The AKA
Blues Connection
Documenting Rock 'n'
Roll's Roots in the Blues
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Featuring
Blues Connection
Copyright © 2002-2004 |
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The Rock and Roll Connections Of Martha and the Vandellas Martha and the Vandellas were the bluesiest of all of Motown's hit-making vocal groups. They put out some great rockin' dance records like "Nowhere to Run" and "Dancing in the Streets" that set them apart from the modern soul music of Motown's The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, etc. Lou Reed once even joked in a song (the Velvet Underground's "Temptation Inside Your Heart") that Martha and the Vandellas did not have the Motown sound. But what a glorious sound they did have! And what an awesome influence on rock and roll. Keith Richards has stated that his classic guitar riff on "Satisfaction" was inspired by "Dancing in the Streets". And this same song provided inspiration for Bruce Springsteen's "Racing in the Streets"--if you have any doubts, check out what Bruce's song says about what the time is right for when summer's here. And in his younger days, Springsteen fronted a legendary heavy metal band which performed "Dancing in the Streets" on a regular basis. Cover versions of Martha and the Vandellas' records have been recorded by everyone from Linda Ronstadt to Van Halen. A list of Martha and the Vandellas songs which have been recorded by rock musicians is below. They are arranged alphabetically by the name of the rock musician or band. Michael Bolton: Dancing in the Streets David Bowie Dancing in the Streets Everly Brothers: Dancing in the Streets Grateful Dead: Dancing in the Streets The Jam: Heatwave The Kinks: Dancing in the Streets Mamas and the Papas: Dancing in the Streets Laura Nyro: Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack Johnny Otis: I'm Ready for Love Tower of Power: Nowhere to Run Van Halen: Dancing in the Streets The Who: Heatwave The AKA Blues Connection
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