Soul Fixin'

Motown Turns 50

Yesterday, the celebration for Motown's 50th birthday kicked off in Detroit. Fifty years ago, Berry Gordy secured a $800 loan to form the label that would change the face of music. A small house, known as Hitsville, on Detroit's near west side served as the launching pad for the careers of soul icons such as Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and others.

Public Soul Announcement celebrates the lasting legacy of Motown and it's everlasting effect on the world with vintage images of Motown legends and a classic Soul Train performance from Smokey Robinson.

Soul Fixin'

The Making & Magic Of Motown
The latest issue of Vanity Fair celebrates the legacy of Motown Records. The famed label is the showpiece of the mag's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson explores the history of the revolutionary label through the words of Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Suzanne de Passe and other members of the Motown family. The legends of Motown discuss everything from the rumors and scandals to the Dreamgirls controversy to the Jackson 5 to Florence Ballard and Gordy's relationship with Diana Ross. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Lisa's article, 'It Happened In Hitsville, and Leibovitz portfolio, 'The Monarchs Of Motown' are available on Vanity Fair's website.

{Image Courtesy of Vanity Fair}

Soul Fixin'

Celebrating The Legacy of Motown
'Baby Love,' 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine,' 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),' 'Tracks of My Tears', and 'My Girl' - to name a few, are all hit songs associated with the sound of Motown. A sound that transformed the musical and racial landscape of America. As the famed label reaches 50, it will be the showpiece of Vanity Fair's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson is given an oral history of life at Motown by those who lived it and she uncovers what really happened with Diana, Mary and Flo. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Be on the look out for Vanity Fair's December issue. Speaking of Motown's 50th anniversary, planned commemorative projects include a series of compilation albums and a definitive Motown documentary, years in the making by Gordy Suzanne de Passe. Other plans have yet to be finalized. Duke Fakir of The Four Tops said in a Detroit Free Press article "nobody has said what's going to happen, they're just preparing the world for something major."

Payin' Homage

In the spring of 1970, the sweet voice of Tammi Terrell was silenced forever. Terrell, with such a promising career ahead of her, passed away on March 16, 1970 at the tender age of 24. Born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Tammi is best known for her sensual duets with Marvin Gaye. However, Tammi's career started long before she signed to Motown Records. At the age of 13, Tammi was the opening act for Gary "U.S" Bonds and Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles. She would go on to record with various labels. She garnered a little attention with the 1963 single "I Cried", released on James Brown's Try Me record label. After joining the Motown family, Tammi released the album Irresistible. In a genius move, Motown paired Tammi with Marvin Gaye. The chemistry was undeniable and the two went on to sing some of the greatest love songs of the soul music era. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a Top 20 hit, the duo found success atop the R&B charts with "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," and "You're All I Need To Get By." During a 1967 concert, Tammi collapsed in Marvin's arms and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tammi could no longer perform live but she continued to record with Marvin. After 8 operations, loss of memory, and partial paralysis, 24 year old Tammi Terrell died in Philadelphia. Devastated by her untimely death, Marvin took a 3 year hiatus from performing and went into self isolation. Marvin would emerge from a state of depression with the landmark album What's Going On.