r/motown

Filmed in Los Angeles in October 1983 shortly before the Thriller video shoot, this rare rehearsal footage captures legendary choreographer Michael Peters guiding Michael Jackson and the dancers through the precise “monster-like” movements that would define pop culture forever. Jackson specifically sought out Peters after their work on “Beat It,” helping create the famous staccato zombie walk, shoulder-heavy groove, and razor-sharp synchronized style seen in Thriller. Most of the dancers were LA professionals, many of whom also appeared in “Beat It.” You’re literally watching a global cultural phenomenon being drilled into muscle memory inside a plain rehearsal studio.

1972

In 1984, Dennis Edwards released his debut single “Don’t Look Any Further” from the album of the same name. The song proved to be a success for Motown Records reaching no.72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no.2 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart. The beat has been heavily sampled throughout the years by various artists, especially Hip-Hop. This clip is from 1984 when Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett gave an in-person performance of the song.

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The Four Tops are an American vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1953 as the Four Aims. They were one of the most commercially successful American pop music groups of the 1960s and helped propel Motown Records to international fame. The group's repertoire has incorporated elements of soul, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, doo-wop, jazz, and show tunes. Lead singer Levi Stubbs, along with backing vocalists Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton remained together in the group for more than four decades, performing until 1997 without a change in personnel. Along with fellow Motown groups the Miracles, the Marvelettes, Martha and the Vandellas, the Temptations, and the Supremes, the Four Tops helped to establish the "Motown sound"; pop-friendly soul and R&B with a clean, polished production quality. They were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer, whereas most other male and mixed vocal groups of the time were fronted by tenors.

In 1964, The Supremes released their third single “Run, Run, Run” from their album “WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO”. The single and album versions feature The Four Tops on background vocals along with The Supremes. The song reached no.93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no.22 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart.

The performance in the clip is from the T.A.M.I. Show in 1964; it was a part of a medley of songs which is why it was reduced to a verse and a chorus. Mary and Florence really did well with the singing and the choreography. And Diana’s energy was so vibrant here. All 3 ladies voices were so clear and resonant!

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In 1977, High Inergy made a very successful debut with the release of their first single “You Can’t Turn Me Off”. The song served as the lead single for their album “TURNIN’ ON”; released by Gordy/Motown Records. The song had been originally recorded by Millie Jackson in 1976 but the version by High Inergy reached no.12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no.2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.

This clip is from one of the few times High Inergy appeared on Soul Train. The group appeared as a trio - Barbara Mitchell, Michelle Martin, and Linda Howard. Previous member Vernessa Mitchell, who contributed vocally to the song, had already departed from the group.

In 1968, Gladys Knight & The Pips released their single “The End of Our Road” from their album “Feelin’ Bluesy”. The song was a success for the group and Motown Records; it reached no.15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no.5 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart!

The appearance in the clip is from Gladys Knight & The Pips’ LiVE performance of the song, 1968, on The Mike Douglas Show. Gladys’ voice is undeniable! 🔥

Jackson 5 recorded September 17, 1970 on the Jim Nabors Show

Lyrics:

You and I must make a pact

We must bring salvation back

Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you

I'll have faith in all you do

Just call my name and I'll be there

(I'll be there)

And oh, I'll be there to comfort you

Build my world of dreams around you

I'm so glad that I found you

(I'll be there)

I'll be there with a love that's strong

I'll be your strength, I'll keep holdin' on

(Holdin' on, holdin' on, holdin' on)

Yes, I'll be

Yes, I'll be

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter

Togetherness, well that's all I'm after

Whenever you need me, I'll be there

(I'll be there)

I'll be there to protect you

(Yea, baby)

With an unselfish love that respects you

Just call my name and I'll be there

(I'll be there)

And oh, I'll be there to comfort you

(I'll be there)

Build my world of dreams around you

I'm so glad that I found you

(I'll be there)

I'll be there with a love that's strong

I'll be your strength, I'll keep holdin' on, huu huu

(Holdin' on)

Yes, I'll be

(Holdin' on)

Yes, I'll be

(Holdin' on)

If you should ever find someone new

I know he'd better be good to you

'Cause if he doesn't, I'll be there

(I'll be there)

Don't you know, baby, yeah, yeah

I'll be there, I'll be there

Just call my name, I'll be there

(I'll be there)

(Just look over your shoulders, honey, uhh)

I'll be there, I'll be there

Whenever you need me, I'll be there

(I'll be there)

Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah

(La la la la la la la)

I'll be there

(La la la la la la la)

I'll be there

Just call my name, I'll be there

(I'll be there)

Oo, oo, oo, oo

(La la la la la la la)

I'll be there

Motown artist, Edwin Starr, died of a heart attack on April 2, 2003, at the age of 61. He passed away at his home in Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, England. Known for the 1970 hit "War," Starr was a prominent figure in the Motown scene and had been a resident of the UK since the 1980s.

Lyrics

War, huh, yeah

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, uhh

War, huh, yeah

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing

Say it again, y'all

War, huh (good God)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me, oh

War, I despise

'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives

War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes

When their sons go off to fight

And lose their lives

I said, war, huh (good God, y'all)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, just say it again

War (whoa), huh (oh Lord)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me

It ain't nothing but a heart-breaker

(War) Friend only to The Undertaker

Oh, war it's an enemy to all mankind

The thought of war blows my mind

War has caused unrest

Within the younger generation

Induction then destruction

Who wants to die? Oh

War, huh (good God y'all)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing

Say it, say it, say it

War (uh-huh), huh (yeah, huh)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me

It ain't nothing but a heart-breaker

(War) It's got one friend that's The Undertaker

Oh, war, has shattered many a young man's dreams

Made him disabled, bitter and mean

Life is much too short and precious

To spend fighting wars each day

War can't give life

It can only take it away, oh

War, huh (good God y'all)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, say it again

War (whoa), huh (oh Lord)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me

It ain't nothing but a heart breaker

(War) Friend only to The Undertaker, woo

Peace, love and understanding, tell me

Is there no place for them today?

They say we must fight to keep our freedom

But Lord knows there's got to be a better way, oh

War, huh (God y'all)

What is it good for? You tell me (nothing)

Say it, say it, say it, say it

War (good God), huh (now, huh)

What is it good for?

Stand up and shout it (nothing)

Edward James Kendrick, better known as Eddie Kendricks, was an American tenor singer and songwriter. Noted for his distinctive falsetto singing style, Kendricks co-founded the Motown singing group the Temptations, and was one of their lead singers from 1961 until 1971.