Motown was more than a sound, more than a genre of music that dominated the 60s. Barry Gordy started the Motown music label in the early 60s after realizing he was not going to be the next middleweight boxing champion.
The stable of Motown artists ranges from the Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, to Jr. Walker, Rare Earth and Lionel Richie. Let’s share a list of songs that we call ‘oh wow’ songs, tunes that made us turn up the car radio and smile…
“Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
“I Hear a Symphony” from the Supremes
“Baby I Need Your Lovin’” from the Four Tops
“Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” by Little Stevie Wonder
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell
“Papa Was A Rolling Stone” by the Temptations
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” by David Ruffin
“I Just Want to Celebrate” from Rare Earth
“I Want You Back” from the Jackson 5
“Keep On Trucking” by Eddie Kendricks
Observations: Ever song on this list hit the charts, every song beautifully produced and backed by the Funk Brothers at Motown. The 60s are well represented, but the 70s tunes demonstrate the relevance ad longevity of the Motown sound as well.
—
Photo credit: Gajus / Shutterstock.com