“Superstition”
“Ain't No Mountain High Enough”
“Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch”
“Midnight Train to Georgia”
Are these songs part of your repertoire?
Ok, maybe not, but you do know them I hope??
…..WHAT????
Are you telling me you're not that familiar with these iconic songs and/or the artists who sang them??
Well, friend, let's change that right now!
These songs and the artists who sang them came out of the amazing music that was the Motown label, created in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 by Berry Gordy. Motown Records produced some of the most amazing songs of that era that still endure today!
Many of these songs are beloved by listeners everywhere and still find their way into popular culture in movies, TV shows, commercials, books, etc, even if you don't hear them on the radio.
As a singer of pop rock music, many of these songs and artists will make their way into setlists and performances, so the more you are familiar with them, the better off you'll be!!
So buckle up because we're about to embark on a groovy journey, exploring the legends who defined Motown music and some of the songs they're known for!
Whether you're a seasoned singer or voice teacher or just starting your musical journey, think of this as your backstage pass to the magic of Motown – where catchy melodies, soulful rhythms, and classic charm collide - and these 12 legendary Motown artists!
MEET THE ICONS
Stevie Wonder: Funky beats, soulful vibes, and a voice that's pure magic. That's Stevie Wonder for you! This musical wizard has been casting spells with hits like "Superstition" and “I Just Called to Say I Love You” and is still going strong! His unique sound blends soul, funk, and pop, making him a must-know artist for any voice teacher or singer looking to spice up their repertoire.
The Supremes: Say hello to The Supremes, the queens of Motown! With their glamorous image and catchy tunes like “Baby Love” and “You Keep Me Hanging On” they've definitely earned their crown. These ladies were all about dynamic vocal performances and an unmistakable Motown sound that's perfect for learning the art of expression.
The Temptations: If smooth harmonies and irresistible grooves are your jam, The Temptations have got you covered. "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" are classics that showcase their signature blend of soul, R&B, and pop. Your students will thank you for introducing them to these legends! And go check out their dance moves!!!
Four Tops: Ready to take it back to the ‘60s? The Four Tops are your ticket! Their soulful ballads and upbeat hits, featuring the powerful vocals of Levi Stubbs, are a goldmine for vocal exploration. “It’s the Same Old Song” and "Reach Out I'll Be There" are a couple of gems you'll want to add to your repertoire.
Marvin Gaye: Time to get deep with Marvin Gaye. His smooth voice, socially conscious lyrics, and groundbreaking albums like "What's Going On" make him an absolute icon. Hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” will add a touch of soulful magic to your singing chops.
Martha Reeves and The Vandellas: Ready to dance? Martha Reeves and The Vandellas bring the energy with hits like "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave." Their high-energy performances and catchy tunes are perfect for injecting some Motown magic and fun into your repertoire.
Gladys Knight and the Pips: Time to meet a family group with a powerful sound! Gladys Knight and the Pips blend R&B, soul, and gospel seamlessly. Hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One Of Us (Wants to Be The First to Say Goodbye) showcase Gladys Knight's soulful voice and the group's tight harmonies. You and/or your students will love singing these tunes!
The Jackson 5: Let's moonwalk into Motown history with The Jackson 5! Michael Jackson's youthful voice shines in hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC." Their blend of pop, R&B, and soul makes them an enduring favorite. You can't NOT dance when you're singing these songs!!
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: Time to talk about the Miracles that shaped Motown! Smokey Robinson and his crew hit the scene with classics like "Shop Around" and "The Tears of a Clown." Their impeccable harmonies and songwriting skills are a goldmine for vocal inspiration.
The Isley Brothers: Fasten your seatbelts for The Isley Brothers! With a career spanning over six decades, their hits like "Shout" and "Twist and Shout" have left an indelible mark. Their unique blend of gospel, R&B, funk, and rock will have your audiences grooving.
The Contours: Keep the groove going with The Contours! Known for their energetic live performances, hits like "Do You Love Me" and "Shake Sherrie" are all about upbeat, danceable tunes. Your students won't be able to resist moving to the Motown beat.
Mary Wells: Last but certainly not least, meet Mary Wells, one of Motown's first successful female singers. Hits like "My Guy" and "Two Lovers" showcase her smooth and soulful voice. Her influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists today.
WHY THEY'RE IMPORTANT
Now that we've made friends with these Motown legends, let's talk about why they're crucial for your (or your students') vocal journey:
Diverse Styles: Motown offers a diverse range of styles, from Stevie Wonder's funky arrangements to the smooth harmonies of The Supremes and the energetic performances of Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. It's a melting pot of musical genres!
Expression and Emotion: Each artist brings a unique flavor of expression and emotion to their music. Whether it's the socially conscious lyrics of Marvin Gaye or the high-energy dance tunes of The Contours, you or your students will learn to convey a range of emotions through their vocals.
Timeless Classics: Motown hits are timeless. Introducing your students to classics like "My Girl," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," or "I Want You Back" connects them to a rich musical history and helps them appreciate the longevity of well-crafted songs.
Vocal Techniques: Motown artists showcase a variety of vocal techniques, from Stevie Wonder's intricate runs to the tight harmonies of The Temptations. You or your students can learn and master these techniques while having a blast singing these iconic songs.
There you have it – a “very” crash course in Motown with the icons who shaped a musical era! Whether you're a voice teacher looking to spice up your repertoire or a student eager to explore new sounds, Motown is a treasure trove of inspiration.
And if you want to hear these songs and so many more, check out this playlist we've created.
You can follow us on Spotify for more playlists at The PopRock Coach/RockOut Your Rep.
And if you're more of a visual person, check out the video on my YouTube Channel. And while you're there, hit that subscribe button and join our growing community, so you can stay in the loop with all the rocking content coming your way.
Let's keep the music conversation alive!
Drop your thoughts, favorite Motown hits, or any questions in the comments below or on the YouTube video.
I'm excited to chat and share the joy of Motown and pop rock music with each one of you.
Until next time, Go Be Awesome and Rock On!
Heather