Timeless Hits from Motown 

Motown Records was established back in 1959 by founder Berry Gordy. This movement influenced the way we see music today. Gordy was given credit as a visionary who had an impeccable taste in music. It also helped that he was a man who can see talent a mile away. He collaborated with a lot of prolific artists and performers. For artists at the time, you know you’ve made it big once you get into Motown.

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

The talented duo, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, performed the iconic duet Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, which is a song that still captures hearts to this day. The upbeat and soulful song can make any gloomy day become brighter. This is not the only hit song the duo released together since they are also known for a number of Motown duets. The writing credit for this song goes to married songwriting pair, Ashford and Simpson. Their work obviously proved to be a huge hit.

Smokey Robinson- Tears of Clown

Music legend Smokey Robinson was a significant figure in Motown since he was one of their most trusted songwriters. He really did have creative electricity with lyrics. Not only was he gifted in coming up with soulful songs, he was also a talented singer who lent his voice for the Miracles. Robinson’s stellar track, Tears of a Clown, was initially an instrumental for Stevie Wonder, but Smokey was convinced that the tune of the track reminded him of the circus. The song described a man who got heartbroken and felt like an upset clown. The song was featured in a Smokey Robinson and the Miracles album.

The Temptations-Papa was a Rolling Stone

The Temptations weren’t like their usual selves when they created Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone. They were, to some degree, completely different from what they were when they recorded My Girl, seven years prior. Dennis Edwards took over David Ruffin’s place by then while Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks’s departure took credit for being the factor that made the revised lineup endure a different vibe. Psychedelic soul was already rampant at the time and Motown wanted to keep up with what was trending, so artists like Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield penned a hip and funky track about a neglectful father. The song became an instant chart-topper following its release.

Marvin Gaye-What’s Going On

For some artists, Motown recordings seemed pretty daunting. Most of them weren’t barred from producing or writing their own work but Berry Gordy ultimately had the last word on whatever came out of the studio. For a time, Marvin Gaye gave in to the studio’s rules. Eventually, he thought it was time to take matters into his own hands and spoke his mind. He started composing songs about societal issues. Gordy eventually gave him the green light to create an album that focused on the struggles America was facing in the 70s. Gaye was, to some degree, definitely heroic. This particular musical piece is still treasured by so many today.

Martha and the Vandellas-Dancing in the Street

People who were around in the 60s have all hopped along to Martha and Vandellas’ hit, Dancing in the Street. To some, it may sound like the average dance anthem, but when Civil Rights activists started playing it, a number of radio stations didn’t allow it on their song lineup. Rock legends Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were apparently fans of the song and they incorporated Dancing in the Street in their own album. Many artists today can credit the influential power the song has had, and it’s considered one of the most covered songs in history.