Motown Treasures

Hi, Just wondered if anyone could recommend any more books on Motown. I've collected these over the years, some good and some not so good.

In no particular order -

Motown albums - Elvis Mitchell
Hype & Soul Behind the Scenes at Motown - Al Abrams
Motown Encyclopedia - Graham Betts
Jack Ashford Motown the view from the bottom
Michael Jackson (J Randy Taraborrell)
Diana Ross (J Randy Taraborrelli)
Diana Ross Secrets of a Sparrow
Gladys Knight Between Each Line of Pain and Glory
Ain’t too proud to beg - Mark Ribowsky
Supremes a story of Motown dreams success and beyond - Mark Ribowsky
Dancing in the Street Martha Reeves
Come and get these memories - Story of HDH
Signed Sealed Delivered Stevie Wonder - Mark Ribowsky
Smokey Inside my life
Marvin Gaye, my brother
Berry Gordy to be Loved
The Andantes and Vicky Wright
Where did our love go Nelson George
Berry Me and Motown Raynoma Singleton
Mary wilson Dreamgirl
Otis Williams Temptations
The story of Motown - Peter Benjaminson
The life and times of The Motown Stars- Alex McKenzie
Motown - George Posner
Stevie Wonder - Rhythms of Wonder - Sharon Davis
Divided Soul - David Ritz
Motown the Golden years - Bill Dahl
Motown the history - Sharon Davis

That's a pretty good list. I consider these books to be amongst the very best:-

I Hear A Symphony: Motown & Crossover R&B - Andrew Flory
Stevie Wonder: A Musical Guide To The Classic Albums - Steve Lodder
Motown: Hot Wax, City Cool, Solid Gold - J Randy Taraborrelli
The Wonder Years: My Life & Times With Stevie Wonder - Ted Hull
Hitsville! The Birth Of Tamla Motown - Keith Rylatt
Motown's First A&R Man Presents The A&R Man - Mickey Stevenson

And, if you've read the Hollands' book, you ought to read:-
How Sweet It Is - Lamont Dozier

The first book I came across, that treated Motown seriously was:-
Motown - David Morse
But I need to re-read it as I don't remember it very well!

J Randy Taraborrelli's scurrilous Call Her Ms Ross contains the results of his interviews with several Motowners and is worth picking through to find some nuggets.

There was a (not very well written) book about Junior Walker. It has the most fascinating back story that I have told to a script-writer because it would make a good film. I forget the author and title.

I'll keep thinking.

SWI

Yikes, how could I forget

Standing In the Shadows Of Motown: The Life And Music Of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson by Dr. Licks

If it hadn't been for this book, we wouldn't have had the documentary.

I'm sure there are other essential books I've missed, so let's hope others can chime in.

SWI

There was a (not very well written) book about Junior Walker. It has the most fascinating back story that I have told to a script-writer because it would make a good film. I forget the author and title.

I'll keep thinking.

The book about Jr. Walker is entitled "The Jr. Walker Story - The Man Behind The Sax" by Derek Dewalt and Kambon Obayani.  It was published by Jasmaya Productions and Publications, POB 6795, Woodland Hills, CA  91365.  The website for Jasmaya is www.jasmaya.com.  The ISBN number is 978-0-9838890-1-4.

As information, I have made several attempts to Jasmaya and the authors at what I found to be their home address attempting to purchase a copy, but all efforts have been futile.  I honestly do not know what the problem with this book being so unavailable is.

SWI
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Thanks guys for your time in replying. I've got a nice little list now. All the best to you all Paul 

Excellent, please let us know your thoughts once you have had a chance to read them Paul.

Tell me more please Paul?