1960-70s USA Music History And Songs To Curb Your Long Winter Nights Part 1

Part 1: Motown, originating from Detroit (Motor Town), USA

Motown

Independent UK / Via static.independent.co.uk

The American music scene of the 1960s is the one of most dynamic decades of music. First it is the decade of the implementation of non-discrimination laws of gender, race and ethnicity. Second the voting rights. These laws shaped the music we hear today coming from the country, which is dubbed as the biggest producer of music.

Motown is the most iconic popular music of all time and of the world, it even influence the music scene of Northern England, the so-called ‘Northern Soul’, for it wasn’t for Detroit then Manchester would not have the progressing music culture it has now.

The genre’s name came from its founding by the Tamla Records in Detroit, Michigan in January 12, 1959 thus the word Motown which are two conjoined words: motor and town. It was later incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in April 14, 1960 (which is still active today). Motown music was developed by the African-American community and one of the most well-known bands is ‘The Jackson Five’ having Michael Jackson as the youngest member. Other famous Motown artists are: Marvin Gaye, the Jackson Sisters (not affiliated to The Jackson Five), Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, to name a few.

1.I Heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

1968

Marvin Gaye is one of the most renowned soul classicist and this song has made in to Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

2.You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

1968

This song has a very sweet melody with beautiful romancing lyrics.

'Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you

And it was plain to see, you were my destiny.

With arms wide open, I threw away my pride,

I'll sacrifice for you, dedicate my life to you'

Morbid and coincidental facts for this song were after Marvin and Tammi's duet, both died days after recording. Marvin was shot by his father after a heated confrontation while Tammi died of brain tumor. Looking at the bright side, at least they got each other by just days before the died.

3.I Believe in Miracles – Jackson Sisters

1973

'I believe in miracles baby,

I believe in you.

They say the day is ending,

Let's watch the sun go down

And plan a holiday for two'

Take note: this group of singers is not Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie.

The song was played and featured in a 2010 British movie, "Cemetery Junction" written and directed by: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, a movie set in the 1970s (in which many songs played in the movie are from the Motown and Northern Soul era).

4.Do You Love Me – The Countours

1962

One of the earliest songs of Motown, this song is perfect for the twist dance moves. (Could I be anymore jealous to the people born in the 40s and 50s who get to dance to this song on a party? No sarcasm intended)

5.My Guy – Mary Wells

1964

'Nothing you can do to make me untrue to my guy,

Nothing you can buy to make me tell a lie to my guy.

I gave my guy my word of honor to be faithful'

This is one of Mary Well's biggest hit songs alongside with her "You Beat Me to the Punch". The cutest song sand in the 1960s amongst other cute songs, in fact this song was featured in Friends episode "The one with Mrs. Bing".

6.Uptight – Stevie Wonder

1966

'Baby everything is alright,

Uptight, out of sight.'

One of Stevie's best classic songs from the 1960s and this is also his first single to become very popular that it has climbed the Billboard charts.

7.Fingertips – Stevie Wonder

1965

This may be not be the first song written by Stevie Wonder but he performed and released this song known as "Little Stevie Wonder". "Everybody say, yeah" to this wonderful song by Stevie Wonder because this is his only song that has reached number one the Billboard Charts.

8.Dancing in the Street – Martha and The Vandellas

1964

'Calling out around the world,

Are you ready for a brand new beat?'

Did you know that Motown's treasure: Marvin Gaye is one of the original writers of this song together with Ivy Jo Hunter and William Stevenson? This song was performed by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964 having their own version. Martha and The Vandellas sang this song with a touch of their diva attitude that resulted to reaching the second spot of the Billboard Hot 100. Could the brand new beat be Motown music? I guess so!

9.Heat Wave – Martha and The Vandellas

1963

Another classic from Martha and The Vandellas is perfect for dancing. Another song that was popularized the Martha and The Vandellas. Some hot facts for this heat wave inducing is: Martha and The Vandellas has proven their success by making this song be in the top ten Billboard Charts.

10. I'll Be Around - The Spinners

1973

'There's no where to go, oh no

You made your choice,

Now is up to me,

To bow out gracefully,

Though you hold the key, but baby.

Whenever you call me, I'll be there.

Whenever you want me, I'll be there.

Whenever you need me, I'll be there.

I'll be around.

I knew just what to say

Now I found out that today,

That all the words have slipped away.

I know, there always a chance,

A tiny spark will remain,

And sparks turn into flames,

And love can burn once again,

I know you know.'

This love song of the 1970s was further popularized by the 2009 Christmas movie starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson - you guessed it? Marley and Me. The band has also sang the more popular song titled, "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love".