Motown Treasures

Keith’s funeral today in Oxfordshire was a touching celebration of this remarkable man, of both his lives: Motown and Merlinco, the latter being his data software analysis business.

Family and friends were out in force, and among others speaking, longtime pal Tim Phillips said that Don’t Forget The Motor City was the achievement in which he took the most pride. Another called him “half-man, half-Motown,” to the gathering’s delight.

There were long-distance contributions from Harry Weinger (“Keith always thought to look where I hadn’t”) and Andy Skurow on video, while the music played included (of course) the Satintones’ “Motor City” and the Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Had he heard the latter today, Keith would have pointed out that it was an alternative vocal to the hit 😉

Donations in Keith’s memory can be made via his tribute page at www.greensfunerals.co.uk

Rest in peace, sir.

The Reign of Hitsville U.S.A.

I counted 24 Top 20 hits for the Temptations incl the one with DRATS. Adam missed out 'Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down' #20.

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/hot-100-singles?ss_source=sscampaigns

Thanks, John, “Joneses” now added.

The other Motown forum! Pity that MT does not get the same praise!

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/detroit-forum?

The piece was suggested by Ralph Terrana as Soulful Forum marked its 21st anniversary. Happy to look at MT later in the year for West Grand Blog. Praise deserving.

Are any of these 3 ladies still alive Adam?

Two out of three, John: Fran Heard and Rebecca Jiles.

Next one up. Freda Payne at Motown - never was of course. She does go on about it to the point where I want to scream. Freda had one big hit and she was done in the UK.

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/freda-gold?

To be fair to Freda, I was the one asking her about BG, in hopes of getting fresh insights. And while much of what she said may be familiar, I hadn’t known that she had a second chance, in 1965, to sign to Motown.

A couple more, McMotown: Dancing In The Street by Suzanne Smith, and Women Of Motown by Susan Whitall.

Thanks for the namecheck, SWI, and here’s what I wrote about the Godin book, to go with what you posted from Soul Source.

https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/-godin-book