Motown for Female Friday - "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, "Stop In the Name of Love" by The Supremes, "Please Mr. Postman" by Martha and the Vandellas, "My Guy" by Mary Wells.
The Temps have tons of classics: along with this song, My Girl, Can;t Get Next To You, I Wish It Would Rain, Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Just My Imagination are my favorites. And the lead singer here is Eddie Kendricks, who also had an absolute classic solo hit called Date With The Rain. Other Motown greats to check out: The Spinners, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the MIracles, The Four Tops, plus early Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Jackson 5.
Motown is not a rabbit hole, it's a canyon, wide, deep and long. So many great groups and songs have come from Motown. Growing up in the deep south in the '60's and early '70's gave me a deep appreciation for Motown and Southern Rock. 🙂
So happy to see a young person have their ears open to the classics. The Temptations ruled the airways for years and along with the Four Tops are iconic. It’s like the Beatles and Stones but Motown.
Nice to see your doing Motown. You did Unforgettable by Nat king Cole Natalie Cole did a remake of unforgettable with her dad although he passed away she was able to do it by the technology that was out when she did the song so it sounds like they're singing together Natalie Cole has a beautiful voice and Grammy's and her own career so this was such a big hit for her and a touching one as well it would be nice if you all did a reaction of unforgettable with Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole you will really be touched by it. Please do a reaction of the two of them singing that song together
Motown was like a 'finishing school', all the acts were trained in all kinds of things like singing, dancing, stage presence, how to behave in public and other things, the owner Barry Gordy was a stickler for details. Oh by the way that guy singing lead is the legendary late great David Ruffin, he wasn't always the lead singer they traded off a little
David Ruffin eventually became impossible to work with he either showed up late or didn't show up at all to the concerts. He insisted of having his own limo and acted like the worst kind of diva. But despite that he sure had some pipes!!
Your reaction to David Ruffin's knee drop at 5:17 is priceless, and totally understandable. David was a bad dude, highly influential on a lot of male lead singers...respect and RIP.
When Bary Gordy started Motown, he had a "charm school" to teach his acts how to present themselves, and how to act on stage. Barry Gordy was a genius.
I just finished writing back in the days of motown there was no style dancing so all moves was pretty well same moves. I love the movie. I also the movie the five heart beats that dance teacher was off the chain.
Motown groups were some of the best!!!! Loved their sycronicity of their dancing, the harmonies and their ballads!!!! Today's music will NEVER compare to that greatness!!!!
My gosh, I'm going to watch someone discover Motown when I thought everyone knew Motown. I'm so happy. Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.... endlessly great artists.
@@loriannrichardson7644 Few people seem to remember the Jackson 5 cartoons on Saturday mornings. The Jacksons also shaped a lot of music. Michael J's version of Rockin Robin caused one of my restaurant customers to come right out of her seat and dance across the restaurant. It was awesome.
How about a bit of Jackie Wilson? He WAS 'Motown', before Motown even existed!!! He had the voice, he had the moves, & he had the songs!! The true 'daddy' of the genre!! 😲😲😲
Yes! Lonely Teardrops was one of my favorite oldies.My dad ran a radio station in the 70s and he had a show on Sundays called the Big-O Oldie show(my maiden name was Owens)and I would always request this song and Tossin' and Turnin' by Bobby Lewis..what a great time to be a kid(70s) and a teen (80s) :)
Totally. Jackie Wilson performing "Lonely Teardrops" is a perfect combo of that proto-Motown type song and performance with the suit and charisma that J&A like so much about the crooners. Definitely a great place to start at the beginning of a journey down the Motown rabbit hole. th-cam.com/video/2nEfuE8Pw4U/w-d-xo.html There are a couple of performances from the Ed Sullivan show that have better video quality than the performance I linked above but I don't like them as much. It sounds like they upped the tempo a bit to squeeze the song into the time slot, causing the beat to feel rushed and fall out of that "head bob" pocket.
The Temps essentially had 3 leads; David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams. Ruffin is the singer here and was the more prolific of the three. He was fired from the group in 1968 as drugs and ego contributed him into thinking he was bigger than the group. He started to be unreliable as he would show up late or miss gigs. He also thought the group should be renamed David Ruffin and the Temptations (much the way The Supremes renamed themselves pushing Diana Ross’ name to the forefront). He was replaced in the group by Dennis Edwards. Ruffin as a solo artist never attained the level of success he had with The Temps.
I'd recommend Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gayes duets: "Your Precious Love" (My favorite), "You're All I Need To Get By," Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "If This World Were Mine."
"Papa Was a Rolling Stone", circa 1972, has fantastic instrumentals with horns, bass, guitar and orchestral backup...and a message. Something to get lost in...
If you listen to Papa was a Rolling Stone you MUST MUST MUST hear the long version!!!!! 11 minutes long but WORTH IT The four minute instrumental intro sets the mood like nothing else th-cam.com/video/pJV2pWFyfn4/w-d-xo.html
David ruffin was lead singer until they fired him. Still haven't heard 2 better singers in one of these groups than ruffin and Eddie kendricks.check out supremes and temps I'm gonna make you love me. A masterpiece.
Always salute and respect ‘the Funk Brothers’… Motown could never have been Motown, without ‘the Funk Brothers’. That band WAS the music behind the voices. Absolutely critical to all of Motown’s legendary artists/songs…
If you haven't heard it, Midnight Train to Georgia, by Gladys Knight and the Pips, is one of the best Motown songs ever. Also a plus one for Papa Was a Rolling Stone by the Temptations.
"Midnight Train..." , not Motown. Gladys Knight & the Pips had just left Motown over some 'disputes' with Berry Gordy. Buddah Records picked them up quickly and they proceeded to have great success over there, away from Motown. Midnight Train was one of their biggest hits.
You just discovered one of the cornerstones of Motown. You should check out The Temptations movie!! My favorite movie of all time. I have seen it about a hundred times. Motown is a huge rabbit hole where you will find the Temps, the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Marvelettes, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (and Smokey wrote a LOT of songs for the Temps as well as other Motown artists),Jackie Wilson, there are many more but these would all be a good start. Welcome to the birth of soul. ❣️🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is what Motown is!!! It’s amazing. Smokey Robinson, Jackson 5, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Al Green, Gladys Knight and the Pips, DeBarge. Soooooo many great artists.
Al Green wasn't a Motown artist. During his peak years in the '70s he recorded for Hi Records. Al Green was a Memphis guy, who sang Memphis soul; unlike the more polished and pop-friendly Motown, the sort of Memphis soul personified by Green (and, earlier, such Atlantic and Stax/Volt artists as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, etc.) was grittier and had a more pronounced R&B feel to it.
I like the way you described how the crooners led you to jazz and that led you back to Motown. As your musical education progresses, you'll start to see how each genre leads to the next -- rock & roll evolved from R&B and country; R&B evolved from jazz, blues, and gospel; country evolved from Appalachian folk, gospel, acoustic blues, and traditional Irish music; modern jazz had evolved from too many different styles to list. And it's all worth listening to. Some you'll prefer more than others and that's perfectly fine. It's the discovery of music you love that's the fun part. BTW, Amber, your curls are absolutely beautiful! Love you guys!
I Wish It Would Rain, My Girl, Just My Imagination Running Away With Me . . . just 3 of the really great songs by the Temps (lead singer is David Ruffin). Their song list is long & very entertaining. Same is true for the entire Motown stable. The Supremes (My World Is Empty Without You is my favorite song of theirs) would be an excellent entry for Female Friday.
Berry Gordy had in house coreographers to show and teach groups like The Temptations how to dance and present themselves for live performances. David Ruffin handles the lead vocals on this song.
Motown had a costuming department, a dance department that choreographed the songs and tought the singers how to dance. It was a finishing school for singers.
Not sure if anyone answered your question...... When Berry Gordy started Motown he hired the best musicians and songwriters to play the music for the Groups signed to the Motown label. A great example was bassist James Jamerson. You can hear proof of this on the Four Tops song, "Reach Out I'll Be There"....even better when you listen to it using speakers or headphones that produce good Bass! Berry Gordy hired a dance choreographer named, "Cholly Atkins" who choreographed the dance moves for most of the Motown artists especially the Temptations. The Four Tops were sort of the Rebels and did not want to show up to the choreography sessions but made their own choreography. Every temptation song has different dance moves. They were handsome, talented and any one of them could pick up a microphone and sing solo. The Temptations became so famous they were even given their own television show. Here is a youtube video one of Cholly Atkins television appearances... th-cam.com/video/LVxqKhwuyr4/w-d-xo.html
I always say that the Temptations were the greatest "boy band" that ever existed. They matched outfits, choreographed dance routines and had voices of all ranges to suit a wide range of songs. Boys II Men were a great way to fill the void of losing them as a group till they split also. This is my favorite of their songs. I love that you both will give a listen to soulful and oldies songs. (Just came from your Ain't No Sunshine video) You have a new subscriber. Keep up the great work!!!
One of the greatest groups. The term band is thrown around too loosely. Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers even the Jacksons could be considered bands. They all played instruments and sang. The Temptations is a powerful singing group
A lot of the Motown groups had choreography, if I’m not mistaken the choreographer for the Motown groups was a famous dancer. Just looked it up his name was Charlie Adkins, and he was choreographer from 1965 to 71
If you love Motown music, you need to checkout the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”. It is the story of the Funk Brothers. They were the musicians that Barry Gordy assembled to play all of the music on all of those great Motown hits!! They were seriously some of the greatest session musicians of all time!!
Yes awesome rockumentary. Unfortunately only 3 surviving members left, Dennis Cofey, Jack Ashford and Jim Mesina. Berry Gordy was a pimp and didn't allow the Funk Brothers to moonlight as studio musicians and many of the Funk Brothers died destitute.😢
I think you two, especially Amber, would love the Stylistics. Especially "People Make the World go Round", "Break up to Make up", "Betcha By Golly Wow", "Unchained Melody", "You Make me Feel Brand New", "You'll Never Get to Heaven if you Break my Heart". They're amazing.
The Temptations were a great group. David Ruffin was special. Best of their list of lead singers though all were excellent.Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were the leaders in the Motown sound. So many great groups. Temptations were a huge influence on music period. They were so talented and their dance movements were very synchronized. They were copied and were the good standard of soul groups back then. The publjc loved them and they were immensely popular.
The greatest and biggest group ever…In the world!!! My Girl…. All of them can sing they are known for precision. The Temptations don’t come to play. They are all known as the tall, talented, tempting temptations in the Fab five ❤ Charlie Atkins, what was their dance coach? They were known for being in step with each other at all times! They all sing lead!
@Jordan Moses I think Eliot meant that Berry Gordy was responsible for the total package built, where no details was left to chance. Inhouse this and that, from producers, studiomusicians to designers and choreographers. All polished to perfection in all acts, or they did not get records released, had to fit the mold for the label 100%. Had to be able to move in sync with the group or you were out, unless you were too good and could not dance, then the act became known as that artists name & the whatevers. As happened with the temptations because David ruffins Ego grew too big, so it became David Ruffin and the temptations, he danced his way and they danced choregraphed behind him as his backupsingers.
Glad to see you catching up with some of the finest soul music, EVER. These guys polished their performances to perfection and were global. They were among the reasons the sixties helped lead to so much good stuff! You have so much to learn! My suggestion: "My Girl" if you want to know what butter sounds like.
Love this song and have for many years. Temptations had several "lead" singers. So happy to hear you're going down the Motown rabbit hole :D Can't wait to see your reactions to The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and so many more... You're in for a vibin' good time :)
More Motown, but also more STAX. You've already done Otis Redding, but they also recorded Staple Singers, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T and the MGs and others.
Definitely Stax!!! Just watched a two hour documentary on TH-cam about Stax. I knew of the music that came out of there. But that documentary told me things I never knew it’s exceptional and it is on TH-cam if you wanna watch it very very good
U can NEVER go wrong with Motown. The Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, TheSupremes...so many iconic groups and solo artists. Happy for you two!
I love the soundtrack to “The Big Chill”! So many great songs and they are all upbeat. I used to put that CD on when it was time to clean house. The first song is “All Too Proud to Beg”. My kids used to know it was time to get to work and they said they hated it, but they sang along.
@@odiebryer2144 I worked at an oldies station in the late 80s and sometimes at night a someone from a local catering company would call to request "My Girl" while they would be cleaning up dishes after a catering gig.
Yes! Here's another funny story. When they played Ain't Too Proud To Beg, they had the Cast pretending to Dance then they bought the music in. It was one of the very few songs that Smokey Robinson didn't write in the early days of their career.
Detroit is "the Motor City" because of the automobile manufacturing. It got shortened to "Mo-town" Yes, Mo-Town groups all created little dance routines for each song! Love you guys, Paul
IMO these guys are the pure definition of smooth, and the kings of dance moves. Try the Four Tops and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Other songs by the Temps are “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “My Girl”.
Believe or not, they all had a dance choreographers to help with their presentstion once they got their voices down. Earlier on the lead singer was David Ruffin. I am 72 years old and loved to go to various live shows. I once saw them on stage at a veznue called the "Cow Palace" ( I know the name sounds strange but it was a huge arena) in San Francisco CA about 1964 ( I was 14 years old!) They sounded the same as their records which was high quality. They were all the Original (founding) members of the group. To show you how memorable they were to me; they were all wearing a light kinda purple suits and theiir dance steps were coordinated with David Ruffin standing in front as the lead singer) and the steps were varied according to the songs.. And the crowds were mixed black and white..I am white!! And one big happy family!!😘 I had bought many vinyl records (called 45's) in my time, and most of them were Motown labels. I also saw there the Righteous Brothers, the Four Tops, and many others! Those were the days when you could see several headliners at once for only $5-$7 depending on the seats! Each one brought down the house!! I could tell you more, but I wouldn't have the time! What memories! There is an old movie you might want to see on the group and theiir lives called "The Temptations" it is pretty accurate.🌹I am phoneless right now (on it's way!) some name is Rose and my brother is Timothy, so if I sound like a girl...I AM! 🙋
"I Wish it would Rain" is a beautiful, touching and sadly tragic song that you must hear. And the Temptations' version of "Silent Night" will bring tears to your eyes.
Ok: tomorrow is my birthday sept 3. So ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ again by the Temptations will always be a fave of mine. It’s a treasure, storytelling, music, song ability….. ‘My Girl’, ‘Just My Imagination’ two more excellent ones by then!!!
Also, great Temptation songs, Ball of Confusion, I Can't Get Next To You, Get Ready, Just My Imagination, My Girl, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, I Know I'm Losing You, and Get Ready. All great songs and horns!! 😊
Always played Motown tunes at our parties, check out the singing & dance wars between The Temps & and the Four Tops couldn’t take your eyes off their dance-offs ❤️🙂
Many lead singers over the years. David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards, Paul Williams, Otis Williams. During their classic period, it was mostly Ruffin, or Ruffin and Kendricks. Eddie and Paul were leads on "Just My Imagination"
@mister stubbs "It's a Shame" was the biggest hit that the Spinners had as a Motown act, as it reached #14 (they recorded for the Motown subsidiary label V.I.P., which, contrary to the label's name, was sort of the minor leagues of Motown acts), but they didn't chart much in the '60s as a Motown act. It wasn't until after they left Motown and signed with Atlantic, hooked up with songwriter/producer Thom Bell, and shifted their sound to the Philly soul in which Bell specialized, that the Spinners became a major hit-making act in the '70s.
Like I have told you Rob I was born and raised in Detroit during the 60s. Saw all these guys. Temptations (David and Jimmy Ruffin) Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Lionel Richie and of course they had Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 (1968). Can you imagine having all that talent in one town??? OMG IT WAS AWESOME. Most of the Motown groups had choreography going for them back in the day. The Temptations had "Temptation Walk". Yeah that is how blessed I was to be able to grow up watching these acts from 60s through 70s when it was really AWESOME.
I'm 74 years old, and grew up in the Detroit area, and with Motown songs. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were my favorites. So good to see young people enjoying them too.
As I suggested before, I recommend artists from Kenny Gamble's stable from the Philly Soul Sound --- Billy Paul "Me and Mrs. Jones"; The Stylistics, "You Make Me Feel Brand New"; The Spinners "I'll Be Around" ; The O'Jays "Love Train"; Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine"; Teddy Pendergrass.
Wow I absolutely love the temptations singing . They are my most favourite Motown group I’ve even got the movie based off there real life what a good movie. David Ruffin had 1 of those beautiful most perfect voices I’ve ever heard
You cannot BELIEVE what it was like growing up with all of the classic rock bands you're now discoverinng, but on top of all of that, we had MOTOWN. I mean it was insane - The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Mary Wells, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Martha and the Vandellas, Edwin Starr, Junior Walker and the All Stars, the Commodores, Billy Preston, Rare Earth, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Pointer Sisters, Lionel Ritchie. The list and hit songs just goes on and on. You two will never be out of a job for the rest of your lives if you keep covering all of these incredible bands.
I think we used to call the arm twirl "The Shing-a-Ling". They also invented "The Temptation Walk". Might see it on American Bandstand. Temptations and the Beatles came out at the same time. It was round the clock new music in 1964.
"The Shing-a-Ling"!!! Thank you for that. Or uh-oh. I think I'm going to be shing-a-linging around the living room tonight. I'll probably scare the cat.
The Beatles covered three Motown hits in their early recording days: "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong, "Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes, and "You Really Got a Hold On Me" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Motown artists reciprocated by recording lots and lots of Beatles songs. The Beatles loved Motown, and Motown artists, producers, and songwriters loved the Beatles.
The dances were were well choreographed and practiced intently. One group would show up at another’s show and they would have “song wars “. The more complex the routine was the more applause you got. There was a special movie a few years back that took you inside the band. All the highs and lows of the members. Not sure of the name though. My personal favorite is “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”.
@@Sandyg1961 well there is a documentary (or two) but one is about Motown as a label and the other is about the Motown backing band the funk brothers. It’s easy to be confused. Also the five heartbeats is similar
You need to watch “Hitsville” and more importantly “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown “ First tells how the acts not only learned to sing the “Motown Way” but to dance, dress, etiquette, how to do interviews, the whole package. “StandIng In The Shadows” is about The Funk Brothers, a collection of some of the greatest musicians that made “The Motown Sound “ LOTS to learn young ones.
A Motown drum roll and some of the best ‘baby please!’ vocals to start the song from David Ruffin! There certainly a tendency to immediately grab your attention in early Motown
Can't help but chair-dance, eh? Follow that next time with "Ball of Confusion." Always been one of my favorites. "Pappa Was A Rolling Stone" is also great. Cheers...
To show you just how infectious The Temptation's perfect choreography and pinpoint Harmony was when (Ruff), David Ruffin, dropped to his knees both of you sat back in your chairs and said *_oooh_* in harmony at the same time! That was great. Keep up with the awesome reactions.
“Ball of Confusion,” “Cloud Nine,” “Treat Her Like a Lady,” “Since I Lost My Baby” (Luther’s version is great also), “Standing on the Top “with members from 1982 and past members with the exception of Paul Williams (he’d passed in the early 70s.
Oh yeah, Motown was ALL about the choreography as well as the music. Besides all the other groups recommended to you here, try Gladys Knight and the Pips, and of course James Brown and his Famous Flames.
The classic Temptations were first introduced in to the Motown family during the 1960s to early 1970s with hit songs like "My Girl", "Ain't to Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Ball of Confusion", "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Just to name a few. In 1984 they also had a hit single in "Treat Her Like a Lady" and the lead vocals on the song was Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards which had that 80s dance floor vibe.
The lead singer on this song is David Ruffin, other songs by the Temps are Cloud Nine, You’re my Everything, Treat her like a lady. Also the Temps & the Supremes were together on the Ed Sullivan show singing a medley of each other hits. Other Motown groups are The Four Tops, the Miracles, the Drifters
Love your hair, Amber! Love your beard, Jay! My Girl! Gotta hit that one. Though, you've probably heard it. Stevie's Motown. J5 is Motown. The Supremes is Motown. You're gonna have fun!
The Temptations were often billed as 'the group with five lead singers'. And they sometimes choreographed their own dance moves. Motown hired others to give other Motown acts their dance moves. The Supremes were on the road and had a new song but no stage moves. Apparently - in some corridor - one of the Tempts came up with the 'STOP' (hand out) in the name of love action that became iconic for at least another 50 years.
The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell...are some of the iconic Motown artists who are music legends.
They aren't a band. They are a singing group. A band means that they play instruments along with singing. They are a such a great group. Yes, most of them had these dance routines that they did. They were all the equivalent of our boy bands like NKOTB, N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, etc. So many groups back then, The Temptations, O'Jays, The Manhattans, The Stylistics, etc. Motown is a huge rabbit hole to dive into.
Grew up in the Detroit area during the Motown era. They played the Motown sound everywhere you went. One reason I know all the words and can sing along with em
May I suggest you start “Motown Mondays”? You won’t run out of material.
Great idea!! Motown Mondays!!!
Awesome idea!!
🙏🏻 Please Motown Monday!!!!!
OH! Please Please Please?
Yes to Motown Monday!
Motown for Female Friday - "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, "Stop In the Name of Love" by The Supremes, "Please Mr. Postman" by Martha and the Vandellas, "My Guy" by Mary Wells.
Aretha was from Detroit, but she was never signed to Motown. Still worth a listen though - lol!
and add Gladys Knight and the Pips
@@pmickeyny6002 I think I knew that at some point, but I forgot. Thanks for setting me straight. But...yeah. Aretha was the undisputed Queen of Soul.
I agree with these choices for Female Friday
You could do an all Motown Female Friday.
The Temps have tons of classics: along with this song, My Girl, Can;t Get Next To You, I Wish It Would Rain, Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Just My Imagination are my favorites. And the lead singer here is Eddie Kendricks, who also had an absolute classic solo hit called Date With The Rain.
Other Motown greats to check out: The Spinners, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the MIracles, The Four Tops, plus early Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Jackson 5.
My Girl is so good! A prefect song 🙂
Isn't the lead singer on this David Ruffin?
@@grimsbyuk8311 Yes. This is Ruffin singing lead. 👍🏼
@@grimsbyuk8311 Yes, it is David Ruffin. My bad, not sure what I was thinking. :D
What about the amazing female Mowtown artists: Martha and the Vandellas, The Shirelles and of course Diana Ross and the Supremes
It hurts my heart that you haven't had a better music education before this. It thrills my heart that you are discovering some of the best music ever.
Like he’s never heard “my girl” before? It’s played pretty much everywhere lol.
Yes I agree I'm 49 this year. I love all Motown songs
Motown is not a rabbit hole, it's a canyon, wide, deep and long. So many great groups and songs have come from Motown. Growing up in the deep south in the '60's and early '70's gave me a deep appreciation for Motown and Southern Rock.
🙂
.....but....as rabbit holes go " Ain't no mountain high enough"....to keep the people from discovering Motown!
WORD
Classic Temps!! Harmonies, dancing - what else can you ask for? Better late than never.
Motown Mondays!
great suggestion !!
Love that Motown Mondays!!!!
Heck yeah, Motown MOndays
The songs are endless. Love Motown!!!!!!
Marvelous Motown Mondays
So happy to see a young person have their ears open to the classics. The Temptations ruled the airways for years and along with the Four Tops are iconic. It’s like the Beatles and Stones but Motown.
Exactly - great comparison.
Nice to see your doing Motown. You did Unforgettable by Nat king Cole Natalie Cole did a remake of unforgettable with her dad although he passed away she was able to do it by the technology that was out when she did the song so it sounds like they're singing together Natalie Cole has a beautiful voice and Grammy's and her own career so this was such a big hit for her and a touching one as well it would be nice if you all did a reaction of unforgettable with Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole you will really be touched by it. Please do a reaction of the two of them singing that song together
Agree 100%
Motown was like a 'finishing school', all the acts were trained in all kinds of things like singing, dancing, stage presence, how to behave in public and other things, the owner Barry Gordy was a stickler for details.
Oh by the way that guy singing lead is the legendary late great David Ruffin, he wasn't always the lead singer they traded off a little
Yes, it absolutely was a finishing school. They were taught how to walk, talk, dress, dance, etc.
David Ruffin eventually became impossible to work with he either showed up late or didn't show up at all to the concerts. He insisted of having his own limo and acted like the worst kind of diva. But despite that he sure had some pipes!!
@@danielolson5378 "You ain't nothing without David Ruffin".
Your reaction to David Ruffin's knee drop at 5:17 is priceless, and totally understandable. David was a bad dude, highly influential on a lot of male lead singers...respect and RIP.
Hard to find 2 better singers in any group than David ruffin and Eddie kendricks.
When Bary Gordy started Motown, he had a "charm school" to teach his acts how to present themselves, and how to act on stage. Barry Gordy was a genius.
Poise, grooming, dealing with press junkets, choreography, EVERYTHING.
To bad he didn't follow that in real life
The charm school was run byn The Late Maxiane Powell
I just finished writing back in the days of motown there was no style dancing so all moves was pretty well same moves. I love the movie. I also the movie the five heart beats that dance teacher was off the chain.
David Ruffin singing “I wish it would Rain” will stop your heart, he delivers the lonely.
That is all the truth there, he had a voice that could reach into your chest & squeeze your heart
Oh my YES!
❤❤❤❤
Papa was a rolling stone, and My Girl are great. Can't go wrong with any of their music.
I wish it would rain is one of my absolute favorite
Yep, I've seen them live in concert two or three times, and they're always entertaining.
The Temptations never did a bad song. Terrific music. Terrific group.
I feel the same about The O'Jays!
1970's was the Golden Age of Music! Soul, Disco, Salsoul, Latin, Rock, Jazz, etc and etc!
I love you for saying that.
@@esskay8768 This was from the 60’s.
Motown groups were some of the best!!!! Loved their sycronicity of their dancing, the harmonies and their ballads!!!! Today's music will NEVER compare to that greatness!!!!
My gosh, I'm going to watch someone discover Motown when I thought everyone knew Motown. I'm so happy.
Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.... endlessly great artists.
Also, The Jackson 5
i feel the same way!! Great to see them discover some of the best music EVER
Commodores, Boyz II Men
@@loriannrichardson7644 Few people seem to remember the Jackson 5 cartoons on Saturday mornings. The Jacksons also shaped a lot of music. Michael J's version of Rockin Robin caused one of my restaurant customers to come right out of her seat and dance across the restaurant. It was awesome.
Hard to believe
How about a bit of Jackie Wilson?
He WAS 'Motown', before Motown even existed!!!
He had the voice, he had the moves, & he had the songs!!
The true 'daddy' of the genre!! 😲😲😲
Yes! Lonely Teardrops was one of my favorite oldies.My dad ran a radio station in the 70s and he had a show on Sundays called the Big-O Oldie show(my maiden name was Owens)and I would always request this song and Tossin' and Turnin' by Bobby Lewis..what a great time to be a kid(70s) and a teen (80s) :)
Didn't he lose the spot on Buddy Holly's plane that Ritchie Valens took?
@@greybeard2280, no that was Waylon Jennings.
Yes Jackie Wilson is the one!!! "Lonely Teardrops" and "Higher and Higher"
Totally. Jackie Wilson performing "Lonely Teardrops" is a perfect combo of that proto-Motown type song and performance with the suit and charisma that J&A like so much about the crooners. Definitely a great place to start at the beginning of a journey down the Motown rabbit hole. th-cam.com/video/2nEfuE8Pw4U/w-d-xo.html
There are a couple of performances from the Ed Sullivan show that have better video quality than the performance I linked above but I don't like them as much. It sounds like they upped the tempo a bit to squeeze the song into the time slot, causing the beat to feel rushed and fall out of that "head bob" pocket.
The Temps essentially had 3 leads; David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams. Ruffin is the singer here and was the more prolific of the three. He was fired from the group in 1968 as drugs and ego contributed him into thinking he was bigger than the group. He started to be unreliable as he would show up late or miss gigs. He also thought the group should be renamed David Ruffin and the Temptations (much the way The Supremes renamed themselves pushing Diana Ross’ name to the forefront).
He was replaced in the group by Dennis Edwards. Ruffin as a solo artist never attained the level of success he had with The Temps.
Having already known all these negative things about David Ruffin, I still think he was the best lead singer of The Temptations. He was so damn good.
@@Bareege anyone with that amount of talent needs humily or they turn into an ass. This is why we love Dolly.
@@Bareege Very much agree with you. Also loved Ollie Woodson, who had a very versatile voice including having a smokey sound like D.R.’s.
Ruffin by far was the best lead, but even after the Temptations, his drug habits never left him and he died of a drug overdose
I preferred David Ruffin but Eddie Kendrick was an excellent replacement. David's brother, Jimmy Ruffin had a very good career too.
I'd recommend Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gayes duets: "Your Precious Love" (My favorite), "You're All I Need To Get By," Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "If This World Were Mine."
Absolutely!!
I second that motion. Ohhh, might as well suggest "Second that Emotion" by Smokey Robinson. He has lots of great songs.
Tammi Terrell died way too soon. I can't imagine how much more great music she had left in her.
Been begging for months. Love to see them react to Marvin's a capella of ,"I Heard it Through the Grapevine "
My favorite is Good Lovin' Ain't Easy To Come By.
"Papa Was a Rolling Stone", circa 1972, has fantastic instrumentals with horns, bass, guitar and orchestral backup...and a message. Something to get lost in...
If you listen to Papa was a Rolling Stone you MUST MUST MUST hear the long version!!!!!
11 minutes long but WORTH IT
The four minute instrumental intro sets the mood like nothing else th-cam.com/video/pJV2pWFyfn4/w-d-xo.html
David ruffin was lead singer until they fired him. Still haven't heard 2 better singers in one of these groups than ruffin and Eddie kendricks.check out supremes and temps I'm gonna make you love me. A masterpiece.
Always salute and respect ‘the Funk Brothers’… Motown could never have been Motown, without ‘the Funk Brothers’. That band WAS the music behind the voices. Absolutely critical to all of Motown’s legendary artists/songs…
This ^^^
If you haven't heard it, Midnight Train to Georgia, by Gladys Knight and the Pips, is one of the best Motown songs ever. Also a plus one for Papa Was a Rolling Stone by the Temptations.
Absolutely! Midnight Train is one of my all time favorite songs.
"Midnight Train..." , not Motown. Gladys Knight & the Pips had just left Motown over some 'disputes' with Berry Gordy. Buddah Records picked them up quickly and they proceeded to have great success over there, away from Motown. Midnight Train was one of their biggest hits.
Love Gladys Knight.
Absolutely do “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”.
Hopefully, the one from "Soul Train"!
So powerful! Such a driving song, that one!
YES
@@RandomPau - if you mean the studio version where the video shows clips from that performance and the movie, then I agree!
The intro just chills the blood
You just discovered one of the cornerstones of Motown. You should check out The Temptations movie!! My favorite movie of all time. I have seen it about a hundred times. Motown is a huge rabbit hole where you will find the Temps, the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Marvelettes, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (and Smokey wrote a LOT of songs for the Temps as well as other Motown artists),Jackie Wilson, there are many more but these would all be a good start. Welcome to the birth of soul. ❣️🔥🔥🔥🔥
... Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder ... wow, eh? Motown (when I was a kid it was Tamla Motown) ... great great music.
My Girl is THE Temptations most iconic song, you should do this one next.
Love me some old Motown! Even the sad songs make me smile! The Temps were so classy with the matching suits and choreography!
This is what Motown is!!! It’s amazing. Smokey Robinson, Jackson 5, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Al Green, Gladys Knight and the Pips, DeBarge. Soooooo many great artists.
Al Green wasn't a Motown artist. During his peak years in the '70s he recorded for Hi Records. Al Green was a Memphis guy, who sang Memphis soul; unlike the more polished and pop-friendly Motown, the sort of Memphis soul personified by Green (and, earlier, such Atlantic and Stax/Volt artists as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, etc.) was grittier and had a more pronounced R&B feel to it.
I like the way you described how the crooners led you to jazz and that led you back to Motown. As your musical education progresses, you'll start to see how each genre leads to the next -- rock & roll evolved from R&B and country; R&B evolved from jazz, blues, and gospel; country evolved from Appalachian folk, gospel, acoustic blues, and traditional Irish music; modern jazz had evolved from too many different styles to list. And it's all worth listening to. Some you'll prefer more than others and that's perfectly fine. It's the discovery of music you love that's the fun part.
BTW, Amber, your curls are absolutely beautiful! Love you guys!
And bluegrass has its roots in traditional folk ballads, blues and jazz.
Very well stated! J&A, Yes it all flows from and into each different style, forget about getting stuck in ‘ genre’ that limits you
I Wish It Would Rain, My Girl, Just My Imagination Running Away With Me . . . just 3 of the really great songs by the Temps (lead singer is David Ruffin). Their song list is long & very entertaining. Same is true for the entire Motown stable. The Supremes (My World Is Empty Without You is my favorite song of theirs) would be an excellent entry for Female Friday.
Berry Gordy had in house coreographers to show and teach groups like The Temptations how to dance and present themselves for live performances. David Ruffin handles the lead vocals on this song.
Can’t Get Next to You, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, My Girl, the list is never ending! I’m a forever fan ❣️❣️
So many great Motown singers and vocal groups, both male and female. Motown is a formidable rabbit hole.
You can’t go wrong with the Temptations or the Four Tops!
Or The Drifters.
The Spinners!
@@pal4204 yes!!
Don't forget Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. :D
Motown had a costuming department, a dance department that choreographed the songs and tought the singers how to dance. It was a finishing school for singers.
Not sure if anyone answered your question......
When Berry Gordy started Motown he hired the best musicians and songwriters to play the music for the Groups signed to the Motown label. A great example was bassist James Jamerson. You can hear proof of this on the Four Tops song, "Reach Out I'll Be There"....even better when you listen to it using speakers or headphones that produce good Bass!
Berry Gordy hired a dance choreographer named, "Cholly Atkins" who choreographed the dance moves for most of the Motown artists especially the Temptations. The Four Tops were sort of the Rebels and did not want to show up to the choreography sessions but made their own choreography.
Every temptation song has different dance moves. They were handsome, talented and any one of them could pick up a microphone and sing solo.
The Temptations became so famous they were even given their own television show.
Here is a youtube video one of Cholly Atkins television appearances...
th-cam.com/video/LVxqKhwuyr4/w-d-xo.html
James Jamerson is on the short list of the greatest bassists who ever lived.
I always say that the Temptations were the greatest "boy band" that ever existed. They matched outfits, choreographed dance routines and had voices of all ranges to suit a wide range of songs. Boys II Men were a great way to fill the void of losing them as a group till they split also.
This is my favorite of their songs.
I love that you both will give a listen to soulful and oldies songs. (Just came from your Ain't No Sunshine video) You have a new subscriber. Keep up the great work!!!
One of the greatest groups. The term band is thrown around too loosely. Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers even the Jacksons could be considered bands. They all played instruments and sang. The Temptations is a powerful singing group
A lot of the Motown groups had choreography, if I’m not mistaken the choreographer for the Motown groups was a famous dancer. Just looked it up his name was Charlie Adkins, and he was choreographer from 1965 to 71
It's Cholly Atkins. I know the spelling is unusual.. but that's how he was credited in the Temptations movie.
The Temptations choreographed their own dance steps.
@@salliemoore5472 Paul Williams helped with a lot of their steps.
I think you would love
LETS STAY TOGETHER BY
AL GREEN ❤❤
YES!
The Rev Al Green. 💚
Tina Turner also does a great version. Can you say "Female Friday"?
Yes, they would add it to the Chill playlist.
Or how do you mend this broken heart Al green
I guess the next song should be: "Papa was a rolling stone"....
The long version of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" by the Temptations has horns and piano and is simply fantastic.
If you love Motown music, you need to checkout the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”. It is the story of the Funk Brothers. They were the musicians that Barry Gordy assembled to play all of the music on all of those great Motown hits!! They were seriously some of the greatest session musicians of all time!!
Absolutely! And docs about the story of Motown are fascinating.
Yes awesome rockumentary. Unfortunately only 3 surviving members left, Dennis Cofey, Jack Ashford and Jim Mesina. Berry Gordy was a pimp and didn't allow the Funk Brothers to moonlight as studio musicians and many of the Funk Brothers died destitute.😢
I think you two, especially Amber, would love the Stylistics. Especially "People Make the World go Round", "Break up to Make up", "Betcha By Golly Wow", "Unchained Melody", "You Make me Feel Brand New", "You'll Never Get to Heaven if you Break my Heart". They're amazing.
OMG YES PLEASE 👍
YES!!!!! The Stylistics are fantastic!
Start with "You Make me Feel Brand New" or "Betcha By Golly Wow".
The Stylistics are really one man: Russell Thomkins, Jr.; their high tenor.
1964 Four Tops “Baby I Need Your Loving”
1965 Martha & the Vandellas “Nowhere to Run”
1967 Four Tops “Bernadette”
1968 The Supremes “Love Child”
❤🎵 More great hits ... "My Girl", "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", "I Can't Get Next to You"
Motown had many artists and songs. Dig into it's history and all the songs
The Temptations were a great group. David Ruffin was special. Best of their list of lead singers though all were excellent.Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were the leaders in the Motown sound. So many great groups. Temptations were a huge influence on music period. They were so talented and their dance movements were very synchronized. They were copied and were the good standard of soul groups back then. The publjc loved them and they were immensely popular.
David ruffin wanted band to be David ruffin and the temptations. That was beginning of end for him in the band.
The greatest and biggest group ever…In the world!!! My Girl…. All of them can sing they are known for precision. The Temptations don’t come to play. They are all known as the tall, talented, tempting temptations in the Fab five ❤ Charlie Atkins, what was their dance coach? They were known for being in step with each other at all times! They all sing lead!
When David Ruffin comes in it’s all over. Temps are so good! All of them great singers and dancers. And the Funk Brothers playing in the back amazing.
You can hear Jamerson’s bass when you know what to listen for too.
@@gingerkid1048 oh for sure. He was the master bassist
The Four Tops are quintessential Motown. Levi Stubbs is among my favorite leads.
The VOICE!!!! I would sit next to the Hi-Fi (leaning my back on it...way back in the day), and listen to my dad playing The Four Tops.
The choreography is definitely a great part of Motown!
yeah. I always loved the choreography, watcing the guys in the background all dancing in sync. It is cool
Absolutely. thank you for saying that.
I think Berry Gordy was responsible for the choreography.
@Jordan Moses OK
@Jordan Moses I think Eliot meant that Berry Gordy was responsible for the total package built, where no details was left to chance. Inhouse this and that, from producers, studiomusicians to designers and choreographers. All polished to perfection in all acts, or they did not get records released, had to fit the mold for the label 100%. Had to be able to move in sync with the group or you were out, unless you were too good and could not dance, then the act became known as that artists name & the whatevers. As happened with the temptations because David ruffins Ego grew too big, so it became David Ruffin and the temptations, he danced his way and they danced choregraphed behind him as his backupsingers.
The lead singer is David Ruffin, in my estimation THE GOAT of Soul singers from the Motown stable. Unfortunately died from an overdose. R.I.P. brother
Glad to see you catching up with some of the finest soul music, EVER. These guys polished their performances to perfection and were global. They were among the reasons the sixties helped lead to so much good stuff! You have so much to learn! My suggestion: "My Girl" if you want to know what butter sounds like.
Love this song and have for many years. Temptations had several "lead" singers. So happy to hear you're going down the Motown rabbit hole :D Can't wait to see your reactions to The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and so many more... You're in for a vibin' good time :)
Great song but you gotta do "Papa was a Rolling Stone". Their masterpiece.
More Motown, but also more STAX. You've already done Otis Redding, but they also recorded Staple Singers, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T and the MGs and others.
Definitely Stax!!! Just watched a two hour documentary on TH-cam about Stax. I knew of the music that came out of there. But that documentary told me things I never knew it’s exceptional and it is on TH-cam if you wanna watch it very very good
Rufus and Carla Thomas
U can NEVER go wrong with Motown. The Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, TheSupremes...so many iconic groups and solo artists. Happy for you two!
David Ruffin had the voice of an angel. It's such a shame that his ego took him ... first from the Temptations, then Motown, and eventually from us.
You’ve DEFINITELY heard “My Girl.” Also, this song was in the movie “The Big Chill.” Great 60s soundtrack.
The Big Chill is in my top 10 movie list. Awesome soundtrack.
I was going to tell them the same thing. I think it was playing when they were all doing the dishes and dancing. Very cute / funny / memorable scene!
I love the soundtrack to “The Big Chill”! So many great songs and they are all upbeat. I used to put that CD on when it was time to clean house. The first song is “All Too Proud to Beg”. My kids used to know it was time to get to work and they said they hated it, but they sang along.
@@odiebryer2144 I worked at an oldies station in the late 80s and sometimes at night a someone from a local catering company would call to request "My Girl" while they would be cleaning up dishes after a catering gig.
Yes! Here's another funny story. When they played Ain't Too Proud To Beg, they had the Cast pretending to Dance then they bought the music in. It was one of the very few songs that Smokey Robinson didn't write in the early days of their career.
Detroit is "the Motor City" because of the automobile manufacturing. It got shortened to "Mo-town" Yes, Mo-Town groups all created little dance routines for each song! Love you guys, Paul
IMO these guys are the pure definition of smooth, and the kings of dance moves. Try the Four Tops and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Other songs by the Temps are “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “My Girl”.
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles...they played a big part of my childhood.
Yes. Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are so influential and important in music.
Definitely
Love Smokey!
Believe or not, they all had a dance choreographers to help with their presentstion once they got their voices down. Earlier on the lead singer was
David Ruffin. I am 72 years old and loved to go to various live shows. I once saw them on stage at a veznue called the "Cow Palace" ( I know the name sounds strange but it was a huge arena) in San Francisco CA about 1964 ( I was 14 years old!) They sounded the same as their records which was high quality. They were all the Original (founding) members of the group. To show you how memorable they were to me; they were all wearing a light kinda purple suits and theiir dance steps were coordinated with David Ruffin standing in front as the lead singer) and the steps were varied according to the songs.. And the crowds were mixed black and white..I am white!! And one big happy family!!😘
I had bought many vinyl records (called 45's) in my time, and most of them were Motown labels. I also saw there the Righteous Brothers, the Four Tops, and many others! Those were the days when you could see several headliners at once for only $5-$7 depending on the seats! Each one brought down the house!! I could tell you more, but I wouldn't have the time! What memories! There is an old movie you might want to see on the group and theiir lives called "The Temptations" it is pretty accurate.🌹I am phoneless right now (on it's way!) some name is Rose and my brother is Timothy, so if I sound like a girl...I AM! 🙋
"Just My Imagination" - their best, and one of the best songs of all time. So yes, please react to that gem. Temptations have so many gems.
"I Wish it would Rain" is a beautiful, touching and sadly tragic song that you must hear. And the Temptations' version of "Silent Night" will bring tears to your eyes.
Now we’re talking top of the mountain R&B… Legendary group, thank you for reacting is a whole lot more in their catalog
Ok: tomorrow is my birthday sept 3. So ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ again by the Temptations will always be a fave of mine. It’s a treasure, storytelling, music, song ability…..
‘My Girl’, ‘Just My Imagination’ two more excellent ones by then!!!
I agree! Happy Birthday!
@@ginalolajupiter2942 thanks😬
Happy Birthday!🎂 😁
And YES to Papa Was A Rolling Stone and My Girl!
@@pfcampos7041 🤗
Also, great Temptation songs, Ball of Confusion, I Can't Get Next To You, Get Ready, Just My Imagination, My Girl, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, I Know I'm Losing You, and Get Ready. All great songs and horns!! 😊
Always played Motown tunes at our parties, check out the singing & dance wars between The Temps & and the Four Tops couldn’t take your eyes off their dance-offs ❤️🙂
Many lead singers over the years. David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards, Paul Williams, Otis Williams. During their classic period, it was mostly Ruffin, or Ruffin and Kendricks. Eddie and Paul were leads on "Just My Imagination"
Try a live performance by 'The Spinners' of their song called "Rubberband Man"
@mister stubbs "It's a Shame" was the biggest hit that the Spinners had as a Motown act, as it reached #14 (they recorded for the Motown subsidiary label V.I.P., which, contrary to the label's name, was sort of the minor leagues of Motown acts), but they didn't chart much in the '60s as a Motown act. It wasn't until after they left Motown and signed with Atlantic, hooked up with songwriter/producer Thom Bell, and shifted their sound to the Philly soul in which Bell specialized, that the Spinners became a major hit-making act in the '70s.
I grew up on Rock and Roll…and Motown! Temptations, the Four Tops, Supremes, Smokey Robinson, etc!
yep!... me too!.. a Baby Boomer here... 🎶 🤩
Like I have told you Rob I was born and raised in Detroit during the 60s. Saw all these guys. Temptations (David and Jimmy Ruffin) Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Lionel Richie and of course they had Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 (1968). Can you imagine having all that talent in one town??? OMG IT WAS AWESOME. Most of the Motown groups had choreography going for them back in the day. The Temptations had "Temptation Walk". Yeah that is how blessed I was to be able to grow up watching these acts from 60s through 70s when it was really AWESOME.
I'm 74 years old, and grew up in the Detroit area, and with Motown songs. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were my favorites. So good to see young people enjoying them too.
As I suggested before, I recommend artists from Kenny Gamble's stable from the Philly Soul Sound --- Billy Paul "Me and Mrs. Jones"; The Stylistics, "You Make Me Feel Brand New"; The Spinners "I'll Be Around" ; The O'Jays "Love Train"; Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine"; Teddy Pendergrass.
I love these groups, the look, the choreography, the tremendous talent….awesome!
ABSOLUTLY!!!!!
Try The Four Tops, too! All Motown is great.
Wow I absolutely love the temptations singing . They are my most favourite Motown group I’ve even got the movie based off there real life what a good movie. David Ruffin had 1 of those beautiful most perfect voices I’ve ever heard
You cannot BELIEVE what it was like growing up with all of the classic rock bands you're now discoverinng, but on top of all of that, we had MOTOWN.
I mean it was insane - The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Mary Wells, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Martha and the Vandellas, Edwin Starr, Junior Walker and the All Stars, the Commodores, Billy Preston, Rare Earth, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Pointer Sisters, Lionel Ritchie. The list and hit songs just goes on and on.
You two will never be out of a job for the rest of your lives if you keep covering all of these incredible bands.
I think we used to call the arm twirl "The Shing-a-Ling". They also invented "The Temptation Walk". Might see it on American Bandstand.
Temptations and the Beatles came out at the same time. It was round the clock new music in 1964.
"The Shing-a-Ling"!!! Thank you for that. Or uh-oh. I think I'm going to be shing-a-linging around the living room tonight. I'll probably scare the cat.
The Beatles covered three Motown hits in their early recording days: "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong, "Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes, and "You Really Got a Hold On Me" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Motown artists reciprocated by recording lots and lots of Beatles songs.
The Beatles loved Motown, and Motown artists, producers, and songwriters loved the Beatles.
The dances were were well choreographed and practiced intently. One group would show up at another’s show and they would have “song wars “. The more complex the routine was the more applause you got. There was a special movie a few years back that took you inside the band. All the highs and lows of the members. Not sure of the name though. My personal favorite is “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”.
The name of the movie was the temptations.
@@1984msmocha guess that makes sense. Duh to me.
@@Sandyg1961 well there is a documentary (or two) but one is about Motown as a label and the other is about the Motown backing band the funk brothers. It’s easy to be confused. Also the five heartbeats is similar
Not feeling well today but you two really made me feel better. Thank you!
NO SUCH THING AS A BAD MOTOWN SONG.
You need to watch “Hitsville” and more importantly “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown “
First tells how the acts not only learned to sing the “Motown Way” but to dance, dress, etiquette, how to do interviews, the whole package.
“StandIng In The Shadows” is about The Funk Brothers, a collection of some of the greatest musicians that made “The Motown Sound “
LOTS to learn young ones.
A Motown drum roll and some of the best ‘baby please!’ vocals to start the song from David Ruffin! There certainly a tendency to immediately grab your attention in early Motown
MOTOWN!!! YES 🙌🏻
They absolutely danced like this…all the groups of this era did!
Try Jackson 5 "I'll be There", Smokey Robinson "Tears of a Clown", Tammi Terrell "You ain't living till you're loving"
Can't help but chair-dance, eh? Follow that next time with "Ball of Confusion." Always been one of my favorites. "Pappa Was A Rolling Stone" is also great. Cheers...
Music I grew up with, Can't Get Next To You, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, every song they ever Did! Awesome!
To show you just how infectious The Temptation's perfect choreography and pinpoint Harmony was when (Ruff), David Ruffin, dropped to his knees both of you sat back in your chairs and said *_oooh_* in harmony at the same time! That was great. Keep up with the awesome reactions.
Another duo with whom you can't go wrong is "Blues Brothers", with John Belushi & Dan Akroyd. They were awesome.
They were on a Mission from God!
You have many songs to choose from; Ray Charles, Aretha, Cab Calloway, and James Brown.
Love...LOVE the Blues Brothers. If I may, check out "She caught the Katy"
The first of many movies inspired by the comedy of Saturday Night Live.
“Ball of Confusion,” “Cloud Nine,” “Treat Her Like a Lady,” “Since I Lost My Baby” (Luther’s version is great also), “Standing on the Top “with members from 1982 and past members with the exception of Paul Williams (he’d passed in the early 70s.
I second that! Ball of Confusion and Cloud Nine blew my mind tbe first timeI heard those. I was like 8 or 9...
I think Treat Her Like a Lady was done by Cornelius and Sister Rose.
@@Wordsmyth8 Same name, but TOTALLY different song.
Oh yeah, Motown was ALL about the choreography as well as the music. Besides all the other groups recommended to you here, try Gladys Knight and the Pips, and of course James Brown and his Famous Flames.
Gotta do Gladys Knight on a Female Friday! 🙏🏻
The classic Temptations were first introduced in to the Motown family during the 1960s to early 1970s with hit songs like "My Girl", "Ain't to Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Ball of Confusion", "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Just to name a few. In 1984 they also had a hit single in "Treat Her Like a Lady" and the lead vocals on the song was Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards which had that 80s dance floor vibe.
The lead singer on this song is David Ruffin, other songs by the Temps are Cloud Nine, You’re my Everything, Treat her like a lady. Also the Temps & the Supremes were together on the Ed Sullivan show singing a medley of each other hits. Other Motown groups are The Four Tops, the Miracles, the Drifters
Love your hair, Amber!
Love your beard, Jay!
My Girl! Gotta hit that one. Though, you've probably heard it.
Stevie's Motown. J5 is Motown. The Supremes is Motown. You're gonna have fun!
The Four Tops are another great Motown group. Reach Out And I'll Be There is my fave by them
Bernadette!
What a wonderous door you've opened!! Back in the 50's and 60's they couldn't keep the lid on this music, it was just too good!!!
The Temptations were often billed as 'the group with five lead singers'. And they sometimes choreographed their own dance moves. Motown hired others to give other Motown acts their dance moves. The Supremes were on the road and had a new song but no stage moves. Apparently - in some corridor - one of the Tempts came up with the 'STOP' (hand out) in the name of love action that became iconic for at least another 50 years.
The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell...are some of the iconic Motown artists who are music legends.
Now do "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch" by the Temptations' spiritual twin, The Four Tops.
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch is by The Four Tops. Excellent choice
They aren't a band. They are a singing group. A band means that they play instruments along with singing. They are a such a great group. Yes, most of them had these dance routines that they did. They were all the equivalent of our boy bands like NKOTB, N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, etc. So many groups back then, The Temptations, O'Jays, The Manhattans, The Stylistics, etc. Motown is a huge rabbit hole to dive into.
Not equivalent.....better!
Correct, although the O'Jays, the Manhattans, and the Stylistics weren't Motown acts.
Next from The Temptations My Girl or/and Papa was a rollin’ stone
Grew up in the Detroit area during the Motown era. They played the Motown sound everywhere you went. One reason I know all the words and can sing along with em
My 2 favorites… “Just My Imagination “ and “I Wish It Would Rain”. Each has an emotional pull.