Sixty years ago tomorrow, a single was released that started the rise of Berry Gordy and Motown Record Corp., up the pop charts. The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman," featuring lead singer and group founder Doris Horton, became the first number 1 pop hit for Gordy's subsidiary Tamla label (though he had several number 1 hits previously on the R&B charts). It was sometimes the case that the producers roped in whoever happened to be available for backup vocals or as studio musicians, which is why Marvin Gaye (!) played drums on the record along with the Funk Brothers.
The Beatles (notably John Lennon) thought so highly of the recording that they released a version for their "With The Beatles" UK album a little more than two years later, in late 1963. The Beatles' version, with Lennon's strong lead vocal and guitars replacing The Marvelettes' thumping piano, is a worthy cover of the original. Hope you enjoy the double spin.
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