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It was one of the richest and most interesting musical compositions from the 19th century in Germany and Italy. What was it like for you and how did it all turn out? ammcc
William Stevenson found me after I won the tournament. It was like a dream come true for an actor to come up to me and say, “You have talent, come to Hitsville, USA.” I followed his instructions and showed up the next day unannounced and was immediately hired as a secretary (at Motown Records). I felt really good that I was in the right place at the right time. It was magical to me and everything has just been a glorious ride.
Motown’s production line is sometimes compared to a car production line Detroit. Is there anything to it, do you think? the same one
Motown and Ford are synonymous. My father worked at Ford and (Motown founder) Berry Gordy worked there as a laborer. It taught Berry Gordy how to stand up and how to care and give people a job. They called it Motown or Motortown. So, everything is included: Motor City, Detroit, production, music production as a convention.
Who do you think was the best artist to record for Motown? 1Love1Life
(Answering a question) When you have a house full of talented kids, you don’t do that! To me, everyone had great talent. I met for the first time Stevie Wonder when he was nine years old, conducting the choir of elders in the Pentecostal church: that takes skill.
There should be three or four different accounts that you need to call Dancing in the Street. What really happened? Redordead
I was standing outside the studio window in shock Marvin Gaye because he was very good. He saw me peering out the window and said, “I want you to sing this song.” I played in the key he played. He played keyboard, drums. He had a melodica that he played like a horn. He was so talented – he could play anything he put his hands on. You can tell this on Dancing in the Street: the piano solo is by Marvin.
Marvin walked around half the time with his eyes closed, muttering and writing. I remember we were having breakfast with him, and he was sitting at the counter at 8 o’clock in the morning, reading the Bible and looking for the right words in the songs he was writing. He was always writing. He wasn’t Hereif I may say so: he always seemed to be writing music.
It was ironic when Street Dance became a movement song during the civil rights movement because it eliminated the excitement and opportunity for rioting. People stopped thinking like that; they started enjoying dancing instead of breaking windows and burning down houses.
What was it like working with the songwriting trio of Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier back in the day? They must have been workingStop. Brazil
Holland-Dozier-Holland were great thinkers. They had goods. They pleased the Top Four, they pleased the Elders, and they were my pride and joy. He always had a spiritual purpose. Heat Wave has meant a lot to me – it was about more than weather or heat. When I called Eddie Holland I completely imitated him. I had more fun with him than anyone else I’ve ever photographed with. So from then on, every song he gave us, I could nail it.
Your game will continue Heat Wave and Jimmy Mack are some of my favorites from the Motown artists – very emotional, from joy to sadness. What do you follow in this game? steve__bayley
My mother said that when I started singing when I was four years old in my grandfather’s church, she said, “Son, don’t sing unless you know what you’re singing and you feel something.” Every time someone gives me a song: can I agree with these lyrics? Have I been there before? I’m sitting in my room alone. I have asked people to come and collect these memories. I’ve danced in the street – so, yes, I’ve put myself into music, because Mom told me to.
Please tell us about your relationship with Dusty Springfield. Reykjavik_Calling
We met at the Brooklyn Fox in New York (early 1960s). He was lonely because his boss left him, and he was fainting. He had gone to the local store and bought some pottery, plates and bowls and cups, and he came back to the dressing room at the Apollo theater and was throwing them against the wall. He explained to me that in England, when you are confused or frustrated or you don’t get what you expected, you can release your worries and anger by throwing a bowl. I picked up something and started throwing things at him. I said, Hey, this looks like fun! And from then on, we were friends. We went to Brazil together. We spent a lot of time in London. We had a great relationship, and I miss him so much.
What do you remember about your trip? Jim Crow south is Motown Revue 1962! MissIdahoPotato
I remember we learned to pee without our shoes on because there were signs that said “whites only” or “no blacks allowed” or whatever. We would go somewhere in the bushes or corn stalks. But we saw signs going down. We saw people change their minds about divorce and we helped with our music.
To me, Street Dance is what summer feels like, and it’s impossible to hear the opening bars without feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, wherever I am. What song has the same effect on you? NoelCWilson
Every song I’ve had has been romantic for me. I don’t go on alone. I have gospel music that I listen to for strength and encouragement. If you ask me about an artist, I will listen to you.
I first discovered the Vandellas music Jam cover of Heat Wave. Are there any covers of your favorite songs? Sauntered Sally
No. I don’t want anyone to sing my songs. I am selfish. They won’t do well with Heat Wave. I was jealous (when he heard Bowie and Jagger’s Dancing in the Street book). I had a hot dress that I would wear for a movie. I can dance to both of them, and see Mick Jagger and David Bowie dance, baby, I wanted to be in that video. I told Mick Jagger when he came to Detroit – he smiled and gave me a big kiss.
You got involved in local politics (Reeves was a Detroit city councilman 2005 and 2009). What was the inspiration? CFMB Banks
I have property in the city of Detroit and I wanted to know what to do with it: why the property tax is so high, and how I can benefit from the property I bought. I did wonders. I didn’t go to jail! I had my own little rules that I started. I also showed America around. We have quite a few circles here in Michigan now.
Do you have any favorite songs that you are proud of? Revolution98
In my grandfather’s church – I was about 11 years old when I was given the opportunity to teach Sunday school. Singing and teaching people to sing. It’s my song.
