Martha and the Vandellas

Martha Reeves led one of Motown's most kinetic groups, records like "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave" built on Holland-Dozier-Holland arrangements that ran hot from the first bar: tambourine hammering the backbeat, vocals stacked and shouting, a sense of urgency that made the group consistent hitmakers from 1962 to 1972. They cut those records in Studio A at Hitsville with the Funk Brothers, including house pianist Bob Neloms, who can be heard directly on both "Dancing in the Street" and "Heat Wave," as well as on "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and "Baby Love." Neloms later described his time as Motown's house pianist working across the roster—Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells—a testament to how small and overworked the actual studio crew was behind such a large catalog of hits.

The full story is in Motown.

At a glance

Active

1962–1972

From

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Listening guide track

“Dancing In The Street”

Listen

In the Motown listening guide: “Dancing In The Street”

In the issues

• 034
  Motown

  Supporting cast · 1959-1972 · Members

  Motown is a music scene from Detroit, Michigan, USA, 1959–1972. Its principal artists include Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 16 dated events.