funk Brothers. 1983: August 2nd, James Jamerson dies. 1984: April 1st, Marvin Gaye dies. 1985: A restored Hitsville opened as the Motown Historical Museum offering tours. 1988: July, Berry Gordy sold Motown Records to MCA and Boston Ventures for $61 million 1993: Boston Ventures sold Motown Records to the Dutch-based Polygram conglomerate for $325 million 1994: Warner books published Gordy's self-serving biography 'To Be Loved'. 1995: Jr. Walker aka Autry De Walt Mixon looses his battle with cancer on 23rd November 1997: ABC-TV special, Motown 40: The Music Is Forever - The Funk Brothers at last got credits 2002: July 25, the documentary film Standing In The Shadows Of Motown is released, winning 6 awards & 5 nominations. 2005: Renaldo "Obie" Benson of The Four Tops dies, July 8th 2006: Motown's Funk Brothers and Philadelphia International's MFSB join together to record the historic album "The Soulful Tale Of Two Cities" 2007: Motown's first Funk Brother, pianist and first band leader Joe Hunter dies, February 2nd. 2008: Motown's pianist, producer, band director and songwriter, Popcorn Wylie dies, Sept 4/5th 2008: Norman Whitfield songwriter, producer, who brought the sub-genre of psychedelic soul to Motown died aged 65, September 16th 2008: Levi Stubbs, lead vocalist of the Four Tops, one of the most profound lead vocalist in American history has died at the age of 70, on October 17th 2008:The official Motown 50th celebration kicked off Tuesday Dec. 9th 2008, with the release of "Motown: The Complete No. 1's," 2009: Motown's 50th Anniversary ~ Berry Gordy, founded the Motown empire after securing an $800 loan from his family on Jan. 12, 1959, Always Updating ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ STORIES FROM MOTOWN L.A. CLICK HERE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ QUESTIONS Does anyone know who played the harmonica on The Marvelettes 1967 track "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game"?? Was it Danny Stevenson?? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Who was the first white Tamla Motown Artist? Debbie Dean (Reba Jeanette Smith) was the first white female artist, joining Motown in 1960, recording (Don't Let Him) Shop Around / A New Girl (accompanied by The Miracles) - 1961; Itsy, Bitty, Pity Love / But I'm Afraid (Marvin Gaye on Drums) – 1961; Everybody's Talking About My Baby/ I Cried All Night - 1962. Motown's first white group., The Valadiers were signed to Motown in 1961. White guitarist Joe Messina joined Motown in 1962, he was part of the Funk Brothers Band. He is on most of the big Motown hits. White female blues singer Chris Clarke joined Motown in 1963, she cut 2 demo's with Motown, but sent back to work on the reception! She recorded her first single, "Do Right, Baby, Do Right",in December 1965, which was written and produced by Berry Gordy. It also featured the background harmonies of The Lewis Sisters. That single was followed by "Love's Gone Bad" (July 1966) which became her only R&B chart entry. With this success Chris was required to promote the record, presenting Motown with a problem... they had to admit she was White! There were white female artists Connie Vandyke and Teena Marie, Teena probably the most successful. If anyone knows of any earlier white artists please let me know. By the way the first white Motown artist to enter the UK charts and first white artist to reach No 1 anywhere was Canadian R. Dean Taylor in 1970 with "Indiana Wants Me". I think many people wrongly think him as the first white Motown artist. BUT he did some ghost writing for/with Holland Dozier & Holland earlier on in the 60's. JAMES JAMERSON MOTOWN MUSICIANS .. MOTOWN ACTS .. MOTOWN No.1 HITS MOTOWN DETROIT TODAY .. 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