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ARTIST INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

H    H    H    H     Back to the Top

SAM HARRIS  Back to the Top

Won the talent contest on 'Star Search'

Selected Songs:

  • Over the Rainbow

HIGH INERGY     Back to the Top

Group Members:

  • Linda Howard
  • Barbara Mitchell
  • Vernessa Mitchell (departed 1978)
  • Michelle Rumph

After the initial success of their first release (You Can't Turn Me Off,1977) the group stuggled for further sucess.  Group disbanded in 1984.

Statistics:

Group formed in Pasadena, CA and was signed to Motown (under the guidance of Gwen Gordy)

 They also recorded two tracks with Switch.

Barbara Mitchell recorded a duet with SMOKEY ROBINSON  (Blame It On Love)

Selected Songs:

  • He's A Pretender
  • You Can't Turn Me Off (Right in the Middle of Turning Me On) (Gordy 7155, #12, 1977)

BRENDA HOLLOWAY     Back to the Top

BRENDA HOLLOWAY INTERVIEW

reported by: DAVID NATHAN (davidnathan-soul@eGroups.com ), The Motown Alumni Association Mailing List - http://members.aol.com/maainc/index.html

Resurrecting a recording career that has lain dormant for almost three decades is no mean feat but Brenda Holloway is living proof that the combination of faith and talent can endure. The California native is best known to mainstream record buyers through her 1964 classic "Every Little Bit Hurts" and although she had a handful of other notable hits (including "When I'm Gone," "I'll Always Love You," the original of "You've Made Me So Very Happy" which she co-wrote with Berry Gordy Jr. and her sister Patrice and one of my personal favorites "Just Look What You've Done") during her Motown years, Brenda never achieved superstar status. Fortunately, die-hard soul aficionados – most especially in the U.K. – never forgot about the statuesque beauty and many treasured her one Tamla album and other singles that never made it to the charts.

Brenda made a gospel album for the Birthright label in the early `80s and her career underwent rejuvenation when she went to the U.K. in 1987 and recorded for Ian Levine's Motorcity label. However, it was until 1995 that Brenda began working again consistently in and around Los Angeles, initially with Brenton Wood of "Gimme Little Sign" fame.  "When Mary Wells passed away, that perked me into doing something," she recalled in a recent interview for this newsletter. "I felt a vital [musical] icon was gone and I had to make my own musical contribution again."

After Wood "took me under his wing," Brenda experienced a revival of interest in her career. She returned to the U.K. to do shows with fellow former Motown labelmate Kim Weston and in 1999, Motown issued a "Very Best Of" collection which included some previously unreleased
tracks. That year, Brenda also received a Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award and a performance with Brenton – seen by producer Fred Pittman – led to a contract with Fantasy Records' revived Volt imprint.  "The truth is, they were trying to sign Mary Wilson," Brenda reveals.  "There were some problems with contract negotiations and after Fred saw
me, he asked me if I would be interested in signing with the company.  It's funny because it was Mary who also turned me on to the whole U.K. connection years ago so I have her to thank for this!" 

Brenda worked with Pittman and former Narada Michael Walden associate Preston Glass on the album "It's A Woman's World" and the result is easily one of the best sets from an old school artist in years. Brenda has lost none of her soulful magic and the songs are a perfect fit for her, contemporary without being brash or corny. "The producers really updated me and I experienced a new time of relaxation in the studio.  The songs had an easy flow and it was different from the old days when I used to record and I felt, `I better get this hit!' I could finally be myself and I felt so much freedom for the first time."

Brenda is particularly proud of the title track "because it's so 21st century! I also love "I'll Keep You Dry Through The Rain" because it reflects my spiritual connection, it's saying God will always be there to keep you in tune above all the mess." Other standouts include "Easier Said Than Done," "Walk Right Back," "A Perfect Rendezvous" and "Never Forget Your First" and Brenda is elated at the chance to be heard once again in the marketplace with an album she describes as "quiet storm with a `60s hint! I feel like I moved into another area with this record. I don't know how this opportunity fell into my lap but I am so happy it did! " she enthuses. "It feels like I'm starting all over again but for the first time, all the pieces are beginning to fit. I'd have to say that 1999 was one of the best years of my life and really validated my being in this business." 

Brenda recently completed shows with fellow Volt artists L.J. Reynolds, Angel Sessions and Lenny Williams and is looking forward to more `live' work and until she's in your neighborhood, you must check out "It's A Woman's World," a truly welcome return for one of our soul survivors at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002SWJX/therbandsoulwe08


Selected recordings:

  • Every Little Bit Hurts
  • Operator
  • Play It Cool, Stay In School (recorded for the T-Special project)
  • When I'm Gone
  • You've Made Me So Very Happy

 

THELMA HOUSTON   Back to the Top

Thelma Houston left Motown in 1980, for RCA, MCA and most recently was with Azuli.  The greatest honor was bestowed to her in 1977 when the Grammy was given for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance - Female for her rendition of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' which was originally recorded by Teddy Pendergrass as a member of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.

Statistics:

Born:  5/7/46 (Leland, Mississippi

Film appearances:

  • Norman...Is That You?
  • Death Scream
  • The Seventh Dwarf

Selected Songs:

  • Don't Leave Me This Way (Tamla 54278, #1/1 week (pop) #1/1 week (r&b), 1977)
  • I'm Here Again
  • Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Tamla 54297, 334, 1979)

Selected Non-Motown Recordings:

  • If You Feel It (RCA. 1981)
  • Just Like All The Rest (MCA, 1983)
  • Working Girl (MCA, 1983)
  • Fantasy & Heartbreak (MCA, 1983)
  • You Use To Hold Me So Tight (MCA, 1983)
  • I Guess It Must Be Love (MCA, 1984)
  • Lean On Me w/The Winans (Warner Brothers,1989)

 

I     I     I     I     Back to the Top

 

INDIA.ARIE

Motown entered the new millennium with a powerhouse vocalist who brought the once prestigious record company back to the highest reaches of the charts.

Selected Songs:

  • Video

ISLEY BROTHERS     Back to the Top

Selected Songs:

  • This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You)

 

J    J    J    J   Back to the Top

CHUCK JACKSON    Back to the Top

THE JACKSON 5IVE     Back to the Top

RICK JAMES     Back to the Top

As Songwriter/Producer

Selected Songs

  • Fire and Desire (with Teena Marie)
  • Mary Jane
  • Standing on the Top (with Temptations)
  • Superfreak

 

 

 

MABEL JOHN     Back To The Top

One of Motown's greatest blues peformer was Mabel John.   If you listen to some of his recordings of the early 60's, you can hear three girls singing in the background who were formerly known as the Primettes.  As the Supremes, they would later become Motown's biggest act.  

Selected Songs:

  • Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That (Original pressing is a collector's item...the record was misprinted with the wrong label on it).

 

 

 

 

 

K    K    K    K     Back To The Top

BOB KAYLI     Back To The Top

Bob Kayli (aka . . .Robert Gordy [Berry's Brother]) was the only Gordy to record on three different Gordy family labels.  His first recording was for Anna Records (formed by Gwen Gordy), and the song was 'Never More' (1959).  The second & third recordings were done in the same year (1962), 'Toodle Loo' (two recordings of the same song were done, but different B-side songs) on Gordy Records, and 'Small Size Sam' on Tamla.   Kayli initial recording was done on the Carlton label in 1958, entitled: 'Everybody Was There'.   The pop song was an immediate hit but when people realized that an African-American was performing  the song (fueled by an appearance on Dick Clark's Saturday night show, the record died almost over night).

TRIVIA:

Diana Ross sang background on several recordings of his while she was still with the Supremes.

EDDIE KENDRICK      Back To The Top

See also The TEMPTATIONS

Selected Songs:

  • Boogie Down
  • Keep On Truckin'

 

GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS       Back To The Top

One of the few Motown groups that had hits prior to joining the legendary label.  Among their pre-Motown hits were:  Letter Full of Tears and With Every Beat of My Heart.  After Motown, they continued their streak on Buddah Records where they released their platinum and Grammy winning album "Where Peaceful Waters Flow" which included their #1 hit:  Midnight Train to Georgia.

Selected Songs:

  • Daddy Could Swear I Declare
  • If I Were Your Woman
  • It Should Have Been Me
  • Neither One Of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)

 

L    L    L    L     Back To The Top

LIZ LANDS     Back To The Top

Selected Songs:

  • In the Wee Hours of the Morning

STACY LATTISAW     Back To The Top

Selected Songs:

  • Love on a Two-Way Street

SHORTY LONG     Back To The Top

SELECTED SONGS

  • Here Comes the Judge

 

M    M    M    M

TEENA MARIE     Back to the Top

Selected Songs:

  • Lovergirl
  • Square Biz

THE MARVELETTES     Back to the Top

Statistics:

Group formed in 1960, Disbanded in 1969.  Also recorded as:  The Darnells

Group Members:

  • Katherine Anderson-Schaffner
  • Anne Bogan (joined 1967, later became a member of Peace & Happiness and New Birth)
  • Juanita Cowart (departed 1962)
  • Gladys Horton (departed 1967)
  • Wanda Young-Rogers (married Bobby Rogers of THE MIRACLES)
  • Georgeanna Marie Tillman-Gordon (married Billy Gordon of THE CONTOURS) (departed 1965, died 1/6/80 of Lupus)

Update (submitted by e-mail to the Motown one-list)

Wanda Rogers does not tour with Gladys Horton due to personal issues in her life. I recently wrote an article on her in the Supremes, Marvelettes, Vandellas Fan Club based in N.Y. back in June. Wanda did in fact record a few cuts with Motorcity Records in England with Gladys Horton and two younger unknown girls. Gladys continues to perform with two or three girls which changes often. Usually, the group title for them is "Gladys Horton and her Marvelettes." Juanita Cowart still resides in Inkster, Michigan, living not to far from Kathy of the Marvelettes. Kathy is doing fine, and keeps in touch. She has not performed nor recorded since the 70's when the group disbanded.  There are at least three fake Marvelettes groups currently touring the U.S. They are managed by Larry Marshak who won the group's name through a poker game with Smokey Robinson when he was VP of Motown Records.

Interesting Facts:

  • "Where Did Our Love Go" was originally written for the Marvelettes, but they rejected the song. Wanda Rogers thought it was "absolutely ridiculous." and Gladys Horton said "I couldn't get into that 'baby, baby' thing..."

Selected Songs:

  • Beachwood 4-5789 (Tamla 54065, #17, 1962)
  • Don't Mess With Bill (Tamla 54126, #7/1966)
  • Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, The (Tamla 54143, #13, 1967)
  • I'll Keep Holding On (Tamla 54116, #34, 1965)
  • My Baby Must Be A Magician (Tamla 54158, #17, 1968)
  • Playboy (Tamla 54060, #7, 1962)
  • Please Mr. Postman (Tamla 54046, #1/1 week (pop) #1/7 week (r&b), 1961/Gold)
  • Too Many Fish In The Sea (Tamla 54105, #25, 1964)
  • Twistin' Postman (Tamla 54054, #34, 1962)
  • When You're Young and In Love (Tamla 54150, #23, 1967)

MARY JANE GIRLS      Back To The Top

As backup for Rick James, the Mary Jane Girls can be heard on most of his albums but they soon became recording artists in their own right and helped "funkized the Motown sound.

Selected Songs:

  • In My House

BARBARA MCNAIR     Back To The Top

 

 

 

 

MEATLOAF     Back To The Top

Meatloaf recorded under his own name, and as part of a duo:  "Stoney & Meatloaf."  Stoney is actually Shawn Murphy, who later became backed-up vocalist for Eric Clapton and Bob Seager among others.

 

 

 

 

 

STEPHANIE MILLS     Back To The Top

After  years of toiling in the shadows of the Motown machine, Stephanie Mills signed with 20th Century where she became an award winning stage and recording star.  She played the role of 'Dorothy'  in the Broadway stage production of 'THE WIZ,' for four years and her performance was captured on the Broadway cast album of the same name.   However, Motown shadowed her career again when they picked up the film rights to the play and cast DIANA ROSS in the role she originated.  Apparently, Diana had seen the play and brought the idea of turning it into a film to Berry Gordy.   Stephanie, however, would get the last laugh.  She walked away with the Grammy Award for the gold certified, "Never Knew Love Like This Before" besting Diana Ross' 'Upside Down.'  She later moved to MCA.

Statistics:

Born 3/26/56 in Brooklyn, New York.  Married 1980 to Jeffrey Daniels of Shalamar.  Divorced soon after.

Stage Appearance:

  • Broadway production of  The Wiz (1971-1974, age 15)

Selected CDS/LPS

  • For The First Time (Motown, 1975)
  • Love Lifted Me (Motown)

Selected Songs (Non-Motown)

  • Pilot Error

 

 

THE MIRACLES      Back To The Top

 

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