The Andantes
Encyclopedia
The Andantes were a prolific female sessions group for the Motown record label during the 1960s. Composed of Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, and Louvain Demps,
, The Temptations
, Stevie Wonder
, the Four Tops
, Jimmy Ruffin
, Edwin Starr
, The Supremes
, Marvin Gaye
, among others, along with the occasional non-Motown recording (Jackie Wilson
's hit "Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" being one example). Barrow also substituted for Florence Ballard
of The Supremes in concert on several occasions.
The Andantes provided back-up singing on Motown singles starting in 1962. The group was most prominently used on all of the Four Tops' Holland–Dozier–Holland-produced hits, including "Baby I Need Your Loving
", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
", "Reach Out I'll Be There
", and more. The Andantes were used as vocal substitutes for Mary Wilson
and Cindy Birdsong
on many of The Supremes' recordings done in 1968 and 1969. They were also called upon to overdub and smooth out The Marvelettes
' background vocals records; the producers had this done without the Marvelettes' knowledge. The final Marvelettes album, The Return of The Marvelettes
, was actually recorded by Marvelette Wanda Young
with the Andantes, not her groupmates, on backgrounds.
In 1963, The Andantes with Gladys Horton
of The Marvelettes released the single "Too Hot to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye" b/w "Come on Home" as credited to The Darnells. In 1964 they released a single of their own called "(Like A) Nightmare" b/w "If You Were Mine".
also had when providing instrumentation. Five of these singles that they provided background vocals for would go on to chart at the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100
popular music chart.
Chart-topping Hits
Four Tops
The Andantes appeared as backing vocalists on twelve singles for the Four Tops (all written and produced by H-D-H). These releases include:
Diana Ross & the Supremes
They appeared as backing vocalists on six singles for Diana Ross & the Supremes. These seven releases are:
Martha & the Vandellas
They appeared as backing vocalists on eight singles for Martha & the Vandellas. These releases include:
The Marvelettes
They appeared as backing vocalists on thirteen singles for the Marvelettes. These releases include:
The Temptations
They also appeared as backing vocalists on three recordings for the Temptations.
Marvin Gaye
They also appeared as backing vocalists on (at least) 15 singles for Marvin Gaye. These releases include:
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
They appeared as backing vocalists on these following recordings and singles for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell:
's Motorcity Records
project in the late '80s and early '90s, The Andantes were signed to the label and once again provided a service in recording backing vocals to former Motown artists. By this time, Pat Lewis
had joined Jackie, Marlene and Louvain (from 1989–1992). The women had not worked together in a number of years, although all had been busy providing demo and backing vocals for numerous artists on various labels.
Motorcity Records boss Ian Levine also recorded several songs with The Andantes, issuing a new single "Lightning Never Strikes Twice", which featured Louvain Demps on lead vocals. Most other songs recorded by the group at Motorcity had Pat Lewis on lead vocals.
Cover Versions
Unreleased Tracks
Louvain Demps - Better Times
Whilst under contract to Motorcity Records, Louvain was given the opportunity to step up to the microphone and record a full album, which was released in 1992 under the title 'Better Times', which includes original tunes and one cover of the Diana Ross
hit "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)
".
Louvain recorded two further tracks with Motorcity which did not appear on the above album:
Pat Lewis
Ian Levine has cited that he has recorded more songs with Pat Lewis than with any other artist. Several songs recorded by Pat whilst with Motorcity Records are:
Cover Versions
Original Recordings
Martha and the Vandellas
Martha and the Vandellas were among the most successful groups of the Motown roster during the period 1963–1967...
, The Temptations
The Temptations
The Temptations is an American vocal group having achieved fame as one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music.Formed in Detroit,...
, Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
, the Four Tops
Four Tops
The Four Tops are an American vocal quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes...
, Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Ruffin is an American soul singer, and elder brother of the late David Ruffin of The Temptations. He had several hit records between the 1960s and 1980s, the most successful being "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted."-Life:...
, Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr was an American soul music singer. Starr is most famous for his Norman Whitfield produced singles of the 1970s, most notably the number one hit "War".-Biography:...
, The Supremes
The Supremes
The Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
, Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
, among others, along with the occasional non-Motown recording (Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson
Jack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. was an American singer and performer. Known as "Mr. Excitement", Wilson was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was known as a master showman, and as one of the most dynamic singers and performers in R&B and rock history...
's hit "Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" being one example). Barrow also substituted for Florence Ballard
Florence Ballard
Florence Glenda Ballard Chapman was an American singer and a founding member of the Motown group The Supremes. From 1963 until 1967, Ballard sang on 16 Top 40 hit Supremes' singles, ten of which hit number-one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1967, Motown CEO Berry Gordy decided to remove Ballard from...
of The Supremes in concert on several occasions.
The Andantes provided back-up singing on Motown singles starting in 1962. The group was most prominently used on all of the Four Tops' Holland–Dozier–Holland-produced hits, including "Baby I Need Your Loving
Baby I Need Your Loving
"Baby I Need Your Loving" is a 1964 hit single recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song was the group's first Motown single and their first pop Top 20 hit, making it to number eleven on the Billboard Hot...
", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
"I Can't Help Myself " is a 1965 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label.Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s...
", "Reach Out I'll Be There
Reach Out I'll Be There
"Reach Out I'll Be There" is a 1966 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s and is today considered The Tops' signature song...
", and more. The Andantes were used as vocal substitutes for Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson (singer)
Mary Wilson is an American singer, formerlymember of the Motown female singing group The Supremes during the 1960s and 1970s. Wilson was the only singer to be a consistent member of the group in its eighteen-year tenure...
and Cindy Birdsong
Cindy Birdsong
Cynthia Ann "Cindy" Birdsong , better known by her stage name, Cindy Birdsong, is an American singer, most famous for singing with the legendary soul groups Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and The Supremes.-Early life:...
on many of The Supremes' recordings done in 1968 and 1969. They were also called upon to overdub and smooth out The Marvelettes
The Marvelettes
The Marvelettes were an American singing girl group on the Tamla label. Motown's first successful female vocal group, the Marvelettes are most notable for recording the company's first #1 Pop hit, "Please Mr...
' background vocals records; the producers had this done without the Marvelettes' knowledge. The final Marvelettes album, The Return of The Marvelettes
The Return of The Marvelettes
The Return of The Marvelettes was marketed as the last album by the group, although in reality their last had been 1969's In Full Bloom...
, was actually recorded by Marvelette Wanda Young
Wanda Young
Wanda Young is an American singer, famous for being the member and later lead singer of the popular Motown all-female singing group The Marvelettes.-Biography:Wanda was born in 1943 and raised in the western Detroit suburb of Inkster, Michigan...
with the Andantes, not her groupmates, on backgrounds.
In 1963, The Andantes with Gladys Horton
Gladys Horton
Gladys Catherine Horton was an American R&B and pop singer, famous for being the founder and lead singer of the popular Motown all-female vocal group The Marvelettes.-Biography:...
of The Marvelettes released the single "Too Hot to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye" b/w "Come on Home" as credited to The Darnells. In 1964 they released a single of their own called "(Like A) Nightmare" b/w "If You Were Mine".
Motown
Through-out the 1960s and early 1970s, The Andantes appeared as backing vocalists on many of Motown's recorded singles, as The Funk BrothersThe Funk Brothers
The Funk Brothers was the nickname of Detroit, Michigan, session musicians who performed the backing to most Motown Records recordings from 1959 until the company moved to Los Angeles in 1972...
also had when providing instrumentation. Five of these singles that they provided background vocals for would go on to chart at the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
popular music chart.
Chart-topping Hits
- "My GuyMy Guy"My Guy" is a 1964 number-one hit single recorded by Mary Wells for the Motown label. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, the song is a woman's dedication to the goodness of her man .The single became the biggest hit ever for Wells, Motown's first female star, and reached the...
" - Mary WellsMary WellsMary Esther Wells was an American singer who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s... - "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"I Can't Help Myself " is a 1965 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label.Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s...
" - Four TopsFour TopsThe Four Tops are an American vocal quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes... - "Reach Out I'll Be ThereReach Out I'll Be There"Reach Out I'll Be There" is a 1966 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s and is today considered The Tops' signature song...
" - Four TopsFour TopsThe Four Tops are an American vocal quartet, whose repertoire has included doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, adult contemporary, hard rock, and showtunes... - "Love ChildLove Child (song)"Love Child" is a 1968 song released by the Motown label for Diana Ross & the Supremes, becoming the Supremes' 11th number-one single in the United States....
" - Diana Ross & the SupremesThe SupremesThe Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco... - "I Heard It Through the GrapevineI Heard It through the Grapevine"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" is a landmark song in the history of Motown. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966, the single was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles...
" - Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
Four Tops
The Andantes appeared as backing vocalists on twelve singles for the Four Tops (all written and produced by H-D-H). These releases include:
- "Baby I Need Your LovingBaby I Need Your Loving"Baby I Need Your Loving" is a 1964 hit single recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song was the group's first Motown single and their first pop Top 20 hit, making it to number eleven on the Billboard Hot...
" - "Without the One You Love (Life's not Worth While)"
- "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"I Can't Help Myself " is a 1965 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label.Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s...
" - "It's the Same Old SongIt's the Same Old Song"It's the Same Old Song" is a 1965 hit single recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is today one of The Tops' signature songs, and was notably created—from initial concept to commercial...
" - "Something about You"
- "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)"Shake Me, Wake Me " is a 1966 hit single written and produced by Holland–Dozier–Holland and released as a single by the Four Tops on the Motown label....
" - "Reach Out I'll Be ThereReach Out I'll Be There"Reach Out I'll Be There" is a 1966 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s and is today considered The Tops' signature song...
" - "Standing in the Shadows of LoveStanding in the Shadows of Love"Standing in the Shadows of Love" is a 1966 hit single recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s...
" - "BernadetteBernadette (song)"Bernadette" is a 1967 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s...
" - "7-Rooms of Gloom7-Rooms of Gloom"7-Rooms of Gloom" is a 1967 hit song recorded by the Four Tops for the Motown label. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is notable for matching lead singer Levi Stubbs' lamentations of heartache with a dramatic, Gothic-inspired musical arrangement...
" - "You Keep Me Running Away"
- "I'm in a Different WorldI'm In a Different World"I'm In a Different World" is a song written and produced by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and R Dean Taylor. It's noted as the final recording they did for The Four Tops before leaving the label due to royalty disputes with Motown. The label issued the song in 1968 as the follow-up single to...
"
Diana Ross & the Supremes
They appeared as backing vocalists on six singles for Diana Ross & the Supremes. These seven releases are:
- "In and Out of LoveIn and out of Love (The Supremes song)"In and out of Love" is a 1967 song recorded by The Supremes for the Motown label. It was the second single issued with the group's new billing of Diana Ross & the Supremes, the penultimate Supremes single written and produced by Motown production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, and the last single...
" - "Forever Came TodayForever Came Today"Forever Came Today" is a 1967 song written and produced by the Motown collective of Holland–Dozier–Holland, and was first made into a hit as a single for Diana Ross & the Supremes in early 1968...
" - "Love ChildLove Child (song)"Love Child" is a 1968 song released by the Motown label for Diana Ross & the Supremes, becoming the Supremes' 11th number-one single in the United States....
" - "I'm Livin' in ShameI'm Livin' in Shame"I'm Livin' in Shame" is a 1969 song released for Diana Ross & the Supremes on the Motown label. The sequel to the Supremes' number-one hit, "Love Child," the song peaked in the top ten on the US Billboard pop chart at #10 and the top 20 in the UK at #14 in January and February 1969.-Background and...
" - "The ComposerThe Composer"The Composer" is a 1969 song released for Diana Ross & the Supremes by the Motown label.-Background:Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, the song is featured on their album Let the Sunshine In and peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in the United States in May 1969...
" - "No Matter What Sign You AreNo Matter What Sign You Are"No Matter What Sign You Are" is a song released for Diana Ross & the Supremes by the Motown label.-Background:Originally intended to be Diana Ross & the Supremes' final single before the departure of Diana Ross and penned by Berry Gordy, the song failed to fulfill Gordy's expectations as the...
"
Martha & the Vandellas
They appeared as backing vocalists on eight singles for Martha & the Vandellas. These releases include:
- "My Baby Loves Me"
- "I'm Ready for LoveI'm Ready For Love"I'm Ready for Love" is a 1966 single by Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas. Scoring their biggest hit since "Nowhere to Run" peaked at #8 on the pop singles chart, this tune, which had the narrator longing to be in love with her object of affection, rose to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and...
" - "I Promise to Wait My LoveI Promise to Wait My Love"I Promise to Wait My Love" is a 1968 single recorded by girl group Martha and the Vandellas, released on the Gordy label. The third release from the group's Ridin' High, it was another single given to them by producer Richard Morris with co-written credit to Sylvia Moy...
" - "I Can't Dance to That Music You're PlayingI Can't Dance To That Music You're Playing"I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing" is a 1968 funk-soul single by Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas. The song nearly returned the group to the top 40 on the pop singles chart peaking at number forty-two on the pop singles chart and reaching number twenty-four on the R&B singles...
" - "(We've Got) Honey Love(We've Got) Honey Love" Honey Love" is a 1969 single released by Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas from the album "Ridin' High" released in 1968. The song returned the Vandellas to the top forty of Billboard's R&B singles chart where it peaked at number twenty-seven while it hit the Billboard Hot 100 peaking...
" - "Taking My Love (And Leaving Me)"
The Marvelettes
They appeared as backing vocalists on thirteen singles for the Marvelettes. These releases include:
- "I'll Keep Holding OnI'll Keep Holding On"I'll Keep Holding On" is a song composed by Mickey Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter and recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes, who released the single on the Tamla imprint in 1965. Peaking at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single returned the group to the top forty after a year recording...
" - "Don't Mess with BillDon't Mess with Bill"Don't Mess with Bill" is a million-selling Gold certified 1966 single recorded by The Marvelettes for Motown Records' Tamla label. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, "Don't Mess with Bill" features a lead vocal by Wanda Young. The single peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in...
" - "You're The One"
- "The Hunter Gets Captured by the GameThe Hunter Gets Captured by the Game"The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" is a 1966 song recorded by The Marvelettes for the Motown label, from their self-titled album released that year....
" - "When You're Young and in LoveWhen You're Young and in Love"When You're Young and in Love" is a song composed by Van McCoy. The first recording of the song was by Ruby & the Romantics; like all the group's singles on Kapp Records the track was produced by label a&r head Allen Stanton...
" - "My Baby Must Be a MagicianMy Baby Must Be a Magician"My Baby Must Be a Magician" is the title of a 1967 single release by the Marvelettes which was written and produced by Smokey Robinson.Original Marvelette Wanda Rogers was the lead vocalist on the track; the background vocals were provided by the Andantes rather than official Marvelettes Ann Bogan...
" - "Here I Am Baby"
- "Destination: Anywhere"
- "What's Easy for Two Is So Hard for One"
- "I'm Gonna Hold On As Long As I Can"
- "That's How Heartaches Are Made"
- "Marionette"
- "A Breath-Taking GuyA Breathtaking Guy"A Breathtaking Guy" is a 1963 song written and produced by Smokey Robinson and released by Motown singing group The Supremes. The single was originally released under the title "A Breath Taking, First Sight Soul Shaking, One Night Love Making, Next Day Heartbreaking Guy", but was shortened after...
"
The Temptations
They also appeared as backing vocalists on three recordings for the Temptations.
- "It's GrowingIt's Growing"It's Growing" is a 1965 hit single by The Temptations for the Gordy label. Written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore and produced by Robinson, the song was a top 20 pop single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, on which it peaked at number 18...
" - "Just Another Lonely Night"
- "That'll Be The Day"
Marvin Gaye
They also appeared as backing vocalists on (at least) 15 singles for Marvin Gaye. These releases include:
- "Baby Don't You Do ItBaby Don't You Do It-Original version:"Baby Don't You Do It" is a 1964 single by American singer Marvin Gaye. Released on the Tamla label, this song discusses a man who is at a standstill with his girlfriend, who he feels is neglecting his love stating "don't break my heart/...I've tried to do my best".Featured on the...
" - "What Good Am I Without YouWhat Good Am I Without You"What Good Am I Without You" is a Motown duet between singers Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston. The song was released as a single in late 1964 and became the first duet Marvin and Kim recorded, a couple of years before the duo recorded the breakthrough hit, "It Takes Two"...
" - "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)"How Sweet It Is " is a 1964 hit song written and produced by the Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland. It was originally recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye and became one of his most popular songs...
" - "I'll Be DoggoneI'll Be Doggone"I'll Be Doggone" is a 1965 song recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye and released on the Tamla label. The song talks about how a man tells his woman that he'll be "doggone" about simple things but if she did him wrong that he'd be "long gone"....
" - "Pretty Little BabyPretty Little Baby"Pretty Little Baby" is a 1965 single released by soul singer Marvin Gaye on the Tamla label.Co-written by Gaye, Clarence Paul and David Hamilton and produced by Paul, the song described the narrator's longing and pleading to his woman to not leave his side after the two had an argument.The song...
" - "Ain't That PeculiarAin't That Peculiar"Ain't That Peculiar" is a 1965 song recorded by American soul musician Marvin Gaye for the Tamla label. The single was produced by Smokey Robinson, and written by Robinson, and fellow Miracles members Ronald White, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin...
" - "One More HeartacheOne More Heartache"One More Heartache" is a 1966 single recorded by Marvin Gaye for Motown Records' Tamla label. The single was written by the team of The Miracles members Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Pete Moore and Smokey Robinson and produced by Robinson....
" - "Take This Heart of MineTake This Heart of Mine"Take This Heart of Mine" is a song written by The Miracles members Warren "Pete" Moore, William "Smokey" Robinson and Marv Tarplin, produced by Robinson and released as a single by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, on Motown Records 'Tamla label in 1966....
" - "Little Darling (I Need You)Little Darling (I Need You)"Little Darling " is a 1966 single written and produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland and recorded and released by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla label....
" - "Your Unchanging LoveYour Unchanging Love"Your Unchanging Love" is a 1967 single released by American soul singer Marvin Gaye on the Tamla label.Written by Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song was featured on Marvin's Moods of Marvin Gaye album...
" - "I Heard It Through the GrapevineI Heard It through the Grapevine"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" is a landmark song in the history of Motown. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966, the single was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles...
" - "Too Busy Thinking About My BabyToo Busy Thinking About My Baby"Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" is a Motown song written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Janie Bradford. The song was first recorded by The Temptations as a track on their 1966 album Gettin' Ready. Eddie Kendricks sings lead on the recording, which was produced by Whitfield. Jimmy Ruffin...
" - "That's the Way Love IsThat's The Way Love Is"That's the Way Love Is" is a 1967 Tamla single recorded by The Isley Brothers and produced by Norman Whitfield, later covered in a 1969 hit version by Marvin Gaye....
" - "The End of Our RoadThe End of Our Road"The End of Our Road" is a single written by Roger Penzabene, Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1967. Originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips and issued as a single in 1968, the Pips' version of the song, which talked about the demise of a couple's relationship, became another top...
" - "Save the ChildrenSave the Children (song)"Save the Children" is a 1971 song written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson and Marvin Gaye and issued on Marvin's 1971 album, What's Going On...
"
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
They appeared as backing vocalists on these following recordings and singles for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell:
- "This Poor Heart Of Mine"
- "Give In, You Just Can't Win"
- "When Love Comes Knocking At My Heart"
- "Two Can Have A Party"
- "Come On And See Me"
- "Oh How I'd Miss You"
- "Love Woke Me Up This Morning"
Motorcity Records
As part of the Ian LevineIan Levine
Ian Levine is an English songwriter, producer, and DJ. He is also a well-known fan of the long-running television show Doctor Who.Levine attended Arnold School in Blackpool from 1963 to 1970...
's Motorcity Records
Motorcity Records
Motorcity Records is a British record label formed by producer Ian Levine in 1989. The label aimed to record new material with former Motown artists.-History:...
project in the late '80s and early '90s, The Andantes were signed to the label and once again provided a service in recording backing vocals to former Motown artists. By this time, Pat Lewis
Pat Lewis
-Biography:Pat Lewis was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1951. In the early 60s, Pat, her sister Dianne, and two friends formed the group, The Adorables, who recorded a record and began singing backing vocals for Golden World Records...
had joined Jackie, Marlene and Louvain (from 1989–1992). The women had not worked together in a number of years, although all had been busy providing demo and backing vocals for numerous artists on various labels.
Motorcity Records boss Ian Levine also recorded several songs with The Andantes, issuing a new single "Lightning Never Strikes Twice", which featured Louvain Demps on lead vocals. Most other songs recorded by the group at Motorcity had Pat Lewis on lead vocals.
Motorcity Recordings
Original Recordings- "Lightning Never Strikes Twice"
- "Hurricane"
- "Throw Love Away"
- "Step Into My Shoes" - also recorded by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas
- "Two Sides Of Love"
- "One Drop Of Rain"
- "Will You Always Be There"
- "Love Is A Bumpy Road"
- "All Around The Motorcity"
Cover Versions
- "Girls Are Out To Get You"
- "Superstition"
- "Mercy, Mercy Me"
- "I Wish" - cover of the Stevie Wonder classic
- "My World Is Empty Without You"
- "The Boss"
- "Last Dance"
- "Little Darlin'"
- "Why Am I Loving You"
Unreleased Tracks
- "Back In My Arms Again"
- "In And Out Of Love"
- "I Wish It Would Rain"
- "Waste of Time" (Instrumental only)
Louvain Demps - Better Times
Whilst under contract to Motorcity Records, Louvain was given the opportunity to step up to the microphone and record a full album, which was released in 1992 under the title 'Better Times', which includes original tunes and one cover of the Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
hit "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)
"Reach Out and Touch " was the debut solo single for Motown singer Diana Ross, released in April 1970.Ross, having just left The Supremes after a decade of serving as that group's lead singer, went through a difficult situation trying to piece a solo album together...
".
- "On The Front Page"
- "Better times"
- "One Shot At Happiness"
- "Lost & Found"
- "Good Intentions"
- "Blind Love"
- "On The Beach"
- "My Heart Won't Say No"
- "No Time For Tears"
- "Reach Out & Touch Somebody's Hand"
Louvain recorded two further tracks with Motorcity which did not appear on the above album:
- "On Top Of The Mountain"
- "Sight And Sound"
Pat Lewis
Ian Levine has cited that he has recorded more songs with Pat Lewis than with any other artist. Several songs recorded by Pat whilst with Motorcity Records are:
Cover Versions
- "I Want You Back"
- "Don't Leave Me This Way"
- "I'll Be There"
- "Selfish One"
- "Rescue Me"
Original Recordings
- "No Right Turn"
- "Hungry For You"
- "Something's Telling Me"