MARVIN GAYE
He had good looks, sex appeal and music that made you think and want to make love all at the same time. With hits like “What’s Going On?” and “Sexual Healing,” Mr. Gaye helped Motown remain at the top.
THE TEMPTATIONS
When you think of Motown Records, you have to think of The Temptations. You have to. From the very beginning, this talented group made two-stepping and stage presence look easy. They’ve touched funk, R&B, doo-wop, and disco but they always had soul. No matter the line up, The Temptations goes down in history as one of the best bands ever.
THE FOUR TOPS
The Four Tops are an American vocal quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes. without a single change in personnel.
Among a number of groups who helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s, the Four Tops were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer; most groups of the time were fronted by a tenor.
THE [ORIGINAL] SUPREMES
Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross slayed the scene before fashionistas Solange and Rihanna were even thought of. They showed the world what style was and what girl power looked like—on stage. “Baby Love” and “Come See About Me” are these ladies’ signature hits and they will always remain the original fly girls of Motown.
DIANA ROSS
Diana Ross was already a star when she was with The Supremes, but we all knew her star would shine brighter when she went solo. And, it did. Ms. Ross was one of Motown’s biggest acts, taking on the disco-era and pushing R&B/soul into the 1980s so effortlessly with confidence and style. With her glitter, wigs and super fabulous outfits, she really is the queen of Motown.
TAMMI TERRELL
Her baby face and beautiful voice were simply amazing. Paired with one of the princes of Motown, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terell was nothing but phenomenal. Though she didn’t have enough time to show the world everything she could do, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” still remains one of the best Motown songs of all time.
STEVIE WONDER
What else is there to say? He has been pushing out jams since the age of thirteen and giving Motown the very best of his career. “Living in the City,” “Do I Do,” “That Girl,” and of course, “Superstitions, ” are only a few jams that make Stevie the living legend that he is. Mr. Wonder even penned the national birthday song for Martin Luther King, JR., a song that the black community has taken on for all birthdays. His staying power and his relevance makes this multitalented artist one of the best that Motown has ever pushed out.
THE COMMODORES
These men made “Zoom,” “Easy,” and “Brickhouse” all under Motown Records. You can’t get any better than that. They made funk music feel easy and made soul sound gorgeous. Their songwriting was impeccable and their instrumentals were even better. Oh, and they had Lionel Richie front and center. Enough said.
THE JACKSON 5
The Jackson 5 were the original boy band and on top of that they were all brothers. Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, Randy and of course, Michael, were the best inventions ever. They danced liked James Brown and sang like little men with soul. Motown must be ever so grateful to have had such a group on the bill.
GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE PIPS
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine,”“Neither One Of Us,” and of course, “Midnight Train to Georgia” don’t need any explanations.
These songs are what made Gladys Knight and The Pips one of Motown’s greatest artists.
SMOKEY ROBINSON
Smokey Robinson is music’s original pretty boy, but he didn’t have to just rely on his good looks. He could sing and he could write songs that the whole world sang. Till this day, Smokey is recognized as one of the first great talents of Motown Records.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Everyone you know recognizes, adores, and idolizes Michael Jackson. He was rocking with Motown since he was a young boy and thanks to the record company, he was able to perfect his moves and overall talent. He went on to be the greatest artist alive and to say it started from Motown is a fabulous thing.
