REWIND: The Four Tops - 'Reach Out, I'll Be There'

The Four Tops performing their Motown hit 'Reach Out, I'll Be There' in 1967.

REWIND: Stevie Wonder - "Superstition" (1973)

Stevie Wonder performing Superstition in studio.

There actually was a time when people recorded songs in the studio at the same time.

Listening to this, from the inconsistencies), it sounds like they were rehearsing or recording a demo of the song.

In the past, it was always a common thing to see many of Stevie's band members in New York City after he completed tours.

Nick Ashford Dead at 70

Nick Ashford of Ashford and Simpson. Photo: ASCAP

On Monday, Nick Ashford of the R&B duo Ashford & Simpson died of throat cancer at a New York Hospital.

Ashford was born in Fairfield, South Carolina and raised in Michigan.

He and Valerie Simpson have been married for 38 years.

The duo wrote Motown hits "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need To Get By," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," and many more in the 60's... and continued to write hits for over three decades.

A remarkable duo!

He'll be missed!

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via usatoday

"The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" Premieres March 1 at 8 pm on PBS

"The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" premieres on Tuesday, March 1, at 8 pm on PBS.

The White House event was hosted by the Obamas, in the East Room on Thursday(Feb. 24), in celebration of Black History Month and the Motown legacy. 

Hosted by Jamie Foxx and performances by Fox, Smokey Robinson, Ledisi, John Legend, Jordan Sparks, Seal and more. 

Watch Behind the Scenes with host, Jamie Fox and the performers above and show opener below...

Gladys Horton Co-Founder of The Marvelettes Dies at 66

Gladys Horton, The MarvelettesThe co-founder of the Marvelettes, Gladys Horton died on Wednesday(Jan.26), after recovering from a stroke at a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, California. 

She was 66.

The 60's girl group was best known for Motown's first No.1 hit, "Please Mr. Postman."

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Singer Teena Marie Dead at 54

via ktla

Teena Marie, born Marie Christine Brockert died in her sleep. Details surrounding her death are unavailable at this time.

Teena Marie came to fame recording for the Motown Records label and working closely with Punk-Funk icon Rick James. One of their most celebrated duets is the song "Fire and Desire".

Although Teena was closely associated with Rick James' musical camp, she produced and played on much of her own material and fronted her own live band.

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REWIND: The Miracles - "Love Machine"/"Do It Baby"

After Smokey Robinson left the Miracles, Billy Griffin stepped in as lead singer, head songwriter( and suggested the group go in a more uptempo direction).

It worked.

They had a few hits and one or two successful albums(City of Angels went platinum).

Classic group.

Video: Kem - "Why Would You Stay"

First single from Kem's new album, Intimacy.

Video: Hal Linton - "Mind Control"

The new video from Motown artist Hal Linton.

As an artist, Hal Linton is a much more experienced singer than many of his peers and smart enough to know how use it to his benefit. He doesn't over sing, riff for the hell of it or depend on over stacked backgrounds, instead, he uses his voice like the instrument it is and gives the listener something great to listen to. ~ Martin Cameron Smith/DigitalSoulExperience

Singer Ali "Ollie" Woodson of the Temptations Dies at 58

Singer Ali "Ollie Woodson, lead singer of the Temptations, most known for hit singles "Treat Her Like A Lady" and "Lady Soul" has died at 58.

He died Sunday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.

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I always loved the control he displayed with his singing. He had a falsetto that was strong and could riff while holding it.

His style while some say was rooted in the church, employed more techniques found in the Blues genre(think Johnny Taylor with more range). He was a talented singer and songwriter who was respected by his peers - much in the same way Stevie Wonder or Charlie Wilson (Gap Band) are(he was actually respected by them).

When you have a talent, the best compliment that can be paid is when others who possess that same talent, recognize yours as one of the best they know of.

Ali "Ollie" Woodson was one of the best singers of the 20th century and has the legacy to prove it.

I've always said in conversations that "Treat Her Like A Lady" was one record any real DJ should have in his crate.

Happy Birthday: Florence Ballard of The Supremes

Florence Ballard was one of the more talented singers from Detroit, Michigan and a member of The Supremes.

The fact that her story won't be buried, despite attempts by "certain parties"to keep it that way, speaks volumes about the talent and personality she possessed.

There have been many misconceptions and conflicting accounts about her life and death, but, it appears her family is doing their part to speak on her behalf. This will give the public a complete picture of Florence Ballard.

She has to be one of the more famous Detroit natives...it's ironic how any negative efforts done to her ever dimmed her star.

TV1 will be airing an Unsung: Florence Ballard episode on this week. It will be the last in a group of music based documentaries.

Check out 6 minutes of an interview Florence did with her biographer Peter Benjaminson:

Kedar Massenburg, Former CEO of Motown Arrested On Assault Charge

3/10 UPDATE: Singer D'Angelo Arrested In NYC Last Weekend 

via nypost

Kedar Massenburg, former CEO of Motown most noted for discovering D'Angelo, India Arie, Chico Debarge and guiding the career of singer Joe was arrested on charges that he smashed an off-duty Asbury Park police officer in the head with a beer bottle then took his badge. (Damn!!!!)

The incident happened at B.B. Kings in New York's Times Square area on W. 42nd Street.

Massenburg denies the accusations against him.

While initial reports state Sean Bradforth was seeking an autograph from Joe, when Massenburg hit him in the head with a bottle and threatened to kill him.

Others close to Massenburg are giving a different account of events. They say the Asbury Park police officer barged into singer Joe Thomas' dressing room seeking an autograph and "went ballistic" when told to wait. Pushes were exchanged and that was it.

The officer is currently suspended from the Asbury Park Police Department for unrelated personnel issues.

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"We all stuck here together for a little while...Can't we all just get along..." Rodney King