OLD SCHOOL MUSIC

When it comes to music, I am definitely from the "old school". The esteemed Barry Gordy founded Tamla Records (later Motown Record Corporation) in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. Most of the music I was originally introduced to stemmed from Barry Gordy's studio. I grew up during the Motown era and loved listening to singers like, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, The Temptations', Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Martha & The Vandellas, The Four Tops, and Dianna Ross and The Supremes, to name a few.

Smokey Roobinson &The Miracles were one of the first groups Barry Gordy signed, and by 1961 Smokey Robinson was named the Vice President of Motown Records. Smokey Robinson has written and produced countless songs for the Temptations, The Miracles, and others. I am a romanticist at heart and the tune I loved most by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles was "OOO Baby, Baby", of course he produced many other hits such as; Tears of a Clown, the Tracks of My Tears, I Second That Emotion, Mickey's Monkey, Shop Around, You Really Got A Hold On Me, and others.

The Temptations were originally called "The Elgin's". They were signed in 1960 and became one of the most renowned African-American groups of the 20^th Century. My Girl, With These Hands, Since I Lost My Baby, A Song For You, Memories, Firefly, Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), The Way You Do the Things You Do, Cloud Nine, and Psychedelic Shack, I Wish it Would Rain, are just a few of the songs in their collection of hits.

Marvin Gaye, produced songs such as; Distant Lover, Let's Get it On, I'm a Jealous Kind of Fellow, How Sweet It Is, Hitch Hike, What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, Forever, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Pride and Joy, I'll Be Doggone, Ain't That Peculiar, and others.

Stevie Wonder's first album was called "Twelve Year Old Genius". I became acquainted with his music when he appeared on a television special at the Apollo Theater, playing his harmonica and singing "Fingertips". During his career he has written and produced numerous songs such as Fingertips, My Cherie Amour; The Masquerade is Over, Drown in My Own Tears and many more.

Martha & the Vandellas contributed the following tunes; Dancing in the Street, Heat Wave, Jimmy Mack, Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things, Nowhere to Run, Stubborn Kind Of Fellow and more.

The Four Tops are best known for the following tunes; Reach Out for Me, Standing in the Shadows of Love, I Can't Help Myself, Bernadette, Ask the Lonely, It's the Same Old Song, Reach Out - I'll Be There, and Baby I Need Your Loving.

Diana Ross and the Supremes need no introduction. We are all familiar with their earlier tunes, which include; Come See about Me, Baby Love, Stop in the Name of Love, You Can't Hurry Love, and Where Did Our Love Go?

SITES OF INTEREST

www.motownmuseum.com
www.smokeyrobinson.net
www.steviewonder.com
www.dianaross.com