By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:19 am:

Just got the news that Martha Reeves is here in town without the original Vandellas. Filling in will be her sisters!!
Jermaine and his brothers the Jacksons will be there along with Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, and Lionel Richie.

I will be attending the show tomorrow; so I'll bring back the scoop so tune in!!

By STONEWALL (68.237.125.253) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 04:18 am:

MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS at "Motown 45" ---

For "Motown 25" -- 21 years ago -- the "powers that be" had no Vandellas there! And no Marvelettes. And no Velvelettes. It was just to be a brief solo spot by Martha ("Heat Wave"). The same was done to Junior Walker (without any oh his All Stars). So..... THIS is a monumental improvement! Martha's sisters are not new to The Vandellas any more than Cindy Birdsong is "new" to The Supremes. In fact, Lois Reeves and Cindy both joined their respective girl groups in the same year: 1967. See Lois on the album covers of "Ridin' High", "Sugar 'n' Spice", "Natural Resources" and "Black Magic".

During the past quarter-of-a-century, Martha has fairly alternated and greatly accommodated the two sets of Vandellas based mostly on the rather limited availability of Rosalind and Annette -- due to their full-time jobs. The Reeves Sisters have been on tour together in Europe -- and still are. The galz are just back in the U.S. of A. for "M-45". When M.R.V. performed in Manhattan just four months ago, it was Martha, Lois and Delphine Reeves. What a show!!!


N-O-T-E: Spookey, et al., can we please keep all the "411" on the 'original' main file for "MOTOWN 45" Apr. 4 filming & updates. It will be easier and non-confusing for the Boarders.

Great! We look forward to all the 411 and updates Sunday eve (4/4)) from "M-45".

By Shawn1b (65.30.15.198) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 08:33 pm:

Dear Stonewall just to let you know Martha's sisters are appearing with her on M45 but they are not on tour with her over in Europe this is a solo Martha Venture .Shawn

By NYC Diva (4.237.220.41) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 10:04 pm:

Hey Spookey, please give us all the details!! I can't wait to read it!!!

By STONEWALL (68.237.125.253) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 10:07 pm:

Yo, Shawn, U know all this time I ass-umed that Lois and Delphine were with Martha. Many of the great reviews in Europe stated: MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS. So, it's sort of like her early 1980s shows where she was solo but the emphasis on the M.R.V. songs. Wait 'til I s/w Miss M. Of course, in NY, The Vees were w/ her.

Did U see the 411 program from that NY show at:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/songsofStonewall-7.htm.

By Nettie43 (12.75.23.165) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 02:34 am:

STONEWALL-If there are Vandellas, other than the "originals", Annette and Rosalind, on the Motown 45, it was because we were not informed of it.
As far as the "original" Vandellas availability to Martha, that has never really been a problem. Even thought we hold down full time jobs (as so does her sisters} there has been rare occasions that we could not make it. Not being informed in time to make arrangments on the job or not informed at all was the only reason for not being able to do a show with her. (Like the Motown 45)
There has been times when we have even left the job to accomadate Martha, where someone forgot to even notify us that there was indeed a Martha Reeves and "original" Vandella show that night.
So to say that she uses her sisters because of the limited availability of the "Original" Vandellas is untrue.
I just wanted to set the record straight. I hear and read this all the time and I think now is a good time to let the truth be known.
We've been available, just not asked???????
Annette of The "original" Vandellas

By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 02:45 am:

Hi Annette, this is yours truly, Spookey. I had a feeling or should I say, I knew!! It's truly wrong that you and Roz did not come down for the Motown 45, but you know what ... I didn't go either because THE VANDELLAS, KIM WESTON, BRENDA, and THE VELVELETTES were not included,and you know I am only 40 minutes away!!

I didn't feel the Motown love and if Martha was smart, she'd know that ... Motown artists are getting very rare and it's like that ole saying IT'S ABOUT TIME!! -- Now that everyone is almost gone, they come looking for Martha!! Well, that's a slap on the face and I hope Martha charged the hell out of the producers and gave them hell, well thats easy for her to do!!
LOVE, SPOOKEY

By STONEWALL (68.237.125.253) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:09 am:

Dearest Vandella Annette!

How R U? Wow! Your letter is certainly informative. And, what a wonderful surprise hearing from U. Since we know each other -- tho haven't seen each other in several years -- I also believe it is U. I can tell! On these internet boards where anyone can chose any name, some choose "Bill Clinton", "Nancy Reagan", et al. -- even "Diana Ross".

Anyway, U and Rosalind must be furious at not being on "Motown 45" at this very moment. If it's of some honest comfort to U-2, neither are any of the original Marvelettes, or for that matter, The Velvelettes, on M-45. In fact, one of our members spoke with Marvelette Gladys Horton, who was spurned at being invited much less performing!

U see, over the years I have asked for U and Rosalind many times, always before any New York booking. I was usually informed that one or the
other simply was not available, mainly because of your career responsibilities -- which would make perfect sense. U can see on my posts I was, of
course, very sympathetic to that position. In fact, I recall your area of work (not posting it here; nobody's business except that it's good and important). Well, what do U want me to do or say to help. After all, there will be more big events coming up and probably soon! U may have heard that Berry and Suzanne are devloping a project regarding the classic Motown artists.

By the way, Annette, if U look at the file "Favorite Motown Artist" on this Soulful Detroit board, U'll see I chose MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS as favorite Motown artist -- thank God.

Also, how is Rosalind, who, of course, also knows me? I have many great photos over the years of all of us at many different places.

"Love, Guess Who",

STONEWALL

My e-mail is connected to this posting. Maybe send me yours, too.

By Spookey (198.81.26.103) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:48 am:

Stonewall, "Love Guess Who," is the song I always end when I write Miss Martha Reeves!! Ain't that a kool song?
spook

By STONEWALL (68.237.125.253) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 04:17 am:

Too much! Do I miss U? Yes. That's exactly what I do with "Love, Guess Who" and, as U must know, M.R. rightly loves it. And as we all know, that 1970 song should have been the "A" side. It's great. I remember dancin' with Gregory Hines to "Love, Guess Who". That's right! He was at the Stage 45 (what a coincidence today -- as in M-45 -- as the club was on East 45 St.) and he knew about it through his openly-Gay brother Maurice. There's more, of course, but not on thw "WWW", especially after G.H.'s shocking 'passing' last year! I also told M.R. about dat den. Memories -- and for me they just keep on comin'.

While I've got U here, U were at M.R.V.'s event at the Hard Rock Cafe on West 57th Street in NYC in 1993 (I think), weren't U? Or, not? The occasion was the release of M.R.V.'s remarkable double c.d. "Live Wire: The Singles (1962 to 1972). Even Chubby Checker Came, besides Lou Christie and others. I recall Vandellas Rosalind and Annette there!! It was sponsored by Motown.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.49.152) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:09 pm:

Hello Annette, it's good to see you here. I'm sorry about the whole situation with Ms Reeves & I'm glad that you set the record straight about this, Nevertheless, I'd like to thank you for all of the wonderful music you've helped give to all of us. I hope that in the future, the powers that be, will include you & Rosalind in ALL future shows that involve The Vandellas. I can't stand replacements when the ORIGINALS are available & willing to participate.Thank you again & I hope to see you in the spotlights again!

Juice

By SisDetroit (68.42.211.240) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:43 pm:

Hello Annette. The last time I saw you perform with Martha was at the MotorCity Casino.

By Nettie43 (12.75.50.169) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 10:24 pm:

Juicefree20-It nice to know that we still have fans like you, that want to see the original groups perform. I'm that way myself. Whenever I go see an oldies show, my enjoyment comes from seeing the original members and hearing the groups perform the songs the way they were recorded. The sound is what I'm listening for.

STONEWALL-If you are in the business of booking oldies shows, then you have to be more specific about who you want on your show.

Annette "original" Vandella

By Juicefree20 (68.161.49.152) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:15 pm:

Hello Annette. Sweetheart, trust me it irks me to my soul to see replacement groups capitalizing on the sweat & hard work of others. I'm not into the "star" thing, I'm into seeing all of the original members sharing in the glory. It irks me even more when the original members are ready, willing & able to perform, yet are not asked to participate. I find that to be unfair to the member & unfair to the fans. If people made a bigger stink about this type of practice, perhaps it would stop. I wish you well & I pray that you & Rosalind will reap the benefits of your hard & excellent work. You have my admiration & support. I hope to see you both reclaim your rightful places in the group. I've read Martha's book, it sounds as though she could be a bit complicated to deal with. Nevertheless, I wish for you nothing but health, happiness & further success!

Juice

By Shawn1b (65.30.15.198) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:27 am:

Anybody can be complicated to deal with if they know what they want and don't settle just for what somebody is willing to give them .Martha has been always nice to me even when we didn't agree on something .There's a way to deal with anybody you just have to take the time to get to know the person and what makes them tick .Shawn

By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:55 am:

Shawn, you are a sweet guy, but no matter how much you know anyone; like Martha, they'll tick-off at at given time, you'll see!!

By Spookey (198.81.26.103) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 02:15 am:

Shawn, I had to read your message again and laugh to myself!! -- Then I guess, you don't really know Martha then!! LOL, right Annette?

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 03:08 am:

Oh, Vandella ANNETTE, thanx for gettin' back to me. It is an honor, of course, from any classic Motown artist. By the way, regarding any of the legendary Motown performers, we don't call them "oldies acts" but rather "classic Motown", which reflects all of the 1960s and the 1970s at Motown.

Annette, we have always been advised that it is Miss Reeves -- not Motown -- who owns the name "MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS" and, as such, it is she who books whichever of the two sets of The Vandellas she wishes. I believe U will confirm the fact that it is Martha who actually pays each of The Vandellas, as well as the musicians, for their performances and makes all of the M.R.V. arrangements regarding transportation, hotels, food, etc.? In fact, Martha could actually mix The Vandellas, if needed, to accommodate bookings and/or tours, correct? In other words, she could have original Vandella Rosalind and Martha's sister Lois, true? Actually, that exact trio were Martha Reeves & The Vandellas in 1968 ("Ridin' High" album cover) and the first half of 1969, I know.

From my response letter to U above (the nite of M-45), U didn't answer either of my two questions: (1) What can I say or do to help with the situation, as I do fully understand the complete picture; and (2) how is Rosalind? By the way, a newie, (3) when did U-2 last appear on stage performing with Martha Reeves? All of this -- plus a few from above -- would be helpful and interesting for me to know in your reply. Be asured that we all agree, no matter what, it is worthwhile that U are "speaking out".

"Come And Get These Memories",

STONEWALL

P.S. to the Boyz: Now, Shawn and Spookey, U-2 don't need to be "flaming the embers". We don't want this board to in any way resemble one of those "slash and burn" boards such as "M......". Try to have more (not all) of the objective and calming demeanor of say, Juicey-free! Gracias!

By Vickie (198.81.19.153) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 04:04 am:

I just want to say welcome here Annette,

I'm honored to read your words....
I hope that all of the orginals can reunite and sing for us one day...

Vickie

By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:46 pm:

STONEWALL, for your information ... ANNETTE OF THE VANDELLAS is always performing with Martha Reeves and Rosalind Ashford. It just seems when "big," TV events like the Superbowl and this Motown 45 crap; she decided to burn Annette and Roz but let me tell you ... even thou their hearts might be broken, it's Martha that pays in the end!!

Annette was in Beverly Hills recently, I saw her and saw just how sexy and beautiful she is!! -- She was with Mary Wilson, Brenda Holloway, Freddie Gormen of the Originals, Kim Weston, Jean Terrell, Janie Bradford, Claudette Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Berry Gordy and all of them just having a great time!! --

Martha does what she wants like YOU know; so why ask Annette all these personal questions when you have all the answers. Not trying to be rude with you but come on, Martha Reeves is still Annette's boss just like you and I have one at work ... Martha is no differnce than Diana Ross or Smokey, or anyone has has been lead singer of any group; they are all the same. Who can call the kettle black? Maybe Martha is worse than Diana or the other way around? Or maybe THE VANDELLAS can be hell ... who really knows?

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

Hey Annette, just read your posts here. This is
your friend Randy down here in Florida. We need
you, Roz & Martha down this way again soon!
Love you always,
Randy Russi

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 02:55 pm:

Spooked Spookey - the 6th Vandella (actually 7th)!

Those are not "personal" questions. Annette doesn't need a legal aid lawyer for me to respond to her. Surely, U are not qualified anyway. "Oh, and bi the way...(Billie Joe)" when Martha & The Vees were in NYC just 4 months ago at B.B. King's, it was w/ Lois and Delphine not Rosalind and Annette. Let me handle the resolving U....

Bi the way, Sweet Spookie, thanx for your nice e-mail as ever!

By tyrone (209.219.209.72) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

Hello Annette,
It's great hearing from you. I, too, look forward to seeing you perform with Martha and Ms Ashford. Though I'm a fan of Motown since 1965, I didn't get to know of you until perhaps the early 70s. Glad to know you are an "original" Vandella. Love the early 60 songs-"A Love Like Yours", "Heatwave", "Come and Get These Memories" and my very very favorite "In My Lonely Room". I know that "Jimmy Mack" was recorded in 1964, are you on the record. One other question, were you and Rosalind equally as talented as the Supremes (Mary and Flo), the Velvelettes (Bertha, Betty, Norma and I'm sorry the other name has slipped my mind presently) and the Marvelettes (Katherine, Juanita and Georgeanna). I'm not trying to cause any conflicts, I personally just want to know more about the "original" Vandellas. If you like, Ms Beard, you can response to my email - ryon6@prodigy.net.

Thanks for the good memories, the dancing and great vocals .....

Tyrone

By Shawn1b (65.30.15.198) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 05:27 pm:

First of All Spookey whatever you found Funny is beyond Me !I know Martha well enough to get what I want from her and to get my point across and yes she had gotten upset at me,SO,She's not the first and won't be the last it's how you handle the situation as to it's outcome .Shawn ps Sometimes you need to know when to keep you mouth shut and let the situation ebb and then comeback when things are better for discussion ...Of course you know all about these situations dealing with Mary Wells ....

By Handsome (170.118.158.14) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 06:02 pm:

Shawn, Maybe Spookey should let his pictures do the talking!

Got any pictures you'd like to post Spookey?


Handsome

By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 02:16 am:

Shawn ... Mary Wells never treated me bad, maybe once or twise!! But, Martha, a few other Divas were way out of hand!! -- But, we always remained friends and you know if Martha didn't act like that; she just wouldn't be MARTHA!!
And, I have to confess too ... I ain't no saint!!

As for you STONEWALL, I can't even write your name unless I use caps!! Thanks for posting my photo of Brenda and Berry!!

STONEWALL, I am Over qualified and I do represent Annette. don't you know I am president of DON'T MESS WITH MY VANDELLAS!!

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 03:41 am:

Miscellaneous..... Oh, these boards are humorous sometimes.

As MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS flipside of "My Baby Loves Me" begins: "Watchout"!

Shawn, it's really nice that U come off sweet and trying to keep some of the wilder girlz calmer and, of course, your paradoxical advice is very humorous, especially with your real-life dishes.

Tyrone, U got your girl group girlz a bit mixed up, shook up. With THE VELVELETTES, surprised that U left out the lead singer: Cal Street! And, with THE MARVELETTES, U mentioned one who left the group not much longer than after they began and another died many years ago. U left out both lead singers Gladys Horton (1961-1964, still sings) and Wanda Rogers (1964-1971, sadly doesn't). Along with Katherine A. they were trio! With THE VANDELLAS, it was amusing for U to ask a Vandella if she thinks she is better than a Supreme or a Marvelette -- or even a Velvelette. That is really stirring up the proverbial pot a bit too much, don't U think? And, besides, what do U think that she would say? "Bless You"?

Handsome, okay U are not one of the girlz, and so yours is easy: I posted a "M" pic at "Motown 45". Now, everyone can get off of Spooky's... back!


SPOOKY, notice how I put your name in caps, as U are "special". My name STONEWALL is in solid capital letters for a historic reason! U have visited www.STONEWALLvets.org, haven't U? Well!
The big answer is on a flyer on the S.V.A. homepage. Spookey, did U know that I am the President of the Imperial QUEENS & Kings of New York? Well then, how was I supposed to know that U are President of the Don't Mess With My Vandellas club? Perhaps I can be the liaison between DMWMV and the lead singer? Oh, speaking of Vandellas, a former "V", Betty Kelley, was definitely at "M-45". I have friends who were there and saw her and said hello to her. Glad U like the pictures posted. Which one do U want up next? How about Nancy Sinatra's sister? We can have it as a contest: Do U know who SHE is?

By John Lester (81.135.101.223) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 03:42 am:

Tyrone.

The missing Velvelette is "CAL STREET"!!

Oh and by the way..

....CANARY LOVE, you just have to wait...tra la la....

LOLOL!

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 03:52 am:

Ketty Lester's boy, John:

Let Cal know that I beat U by one minute! -- in providing the 4-1-1 on her.

Regards to "The Boy From Crosstown"!

Remember: "A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Ten In The Trees".

By SPOOKEY (198.81.26.103) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 03:55 pm:

You girls, I mean ... you guys, mentioned Carolyn Street from the Velvelettes, well I spoke with Cal recently and she's coming to Los Angeles soon; as a matter of fact, I will be seeing Richard Street in a couple of weeks as he will be performing solo in Fullerton, CA pm April 16&17!!

Will take alot of photos !!
STONEWALL, I will get with you later!!

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

Stonewall and John,
No, I didn't leave out Cal, Gladys or Wanda. I was pretty much referring to the background singers (hence Mary and Flo), after all I did say Supremes (smile). Stonewall, no I wasn't trying to stir up anything as my comment said, just an honor answer from someone who would know. I also gave the option of emailing me privately!

Thanks for your concern though,

Tyrone

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:31 pm:

Stonewall and John,
I did not leave out Cal, Gladys or Wanda. I was referring to the background vocalists (hence Mary and Flo-the Supremes). Stonewall, I am not trying to stir anything up. I was asking a question to someone who knows, who was there during the time. I also gave the option to email me at my personal address.

Thanks for your concern though,
Tyrone

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:35 pm:

Sorry gang about the duplication.

Tyrone

By WLH@nyct.net (68.237.93.170) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:50 pm:

Vandellas fan Tyrone: Thanx for your easy explanation. As U must realize, your original posting was confusing as to naming certain girlz and not others. Anyway, what geographic area are U in? Bi the way, which of the 4 Motown girl groups' background singers do U think were best -- if U can answer that?

By Spookey (198.81.26.103) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:37 am:

Remember Tyrone ... Only STONEWALL and SPOOKEY do the stiring. I personally believe what Mary Wilson wrote in her book, that the Supremes wanted hits that sounded like the Vandellas, so I guess they were the ones!!

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 02:20 am:

"At last their 'Dreams' came true...."

When the new Supremes w/ Jean commenced, they were able to have tougher 'n' rougher songs; however, oddly, they only had one (besides the "River Deep" duet w/ The Tops). It was "Stoned Love". Now, there's a song I can easily hear M.R.V. rippin' up. Butt in 1970, Motown was still greatly favoring The Supremes, even w/o Diana in it. Excellent record albums were put out by M.R.V. and by The Marvelettes, however, w/o any pro-motion. Butt in 1971, MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS finally got their due once again w/ the flawless and h-o-t "Black Magic" album garnering great critical appraise and yielding 3 singles (in NYC, 4 songs).

By STONEWALL (68.237.93.170) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 02:38 am:

Oh, bi the way, SPOOKEY, and your twin sister, SINDEE, I bet U-2 are wondering which is the 4th song, aren't U? Let's hear your guess.

Also, have U visited S.V.A.'s fab M.R.V. weblink:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/songsofStonewall-7.htm.

U-2 are so bizy that this is the 7th and final time I am asking U'all.

By royaljones (166.68.134.174) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 03:19 pm:

ladies, does anyone have a copy of the duet martha recorded with Gerri Diefenbach?

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 03:54 pm:

Oh, I remember Gerry (with a "y"). In fact, I was the one who introduced him to MARTHA REEVES. For him, an aspiring singer, he instantly sang: "At last my dreams came true...." He was so grateful to STONEWALL -- for awhile. Then, nada! That was about 20 years ago. Whatever happened to G-boy Gerry Dee?


P.S. On this board there are plenty of gents, too.

By royaljones (166.68.134.174) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 04:09 pm:

I must say I was livid when I bought a motown/motor city based collection featuring 'supposed' rare cuts by legendary motown artists.(from motown's heyday)
the song HIT and RUN was credited to Martha Reeves...I ,like a fool spent big bucks (18.99) on the collection .thinking that maybe this was one of the 150 'unreleased' gems still in motown's vault. much to my chagrin and dimay it was Rose Baptiste (supposedly). some record pressing buffoon of a maroon thought inimitable legend Martha Rose Reeves was the singer on this lacking track....however that record /cd was pressed giving credit to the wrong artist .How damn disgustingly lacking to be allowed to release someones hard workso thoughtlessly. I returned the track/lp but i felt like going to judge Judy as I felt truly let down and ripped off. Martha is familiar with this switcheroo . What can she do about it? nothing...it's insane. poor Rose having her identity ripped off and poor Martha ,such an inferior song to be connected with her and her endless unbelievable catalogue of fabulosities.the only similarity between miss Battiste and Ms Reeves is Martha's middle name Rose. and she is a rose ! a lovely rose with the scent of shalimar. don't rip off my divas! put out a new record on miss Reeves if you need more product.don't rehash and rename and give bogus credit. yick

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 04:48 pm:

Miss Jones -- or is it "Mrs." -- was that "maroon" or supposed to be "moron" in your rightful rant and diatribe against bogus record products above?

Well, if U think THAT is something, Honey Love, wait 'til U hear this. Or, as The Shangri-Las sang, "If that ever happened to U, don't let THIS".

In anticipation of "M-45", I went out music shopping for something new. I bought a c.d. on Easter Sunday -- 2 freakin' days ago -- entitled: "MARTHA REEVES: DANCING IN THE STREETS". I immediately paused in wonder, instantly noticing it should be "Street" (as in Cal); however, I figured it's a play on words or meaning more than one hit. What caught my attention, Royal, as it would catch most anyone, was that I never heard MARTHA sing "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", tho that is the song that I've always said should have gone to M.R.V. instead of to "Go-Gladys-GKP".

Well, on this c.d., when I got to one of my butch 'n' black closet-case B/Fs' apartment, I went strait (pun not intended) to his c.d. player. I never even took off my jacket (not yet) as I immediately put on track #7. To use your dramatic word, I was "livid", but not shocked. "Grapevine" was by Go-Go-Gladys! What a severe, rotten Easter eggs disappointment. And track #3 was not an un-vaulted "Come See About Me, Boy" by M.R.V. butt by the original D.R.S. Same went for track #5. Not a rarity, "Get Ready", bi Miss MARTHA butt bi (pun intended) the temptin' TEMPTS. After all, we all have those songs by other Motown artists, so it was very possible.

This c.d., remember, is packaged as: "The Best of Martha Reeves: Dancing In The Streets" (2002) with 4 out of the 10 songs by other Motown artists. Oh, the fourth song (track #8) is "It's The Same Old Song". U guessed it, bi THE FOUR TOPS not M.R.

Well, unlike U, M___. Jones, I'm not returning it. Trust me, it is a classic -- in false advertising.

By Tyrone (209.219.209.68) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 10:42 pm:

WLH,
In response to your question regarding which of the four girl groups were the best singing background, my vote would have to go to the Supremes, simply because I can tell when Mary is singing and when Flo is singing. Plus they looked absolutely marvelous when they performed. As for the Vandellas, I can't tell the difference between Annette, Betty or Rosalind, though I've been trying for years. As a matter of fact, listening to the Live album, can't tell if its Rosalind or Betty hitting that note during one of Martha's dialogues. Is the song "I Found A Love" (can't think at the moment)? The Marvelettes and the Velvelettes -- I have no clue. I am still learning the Velvelettes, thanks to John Lester. Like I said, the Sups are number 1 (always have been), followed by the Marvelettes, Martha and the Vandellas (though by 1967 I was loosing faith in them-no faves between "Love Bug" and "Tear It On Down") and lastly, the Velvelettes (due to the minimum output-but I do love "These Things", "Needle" and "Really Sayin' Something", which the girls work). Again, not taking anything away from the others -background singers (Florence, Mary, Cindy, Annette, Rosalind, Betty, Lois, Katherine, Juanita, Georgia, Norma, Bertha et al). They were all great, they did what they were supposed to do -- help make the music sound good.

Tyrone

By the way for those who want to know, I did get a response from Annette. Thanks again, Annette.

By WLH@nyct.net (68.237.107.94) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 11:23 pm:

Hey, Tyrone, thanks for your reply. Just so you know ----

Regarding the background girls for the four classic Motown girl groups:

With The Supremes, you omitted: Lynda Laurence and Susaye Greene

With The Vandellas, you omitted: Saundra Tilley (who used to be with The Velvelettes)

With The Marvelettes, you omitted: Georgianna Tillman and Anne Bogan.

With The Velvelettes, you omitted someone!

So what did Vandella Annette have to say? Anything to report? What part of the country do you live in? I'm in NY. There's a picture of Martha Reeves added on the board today at the Motown 45 t.v. show thread.

WLH

By WLH@nyct.net (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 12:00 am:

To quote a name MARY WELLS mentions in "The One Who Really Loves You".... Millie!

That's the other Velvelette background girl: Millie Gill (Cal's sister).

By lady P Shy (166.68.134.174) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 04:36 pm:

Motown special draws talent
2004-04-15


A mix of current artists and music legends will celebrate the anniversary of Motown Records in an ABC special scheduled for May 17.
"Motown 45" marks the 45th anniversary of the label's founding.

The lineup for the two-hour show includes longtime Motown artists such as The Temptations, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and house band the Funk Brothers, along with some of the label's current acts such as India.Arie and Brian McKnight.

Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer are serving as hosts.

By tyrone (192.128.134.68) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:04 pm:

WLH,
Again I did not leave out Lynda Laurence or Susaye Greene (Supremes) nor did I leave out Sandra Tilley or Lois Reeves (Vandellas) and I definitely did not forget to add Anne Bogan (Marvelettes). Again, I am referring primarily to the original Supremes, Vandellas, Marvelettes and Velvelettes.
U asked what part of the country I'm living -- I live in the Atlanta Ga area. Not originally from the area. I'm originally from Chocolate City-Washington DC.
U asked what did Annette have to say. I believe if she wanted others to know she would've replied via this forum. I guess she didn't want to read any of the negativity that is known to appear on this forum. Not that she said anything negative. I'm enjoying the correspondence from Annette a great deal though. I can tell you that she holds no grudges against Martha.

Tyrone

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:57 pm:

Greetings, Tyrone,

Regarding the Motown girl groups background singers, I, for one, did not realize that U further limited the arena to only the "original" girls. I know U excluded all lead singers, such as DIANA, MARTHA, GLADYS HORTON, WANDA, CAROLYN (CAL) and JEAN TERRELL, which is why I didn't include one of my favorites, SCHERRIE "He's My Man" PAYNE.

Good Vandella news that there are no grudges between VANDELLAS. I reasonably expect that Martha with ANNETTE and ROSALIND will be performing together again. IMHO, there's no reason not to. After all, on Martha's current European gig it is w/o ANY Vandellas. U can keep Annette's drift a "secret". I thought U might want to pass along something positive from Annette to the readers. After all, it was ME who drew Annette to "post" in this forum in the first place, as U know (read back -- she addressed ME not U), and I am the one who Annette knows personally, not U. I'm not going into detail -- although it's all good -- butt Annette, and Rosalind, along with Martha, have been to my home(s), not yours, out to dinner, etc. So, if Annette reads this, I trust we'll hear directly from her. I know for a firsthand fact that Martha not only appreciates "A&R" (pun intended) but that she sincerely loves them as well.

Bi the way, Tye, I've been to Atlanta -- the New York of the South -- and stayed at the Peachtree Hotel. I hopped on a plane from NYC and was chasing down an ex-boyfriend who moved to N.Y. from Atlanta and then back again and then said if I really cared about him I'd come and get him. I came.... butt ended up going with his best friend! All 3 of us luv M.R.V. In fact, M.R.V. has met him a few times. Have U been to N.Y.?

Did U see the pic I had posted of Martha on the M-45 t.v. Special file, which she nicely signed to me. Martha realistically and humorously declared: "I'm signing my photos for people I don't know; I may as well sign one for someone I do".

By Tyrone (209.219.209.72) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 10:24 pm:

You folks have issues. Stonewall, so you brought Annette to this board, that's great. So you had dinner with Annette, Ros and Martha and they've been to your house, whoopppeee. There is no ownership to these public figures. If anyone can claim them, it should be their families. Get a life (gee, that's a phrase I never thought I'd use).

I don't understand how some of you could not figure out I was talking about the original groupings. As my original post states, it says Supremes (Mary and Flo), the Marvelettes (Katherine et al), the Velvelettes (Norma et al). Nowhere in my post did I mention Cindy Birdsong, Lois Reeves, Sandra Tilley, Ann Bogan, Linda Laurence or Susaye Greene. I simply don't understand! If Annette wanted anyone to know what she said, I believe she would've posted it on the board. She had the option of replying to the board or to me personally. If she replied to me personally, why would I post it on the board? I never said Annette's response was a secret and there isn't much to tell.

I can tell my days on this board are numbered! It's like kids fighting over something that doesn't belong to them. (Who brought whom to the board; I'm more of a friend than you are; She/He personally knows me ..... that's the crap I'm sick of reading about).

By Tyrone (209.219.209.72) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 12:12 am:

You folks have issues. Stonewall, so you brought Annette to this board, that's great. So you had dinner with Annette, Ros and Martha and they've been to your house, whoopppeee. There is no ownership to these public figures. If anyone can claim them, it should be their families. Get a life (gee, that's a phrase I never thought I'd use).

I don't understand how some of you could not figure out I was talking about the original groupings. As my original post states, it says Supremes (Mary and Flo), the Marvelettes (Katherine et al), the Velvelettes (Norma et al). Nowhere in my post did I mention Cindy Birdsong, Lois Reeves, Sandra Tilley, Ann Bogan, Linda Laurence or Susaye Greene. I simply don't understand! If Annette wanted anyone to know what she said, I believe she would've posted it on the board. She had the option of replying to the board or to me personally. If she replied to me personally, why would I post it on the board? I never said Annette's response was a secret and there isn't much to tell.

I can tell my days on this board are numbered! It's like kids fighting over something that doesn't belong to them. (Who brought whom to the board; I'm more of a friend than you are; She/He personally knows me ..... that's the crap I'm sick of reading about).

By tyrone (209.219.209.72) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 12:14 am:

Sorry y'all for the duplication again.