Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Wild One (1965)

Inductees: Martha Reeves (vocals; born July 18, 1941), Rosalyn Ashford (vocals; born September 2, 1943), Betty Kelly (vocals; born September 16, 1944), Lois Reeves (birth date unknown), Annette Sterling (vocals; birth date unknown, 1942).

From the outset, Martha Reeves voice possessed an earthy, direct quality that distinguished her from other female singers - such as sultry Mary Wells or demure Diana Ross - at Motown. Her voice bore the righteous fervor of gospel and the flinty edginess of rhythm & blues, which, combined with Motowns stylized pop-soul approach, made for a compelling package. Together with her backup singers, the Vandellas, Reeves recorded a classic run of singles in the mid-Sixties, most of them composed by the songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. The Vandellas hit streak included what may be the definitive Motown anthem, Dancing in the Street, as well as such danceable blockbusters as (Love Is Like a) Heat Wave, Nowhere to Run and Jimmy Mack.

The eldest of eleven children, Reeves began singing with the Del-Phis in 1960. She was discovered in 1961 at Detroits fabled Twenty Grand Club, where Motown A&R man Mickey Stevenson heard her perform Reeves prize for having won a talent contest. She was invited to drop by the Motown Hitsville compound the next day. Initially, she did secretarial work in the A&R department and sang background vocals on records by the likes of Marvin Gaye (most audibly on Pride and Joy and Hitchhike). However, Motown founder Berry Gordy soon offered Reeves group a recording contract of their own. The Vandellas named by combining Detroits Van Dyke Street with the first name of a favorite singer, Della Reese - were Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard (later Sterling), whod also been in the Del-Phis. Betty Kelly replaced Sterling in 1964, and Lois Reeves (Marthas younger sister) replaced Kelly in 1967.

The trio had their first hit with Holland-Dozier-Hollands Come and Get These Memories, but it was the irresistibly upbeat Heat Wave that made Martha and the Vandellas one of Motowns vanguard acts in the summer of 1963. Another summertime anthem, Dancing in the Street cowritten by Mickey Stevenson, Marvin Gaye and Ivy Joe Hunter arrived in 1964, charging to #2 in the midst of the British Invasion. Reeves insistent alto cut through the punchy horns, driving bass line and funky rhythms to deliver a timeless message to the youth of America: Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the street. The songs anthemic qualities have much to do with its call for youthful solidarity, with music, sweet music bringing a generation together. The song has acquired folkloric status, having been covered by the Grateful Dead, Van Halen, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, and others.

Martha and the Vandellas recorded throughout the Sixties for Motowns Gordy label, charting 24 R&B hits, and became one of the companys most successful touring acts. As female artists at Motown, they were outshone only by Diana Ross and the Supremes, with whom they competed for resources and attention. When the company moved west in 1971, Martha and the Vandellas parted ways with Motown. 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 toward the end of the Seventies, and the group received a boost when the Motown 25th anniversary TV special aired in 1983. Martha and the Vandellas continue to perform, enduring as one of the most visible reminders of Motowns glory days.

Artist - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Song - Wild One
(Lyrics)

Wild one, wild one
Wild one, you're a rebel
And they say you're just no good
But they might change their mind
If they only understood
Wild one, I understand
I know you've never had a chance
You're a victim of circumstance

Can't you see
Just where you stand with me
I've given you my heart
I've given it to you
Don't you know where you go
I will follow you
So fight if you wanna
And go where you wanna
Be wild as can be
But save your love for me
Save your love for me

Wild one, just let them talk
Be what you wanna be
Forget your love for me
And find security
Wild one, you know that in my heart
You're the only one
No matter what you've done

Can't you see
Just ehre you stand with me
I've given you my heart
I've given you my heart
Don't you know where you go
I will follow you
So fight if you wanna
And go where you wanna
Be wild as can be
But save your love for me
Save your love for me

Category:

Music

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[MADWORLD1427]

great combo

[0917gva]

I love Martha and The Vandellas. This is a great song - no surpise! Thank you for this post.

[ivycompton]

This song is sooooooooooooooo satisfying. Thank you for posting.

[radicright]

hiodr: Do you expect the producers to sacrifice their star (brando), by actually putting him on a motorcycle ?

[interactraceform]

surely this is better than dancing in the streets? Love this song, amazed that it wasn't a monster hit!

[radicright]

this must be where David caruso got his "shades" routine from.

[hiodr]

how convenient to have a tailwind that matches their speed and direction changes exactly.

[zazapk9]

thumb up

[sonicjay007]

Nice Post!

[TheKennyKennyKenny]

great video!!!!