February 1, 2009
The Motown Sound
January 12th was the 50th Anniversary of Motown Records and I’ve been obsessed with reading all about Berry Gordy, Jr. and the company that began as Tamla Records. I’ve also been searching iTunes for all the greatest Motown Hits.
I’m just in love with it all. I have been for years.
When I was a little girl I’d dig out my parents’ vinyl records and beg to listen to Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Brenda Holloway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Tami Terell and so many more.
Can I just say that David Ruffin‘s voice melts my heart? I mean I know he was kind of a jerk to the other Temptations, but when I hear his rough (Ruff?) voice, usually when listening to My Girl, I get a shiver down my spine.
Here’s just one of my favorite Temptations songs (but I don’t think Ruff is on lead on this one), I Want a Love I Can See:
And then! Stevie Wonder! I heart Stevie. Especially Sugar:
Swoon.
Don’t forget Brenda Holloway. She should have been a bigger star than Diana. I really believe that. Even in 2005, she proved she has the voice:
Compare that with the 1964 version:
I love her.
Here’s the Alicia Keys version (not on the Motown label, but awesome just the same):
Takes my breath away. And makes me wish I could play the piano somethin’ fierce…
I Love Motown. Love it, Love it.
I know. I’m obsessed. But can you blame me?
What are your faves?
Posted by Dana @ 6:24 AM • Music
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February 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 AM, Amber Says:
I had a great time listening to those clips. Why? I have honestly never listened to Motown before but I caught a glimpse of why you’re obsessed!
February 4th, 2009 at 8:43 PM, Cappy Says:
All of the above!
The Four Tops
The Temptations
Smokey
Aretha
Gladys
Joe Tex
And many, many more. On 8 track and CD.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:07 PM, Daisy Says:
Wonderful. Motown is (was?) nope, is fabulous.