What were the top selling Motown singles of all time? Everyone loves a great Motown song, but we’re guessing you can’t name them… The list will surprise you. Here are the top three…
“Baby Love” by the Supremes sold the third most units/singles of all of Motown. The legendary Funk Brothers played all the instruments – the Foot stomps were made by Mike Valvano.
“I’ll Be There” by the late Michael Jackson of the Jackson 5 proved to be a commercial success, twice, becoming the 2nd highest grossing Motown single of all time upon its release in 1970. Motown CEO Berry Gordy took a chance with the song as the Jackson 5 had high success with upbeat songs prior to the release of this ballad. Berry co-wrote the song. Mariah Carey made it a top seller again years later.
“I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye is the top Motown, highest grossing song of all time, but there is an interesting back story. The song was originally written by Barrett Strong (“Money, That’s What I Want”) and offered to Smokey Robinson who passed. Berry finally gave it to Marvin who knocked it out of the park.