Motown Melodies, Music Blog, Sixties

Monday Motown Magic 5.13

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

When you listen to the many great tunes of The Temptations, I’m sure the one thing you don’t know or even imagine as possible is that their first seven singles were commercial failures. In contrast their hit soul/R&B single “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, released in 1964 from their album Meet The Temptations, was a huge success. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went to #1 on the Cash Box R&B chart. “The Way You Do The Things You Do” was written by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers of The Miracles; now that you know that I think you’ll hear that familiar Miracles’ influence.

Otis Williams of The Temptations recalled in 2009: “The first time we heard the song, we loved it. The melody swung, and the lyrics had lots of charm. It was typical Smokey talkin’ about how to get a girl and he made it all work. It got a good response whenever we did it live, so our hopes were up. We knew from past experience that even the best tracks don’t always click.”

I guess after seven flops, Otis knew what he was talking about.

From 1964 here are The Temptations with their first hit, “The Way You Do The Things You Do”.

And this is what was on the B side – “Just Let Me Know” written by Berry Gordy, Jr.

https://youtu.be/L1bxJcKlxuA?si=afWtMw2VVWiSCkEA

Thanks for joining me today for a little Monday Motown Magic.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

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26 thoughts on “Monday Motown Magic 5.13”

  4. Motown imo the greatest music label ever Berry Gordy the greatest music man ever. The Temptations are the Greatest Male vocal group ever and so many classics. Motown was a standard and also what gets lost is not only did they produce Great songs the produced artists with longevity and lasting careers. Great reflection and very detailed and important. Respect and appreciate you peace

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Respect back at ya, M, if I may.

      Anyone who comments with such conviction and admiration for the music and artistry of the performers whose glorious sounds will continue to grace this planet long after we are gone is always welcome here at my place.

      Thank you. Peace.

      ~ Nancy

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      1. I feel honored and privileged and what a wonderful soul and creative light you are. Oh motown is the Soul Holy trinity imo
        I’m a huge fan of Staxx records philidelphia International and others however motown just the logo Icon alone is a diamond and your words and reflections are Gold to me.

        Bless your mind, heart, and soul always. Peace

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          1. I’m touched by your soul and you are a beautiful soul. Music memories and moments truly coming together. I’m very honoured to encounter a great soul as yourself and a shared love of motown the temptations and great artistry. Applaud 👏 you

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