The Women of Motown

Let’s take a moment and celebrate the women of Motown…

Diana Ross was the centerpiece of Motown for many years, becoming the voice for the most top 10 singles within the company. Her relationship with founder Berry Gordy had always been an issue to the point that Berry is actually (although a secret for decades) the father of her first child.

Tammi Terrell was a wonderful singer in the Motown era that deserved more accolades than she had ever received. Tammi released “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (with Marvin Gaye) “Your Precious Love” (with Marvin Gaye) and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” (with Marvin Gaye) all before her 25th birthday. Sadly, Tammi was diagnosed with bran cancer and died a month before her 25th birthday, and its common knowledge that the effect it had on her partner Marvin Gaye was monumental; the drug abuse and depression began here.

The Velvelettes Bertha Barbee McNeal, Mildred Gill Arbor, Carolyn Gill, Norma Barbee, and Betty Kelly. Annette Rogers and Sandra Tilley deserve a little attention here. Signed in 1962, the group recorded “There He Goes” and “That’s the Reason Why” in 1963.

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