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Martha Reeves Research Papers

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Long Live
Founded in the early 1960s, Martha and the Vandellas were one of Motown Records’ most exciting vocal groups achieving two Top Ten hits before the dominance of The Supremes. (History) Leading vocalist Martha Reeves’ was a very soulful, brassy lead and the Vandellas became Motown’s more aggressive “girl group” during that time. Motown Records founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit Michigan was home to many artist and groups we love today like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Jackson Five, Erykah Badu and many others. I will take you on the journey of the life of Martha and the Vandellas.
Martha Rose Reeves is the eldest of eleven born in Eufaula, Alabama on July 18, 1941. She and her family moved to Detroit, Michigan when she was just 1. …show more content…

Mickey Stevenson who is Berry Gordy’s right hand man knew that Gordy needed background singer for Marvin Gaye song “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” so he introduced Reeves and her friends Annette Beard and Rosalind Ashford and they did just that. (History) Reeves slowly moved her way to the top when she and the Del-Phis (Beard and Ashford) recorded “You’ll Never Cherish A Love So True (‘Til You Lose It).”(History) Stevenson was so impressed that he convinced Gordy to sign group, there was one thing they had to do change the name from Del-Phis. (History) So they called themselves Martha and the Vandellas, taking their name from Detroit Street Van Dyke and Reeve’s favorite singer Della Reese. …show more content…

Being that they were the first female group the label had, they soon became outshone by Diana Ross and the Supremes, with whom they competed for resources and attention. When Motown Records moved West in 1971, Martha and the Vandellas parted ways. They performed a farewell concert in Detroit, and Reeves embarked on a solo career with the big-budget album Martha Reeves in 1974. Martha and the Vandellas regrouped towards the end of the Seventies, and the group received a boost when the Motown 25th anniversary TV special aired in 1983. (History) Martha and the Vandellas paved the way for many female groups that came after them even if they want to admit it or

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