Weekend Music

 

The passing on August 8 of Motown composer/ producer Lamont Dozier (of Holland-Dozier-Holland fame), sent us to the Google machine to recall all of the hits he co-wrote or produced, most notably to us for the Motown label.  It's beyond impressive, including the vast majority of the hits recorded by The Supremes, The Four Tops and Martha and the Vandellas.  We're picking three of his earlier songs to honor his genius, "Come See About Me" ('64), "It's the Same Old Song" ('65), and "This Old Heart of Mine" ('66).  Hope you enjoy.

Mary Wilson, 1944-2021

 

We have a special place in our hearts for Mary Wilson, co- founder of The Supremes, who passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 76.  Considered the steady linchpin of the iconic group, she survived its many lineup changes, and on her own maintained the group's presence into the late 1970's.  It took a special person to subsume her own great talent in being a "backup" vocalist for Diana Ross.  But, in so many ways she was the beating heart of a group of "dreamgirls" that brought so much joy and pleasure to so many.  Rest in peace.

To a female trailblazer and forever Sweetheart of Motown, who brought many timeless records for generations to come - Thank You.

Your art and your legacy will forever live on in the Motown story. From our Motown family, rest in paradise @MWilsonSupreme 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YwsZM41g9v

— Motown Records (@motown) February 9, 2021

 

RIP to iconic soulful pioneer Mary Wilson, original member of The Supremes and author of ‘Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme.’ pic.twitter.com/iaZBRej5Nt

— DJ Soul Sister (@djsoulsister) February 9, 2021

Weekend Milestone Music

January 15 was an auspicious day in the history of 20th century music.  In 1962, The Supremes signed a recording contract with Motown Records and the rest, as they say, is history.  Their third number 1 single, "Come See About Me," is a Holland-Dozier-Holland creation, and was released in October 1964. 

In 1965, The Who released the first single under their name, "I Can't Explain."  A Pete Townshend composition, it rose to number 8 on the British charts, but it barely made the top 100 here (there's no accounting for taste it seems).  It's one of our favorites, though. (Their next single, the iconic "My Generation," really cemented their place in the British Invasion).

Hope you enjoy.

 

 

Weekend Birthday Song

Sunday will be the 72nd (!) birthday of Mary Wilson, a founding member and anchor of The Supremes, one of the greatest musical acts of all time.  One of their best songs, 1963's propulsive  "When The Lovelight Starts Shining..." was their first top 40 recording in the Billboard Top 100.  It was also the first Holland- Dozier- Holland song written for The Supremes.  One other factoid:  the background sounds (grunts?) at the beginning and end of the instrumental bridge (starting at approx. 1:47) are The Four Tops.  Happy birthday to a great lady.

Weekend Song

Happy belated birthday to Diana Ross of The Supremes, who turned 70 (!) on March 26.  Ms. Ross has, of course, enjoyed a long solo career continuing to this day.  The Supremes remain the top American vocal group in history, and here's one of their earliest, greatest hits, "Stop In The Name Of Love" from 1965.  Enjoy the weekend.