Motown was an enterprise founded on the almost hubristic conviction that a regional label making “race music” could become Hitsville, USA, that at least as many whites as blacks would spin its records. Even as the label’s singles climbed the charts, Berry Gordy and company were too ambitious to remain complacent. Motown’s early successes proved [...]
Posts Tagged ‘smokey robinson’
129) The Temptations – “My Girl”
Posted in 09, 1965, tagged motown, smokey robinson, the temptations on July 1, 2011 | 1 Comment »
108) Mary Wells – “My Guy”
Posted in 07, 1964, tagged mary wells, motown, smokey robinson on May 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
With Mary Wells, Motown got serious. Before her, Tamla/Motown operated essentially like a regional label that happened to have a few massive hits. The distinctive Motown sound had yet to be formulated. Bluesier numbers like Barrett Strong’s “Money (That’s What I Want)” abutted the smooth pop of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and the bongo-harmonica [...]
