By TD (205.188.209.48 - 205.188.209.48) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 12:50 am: |
Hi everyone, I thought that it would be neat to read about the first Motown artist that you all saw in person.
The first Motown act that I saw was the Supremes. It was at the Michigan State Fair. And I believe it was either in 1964 or 1965. I was about 10 years old, and all that I remember were that they were all dressed in Blue.I really wish that I could remember more.
If anyone else recalls going to this , let me know.
TD
By Vickie (152.163.213.72 - 152.163.213.72) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 01:51 am: |
The First Motown Act I saw Was The Miracles (minus Smokey) At Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park Califonia, it was the early/mid 70's..I was young and LOVED it!!!
Vickie
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 01:57 am: |
As a young musician in The Sunliners, I backed up many of the early Motown acts such as the Contours, at local teen clubs.
By Millie (68.40.198.72 - 68.40.198.72) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:04 am: |
As a ninth grader at Mackenzie High School, there was a Friday night dance and the Supremes were there...this would have been late 1960 or early 1961. Anyway, they were in the bathroom combing their hair and smoking, and I thought they were sooo cool! I remember them singing "I Want A Guy" and "Buttered Popcorn"!!!
By Sue (205.188.196.28 - 205.188.196.28) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:14 am: |
I saw the Supremes at the Michigan State Fair too, but I'm not certain of the year -- they sang "The Happening" though so what was that, '66?
The very first time I saw Motown artists up close was earlier though; there was some sort of teen press conference at the Veterans' Building where we reporting tykes were allowed to shout questions at the girls. All I remember is that they looked fab.
By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.153.234 - 213.122.153.234) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 07:52 am: |
Hi Millie
Thanks for mentioning "Buttered Popcorn". Florence Ballard sang lead. I've never heard this 45. Is it good?
My first Motown act was Stevie Wonder in Glasgow in 1967.
It was a real shock/lift to see a blind kid playing different instruments.
A superstar in every sense of the word.
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 11:37 am: |
The first Motown act I saw Live was Jimmy Ruffin, at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester in 1969. He was the support act to Booker T and the MG's. What a show!
By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.13.225 - 213.122.13.225) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 12:10 pm: |
Was Madelaine Bell there too?
I'll post a flyer I have at home for a similar show which was circa March 1970.
I was in the front row!
It was a great show.
I recall Steve Cropper vividly.
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 01:31 pm: |
David
Spot on! I checked back in the archives and it was February 21st, 1970. My memory must be slipping! Here's the well-yellowed cutting from the Manchester Evening News:
By DaveC (67.104.175.114 - 67.104.175.114) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:41 pm: |
TD,
I too saw that Supremes show at the State Fair Bandshell in the summer of 1965. They were indeed wearing blue dresses and I recall that it rained a bit during their performance, but they just continued on nicely.
Do you recall the opening act on the bill? It was pop singer Jack Jones (Wives and Lovers, The Race is On etc.). Great memories.
DaveC
By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:43 pm: |
Here's the flyer Ritchie
By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:02 pm: |
BTW I saw Stevie Wonder in March 1969.
I'll bet Ralph is having a good laugh at OUR attempts at recalling what was happening 35 years ago!
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:07 pm: |
David,
The only thing that is making me laugh is ME trying to remember what went on 35 years ago.
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:12 pm: |
One thing I do remember....We, The Sunliners were at Motown to record one day. They were auditioning a very young blind boy while we were waiting to get into the studio. He was singing some song about his mother, who was in the control room with tears in her eyes. It was Stevie Wonder's audition for Motown. I think he made it.
By John Lester (213.1.136.133 - 213.1.136.133) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:24 pm: |
Mother's Love..
By john lester (213.1.136.133 - 213.1.136.133) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:37 pm: |
Ralph...
Too many Rosie's, I suspect. Pity you don't recall those times! I am sure they would a smile on your face...........lol
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:41 pm: |
Yeah John...and at my age that's all I can do about it is think and smile.
By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 06:00 pm: |
Hi David,
I think "Buttered Popcorn" was pretty good...It's been a long time since I've heard it. I also think I have it on a very old Supremes LP. I'll try to find it.
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 06:21 pm: |
Buttered Popcorn is also on the "Supreme Florence Ballard" CD that Spectrum put out here not long ago.
By john_coe (12.2.233.107 - 12.2.233.107) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 07:32 pm: |
The Supremes at the Auto Show, Memorial Coliseum in Portland Oregon. They did the their classic Stop! In The Name Of Love choreography and I think that was current single so that would be about '65. Seems to me the dresses were blue sequins. It was the first time I saw any major music act. I was 10. It's hard to believe they would be at an auto show, but my mom just confirmed it.
By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153 - 136.2.1.153) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 08:07 pm: |
The last 3 multi-CD Supremes collections have sported three different versions of "Buttered Popcorn". The 1995 Anthology has the familiar version, the 2000 Box Set has an alternate version, and the 2001 Anthology has the original pressing version that B. Gordy had remixed and re-cut to sound better on the radio after its initial release.
Regards,
Ken
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 08:17 pm: |
Different flavours, I wonder?
By JL (213.122.200.36 - 213.122.200.36) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 09:18 pm: |
you need to thank Mr W...for finding them!!
By HW (68.37.217.106 - 68.37.217.106) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 09:19 pm: |
Great thread.
Well, I was SUPPOSED to go see the Temptations when my Dad somehow got tickets to the Ed Sullivan Show, which aired live on TV Sunday nights in the U.S. It was the late 1960s, I was 11 or 12. I had a sore throat that night and my parents wouldn't let me go. My mother, who also stayed home, had the good sense to tell me that our view on TV was better than sitting in a studio craning your neck. That helped, a little.
So, my first live Motown experience would have to wait until 1973: Stevie Wonder's big NY concert after his car accident. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
Not my first but memorable: Smokey, solo, late '70s, outdoors, NYC Pier concerts. Cheap and you had to get there early. I was up real close to the stage. What stays with me is that when Smoke launched into his Miracles medley, he closed his eyes and got real deep into it - and he wasn't acting the part or putting it on or bored. It was smooth but electric and REAL.
One more: Junior Walker, 1995, on a summer classic Motown tour with the Tops, Temps and Mary Wilson. He came to the gig in a funky old bus. Everybody was great. (I got to stand with Duke Fakir to watch Mary's show.) Back to Junior: We found out later his bus was an original Motortown Revue coach that he had bought and refurbished, and lived in it on the road. And then he was gone.
By John Lester (213.122.200.36 - 213.122.200.36) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 10:05 pm: |
I saw Jr Walker at the London Palladium....I think Smokey was the headliner.....but Jr had us eating out of his hands...very much like Edwin Starr does these days.
One of my most memorable is Marvin Gaye - the guy had an appeal that really got to me....very hip and yet stylish too.
Best concert ever for me was the one I saw just a month ago with the VELEVELETTES.......and closely behind that...the Originals..a tear jerking experience I will never ever forget.
I think my first one was Stevie with the Flirtations and the Foundations.
By diamond8 (65.129.156.192 - 65.129.156.192) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 01:30 am: |
Hi TD, et.al.
I went to Balch Elementary School with Diana (Diane) Ross & first saw the Supremes (when there were four)perform in public 9/59 at a Friday nite dance at the Downtown YWCA in Detroit (they wore white ruffled blouses & black pleated skirts). Also have "Buttered Popcorn" on a '45 & hung out on the front steps at Hitsville (no, I can't sing..I write now, but didn't back then..too busy partying!)Gloria Williamson, one of the original Vandellas, was good friend & went to lots of parties with lots of Motowners before AND after they got famous..even after Motown "officially" moved to West Coast in 72. Still see some of them when I'm in LA or visit home (Detroit) & last spoke with Diana at a theatre in the Village in NYC. Also, watched Jackie Wilson rehearse his routines in his living room when I was in 10th grade..knew his cousins. Got loads of "motown memories." Ralph..are we talking the "This I Swear" Sunliners?..or was that the Skyliners? I forget..(these days I forget my name some days)...but I have a killer '45 collection...some really early & unique records by Motown & others.
By diamond8 (65.129.156.192 - 65.129.156.192) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 01:38 am: |
Oh, by the way John, you mentioned the Originals...WOW, haven't seen any of them in years! Glad to know they're still performing. Have all their early L.P.s & one night after a Motown Christmas party in Greektown, I talked the Originals into performing for me & my friends in my living room in the Parkside Projects! (Of course, we were all...shall I say, a little "merry" at the time.) Helluva fun times in Detroit during the 50s, 60s & 70s!
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 03:06 am: |
Diamond8,
This I Swear must have been the Skyliners.
a great group but I can't recall that particular song.At any rate D8, I think you're new to the forum, so welcome.
By diamond8 (65.129.156.192 - 65.129.156.192) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 03:52 am: |
Thanks Ralph,
I'll probably be hanging out here a lot more than I should, since I should be writing..lol. Now that I think about it, This I Swear was the Skyliners. Thanx again for the welcome.
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 04:02 am: |
Diamond8,
You say you should be writing. Care to enlighten me?
By John Lester (213.1.134.163 - 213.1.134.163) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 07:14 am: |
Diamond8....
...sounds to me like you should be writing a book....
...so get practising......on the forum...LOL
so you went to school with Diane Ross. You must have known quite a few of the Detroit acts then.
the floor is all yours.......
By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 09:05 am: |
Wecome to the forum Diamond8.
Take care of those 45's!!!!
By diamond8 (65.129.152.192 - 65.129.152.192) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 02:43 pm: |
Thanks for the warm welcome all...what a great community of people! Ralph, right now I'm writing my doctoral thesis, which will include excerpts of my autobiography (which is, of course, a work-in-progress & a work I hope to publish). I also write short stories, poetry & lyrics, but haven't had much time for creative writing lately with academic advisors breathing fire down my neck! I wish I could include a lot of my personal experiences with lots of Motown people in my non-fiction works, but have to be VERY careful about the risk of getting sued. Some stories people don't want to remember...lol. Now & then I'll try to share a few with you all. Thanks again for the welcome & looking foward to hanging out with you guys!
By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 03:06 pm: |
We're happy to have you here Diamond8 and thanks for posting. Believe me, I'm sympathetic about some things being left us-said.
By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 04:36 am: |
The first Motown act I saw live was Gladys Knight & The Pips, although at the time they were on Buddah. Does that still count? It was 1974 in Miami Beach. I was still a youngun!
Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com
By biggray1 (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 09:13 am: |
The Four Tops 1973 Sheffield Bailys Uk. Great stage performance. biggray
By John Lester (213.1.131.177 - 213.1.131.177) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 11:50 am: |
Diamond8
Do you recall any of the other groups at that early time....did you see the Satintones for example...what about Frances Burnette, Joel Sebastian, Rev Columbus Mann, Wright Specials.
Apparently there was a group that recorded at Motown with the name Diamonds..was that you?
By TD (64.12.97.11 - 64.12.97.11) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 02:00 pm: |
Boy, I am happy I created this thread, I am enjoying seeing all of the comments. David C. thanks for remembering the Bandshell. I know I was watching from a great distance away and being 10 years old could not remember anything but the blue dresses.
Diamond 8 WOW- nothing like knowing these superstars before they were superstars-keep the stories coming.
TD
By Sue (64.12.97.11 - 64.12.97.11) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 03:12 pm: |
Joel Sebastian was a deejay, John ...I assume you knew that? He was on WXYZ-AM, and also was part of the Club 1270 TV team for a while.
I listened to him a lot, along with all the other '60s radio guys.
By gary (152.163.213.64 - 152.163.213.64) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 04:16 pm: |
I saw the Temptations perform at the Michigan State Fair in 1966 - I was 12 years old and I vividly remember they wore orange suits with white shirts and white shoes - all I could think at the time was "These are undoubtedly the BADDEST m----f---s IN THE WORLD!!! Martha and the Vandellas and Tammi Terrell were also on the bill.
I have seen the Temps perform live at least a dozen times since then, but nothing will ever match the thrill of that first time. To this day, I remain a devoted, unapologetic Temps fanatic.
By John Lester (213.1.132.178 - 213.1.132.178) on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 09:07 pm: |
Thanks Sue.....
Joel Sebastian also recorded on Miracle...and it seems like there were some dj's who put out records...I read somewhere that Tom Clay "What The World Needs Now is Love" was a dj too. I don't suppose we can count "Scotts On Swingers" from Scotty Regen!!
Sue......how about this for a new subject for a book...The dj's from Detroit!!!
By Tyrone (192.128.133.68 - 192.128.133.68) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 12:46 am: |
I can't remember the year ('62-'64),I was just a tot but it was the Temptations and Marvin Gaye at the Howard Theatre in Washington DC. Somehow I want to say that the Miracles was on the bill but can't remember. However, Marvin Gaye ('74 Capital Centre, Landover Md), the Temptations ('75 Shady Grove, White Flint, Md), Eddie Kendericks ('75 Scope, Norfolk Va), Diana Ross ('79 Capital Centre), Smokey Robinson ('79-'80 Warner Theater, Wash DC), Mary Wilson ('83 Suitland, Md), Rick James and Teena Marie ('85 Capital Centre), Stevie Wonder ('81 Capital Centre) and the Four Tops ('95 Foxtrap Vienna Va). I've seen Marvin, the Tempts, Ross, Smokey, Stevie and Mary many times since. Still looking forward to the day of seeing the Originals, Velvelettes, Miracles, Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and the Marvelettes.
By Millie (68.40.198.72 - 68.40.198.72) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 01:16 am: |
Another DJ who recorded and released a couple LP's was Terry Knight (Terry Knight and the Pack)who did evenings on CKLW when it was "The Big 8". He went on the manage Grand Funk Railroad.
By Sue (152.163.205.64 - 152.163.205.64) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 01:53 am: |
Oh yeah, Terry Knight and the Pack did "I Who Have Nothing" (after Tom Jones, I think), and "Mister You're A Better Man Than I" ...
John there's a really good book on Detroit radio called "Rocking Down the Dial: The Detroit Sound of Radio" by David Carson -- if you haven't read it, it's a great companion volume to any of the Motown literature you might have. Lots of info on the top Detroit deejays, and how our radio scene developed.
Of course there's always room for more reportage (grin).
By DJDetroit (212.21.166.254 - 212.21.166.254) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 01:41 pm: |
As I'm living in Mannheim Germany since '67
(I was two back then) it took a long while to
encounter my first Motown act! It was 1996 when I saw "Rare Earth" life in Mannheim (ok they are no
Motown act anymore) and man, they rocked the
house!
By diamond8 (65.129.157.149 - 65.129.157.149) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 02:07 pm: |
Sorry, John...
I was definitely not IN a Motown group, just knew lots of folks who were back then..I WISH! I play around with writing lyrics, but nothing serious...stick mostly to prose and playscripts these days. Don't recall a Motown group with the name Diamonds, tho there could have been. The only Diamonds I remember is the group that recorded "Little Darlin." Also, I recall Joel Sebastian, but none of the other artists you mention ring a bell..however, my memory gets fuzzier every day, and as you know,sometimes artists changed their names several times. Does anybody remember a Motown group that recorded as song titled "Needed" as the Voicemasters? Same song on both sides; side A, slow "for lovers" and B with a calypso beat. The group was composed of various artist from different groups--can't recall offhand who now--maybe Brian or Eddie Holland, Ivory Joe Hunter, Otis Williams, Barrett Strong, Ty Hunter? brain fuzzy with age! lol Probably it's in Motown discography. How about Walter Jackson? He wasn't with Mowtown, I don't think, but he was still a great local artist.."Welcome Home," "Feelings," Phil Upchurch backed him on at least one album.."Feeling Good." I love this site, so much great music stuff!
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 02:40 pm: |
Hi D8
The Voice Masters were a pre-Motown group, and as you say were made up of guys who went on to bigger things! "Needed" had the bass of future-Temptation Melvin Franklin, and at different times the group included Lamont Dozier, Ty Hunter, C.P. Spencer and a young David Ruffin. Their 45s were cut for the Anna and Check-Mate labels, so I guess you could say they were Motown-related.
BTW, the "Diamonds" that recorded on Mercury (they covered Little Darlin' and several other R&B hits for the white market) were from Canada, so they could have slipped across the border for a brief visit to Motown.
By diamond8 (65.129.157.90 - 65.129.157.90) on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 02:08 am: |
Ritchie, thanx for the info about the Voice Masters...loved that record! By the way, do you know what ever happened to Ty Hunter? He just disappeared from the scene..last saw him perform in the early 60s in the Gold Room of the Twenty Grand in a show with Chuck Jackson, the Shirelles, Donnie Elbert, Martha & the Vandellas & the Marvelettes &(can't recall who else.) He sang "I Like Everything About You." Back then, that boy was FINE!!!-lol
By diamond8 (65.129.157.90 - 65.129.157.90) on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 03:34 am: |
Does anybody know a keyboardist named John Dale Cowan, III aka "Yogi?" He was originally from Columbus, OH. He & Gary Chandler played with Lou Donaldson off & on, & Yogi moved to Detroit for a while in the 60s. Used to play organ at the 20 Grand Fireside Lounge, the Drome, the Hideaway on Linwood, etc. He was in a group called The Jazz Majors -- a guy named Edward Ballard played trumpet--(Ed toured with the Bar-Kays for a minute) & James Brown was on drums. Can't recall who else was in the group. I think James still lives in Detroit. Just wondering what happened to Yogi.
By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 07:18 am: |
Hi D8
No problem - I rate Ty Hunter very highly indeed. BTW, if you use the "search forum" link on the left, you can find a thread devoted to Ty from earlier this year.