The Marvelettes
Encyclopedia
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. Postman
", and for setting the precedent for later Motown girl groups such as Martha and the Vandellas
and the Supremes
.
During their eight-year run on the Billboard
music charts the group scored 21 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
and 23 Billboard Hot 100
hit singles. Of these hits 3 were Top 10 Pop singles, 9 were top Top 10 R&B singles and their debut was #1 one on both charts.
and Georgia Dobbins formed the Casinyets (or "Can't Sing Yets") in their hometown Inkster, Michigan
a suburb located west of Detroit, Michigan
with backing vocalists Georgeanna Tillman, Wyanetta (usually spelled "Juanita") Cowart, and Katherine Anderson.
In 1961 the quintet, now called the Marvels, entered the Inkster High School talent show where they finished fourth. Although only the first three winners could win the prize of a trip to audition for the new Motown record company located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, an exception was made and they were allowed to audition as well. In April they did this for Motown executives Brian Holland and Robert Bateman with the girls alternating lead parts. They auditioned for Berry Gordy
and Smokey Robinson
who scheduled a second audition after asking if the group had any original material.
At the next audition Georgia arrived with pianist William Garrett who had also written a few tunes. Georgia had asked Garrett if he had any new songs and he showed her a blues song called "Please Mr. Postman" that had only a few lyrics and no music. Garrett agreed to Georgia's rewriting the song into something more favorable for a young girl group as long as he was given songwriting credit. Georgia, who had no previous songwriting experience, took the tune home and reconstructed it overnight keeping only the title.
The song by Dobbins and Garrett turned out to be the Marvelettes first single and their biggest hit, "Please Mr. Postman
." The group returned to Motown with the song and a new member, Wanda Young (later Rogers), who replaced Dobbins (whose church-going father was against the idea of his daughter singing in nightclubs) giving them, like The Shirelles
before, two lead singers.
was rush released to capitalize on the girls initial success but neither it nor subsequent four albums charted.
As their follow up, in a short-sighted move, Motown released "Twistin' Postman
" to capitalize on both the success of the groups first single and the twist
dance craze. Released in December 1961, as the fad was dying down, the song only reached #34 on the pop chart and #13 R&B. Despite this, the Marvelettes were becoming a popular touring group going on various Motown ensemble tours and even a few solo outings. A second album entitled The Marvelettes Sing (a.k.a. Smash Hits of '62) comprised 99% cover versions as the title suggests.
Their third album was called Playboy
and included songs from many accomplished writers such as Brian Holland, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Lamont Dozier. The album featured the hit singles "Playboy
" (#4 R&B, #7 Pop), "Beechwood 4-5789
" (#7 R&B, #17 Pop) and "Someday, Someway" (#8 R&B).
in 1962, Cowart finally left the group. Motown press releases called it a "nervous breakdown."
Not wanting to rest on their laurels the group forged ahead recording their fourth album The Marvelous Marvelettes. Despite their previous track record this album did not produce any major hits. Of the three singles released from the album the second single, "Locking Up My Heart
", fared the best. Horton was the main lead with Rogers on the latter portion on the tune singing falsetto. It reached #25 R&B and #44 Pop. The single may have done better chart wise but suffered from split airplay as the track "Forever", which featured Rogers, was its "B" side and also charted reaching #78 Pop. The other singles were "Strange, I Know" which reached #10 on R&B but only peaked at #49 Pop and "My Daddy Knows Best" which peaked at #67 Pop.
By 1964 the Marvelettes faced major competition, not only from other Motown artists like the Supremes
and Martha and the Vandellas
, but from bands from the British Invasion and surf-pop movements. The Marvelettes, Velvelettes and others turned down the song "Where Did Our Love Go
", written by the Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team. Instead, the Marvelettes chose to record Norman Whitfield
and Eddie Holland
's "Too Many Fish in the Sea". Meanwhile Motown made the 'no hit' Supremes record "Where Did Our Love Go". Even they did not much care for the song, which went on to reach #1 Pop and R&B.
In 1965 Georgeanna Tillman was battling lupus. As her health problems worsened her doctor advised her to stop touring and she left the group for good. She remained at Motown for a while as a secretary. Georgeanna Tillman married Billy Gordon (of the Contours
) in 1963. She died in 1980 from the complications of sickle-cell anemia
. The Marvelettes continued on as a trio.
During the two years following The Marvelous Marvelettes they issued a number of under-achieving singles, a live album called The Marvelettes Recorded Live On Stage and a greatest hits compilation The Marvelettes Greatest Hits which was actually not released until 16 February 1966. It included the earlier non-studio album singles "As Long As I Know He's Mine", "He's A Good Guy (Yes He Is)" and "You're My Remedy" all of which failed to make the Top 40.
" which has become a Motown and soul classic, reaching #15 R&B and #25 Pop on the Billboard charts. On the heels of their new-found success further singles were issued. "I'll Keep Holding On
", now a Northern soul anthem and non-album track, reached #34 Pop and #11 R&B, whilst "Danger! Heartbreak Dead Ahead" stalled at #61 Pop but also got to #11 R&B.
Just prior to the issue of their Greatest Hits album, a Smokey Robinson
composition called "Don't Mess with Bill" was released as a single, marking the beginning of a renewed partnership with the songwriter and leader of the Miracles
. "Don't Mess with Bill
", a seductive anthem about cheating, brought the group major success and a second million-selling, gold certified record. It reached #3 R&B and returned them to the Top 10 where it climbed to #7.
They continued their partnership with Robinson on their seventh album, The Marvelettes (Pink Album)
, which was released in 1967. It spawned the massively popular "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
" which just missed the top of the R&B charts, peaking at #2 and hit #13 Pop. They followed it up with a remake of the Ruby & the Romantics
' "When You're Young and in Love
", written by Van McCoy, peaking at #9 R&B and #23 Pop. It also gave the Marvelettes their only UK hit where it reached #13. During this period Robinson had begun to favour Rogers over Horton as lead singer on many of the groups songs.
after the new style under Rogers' lead and their reformed appearance. Singles released from the album included "You're The One" (#20 R&B, #48 Pop), "My Baby Must Be a Magician
" (#8 R&B, #17 Pop, featuring an exceptional introduction by Melvin Franklin of the Temptations
, "Destination: Anywhere" (#28 R&B, #63 Pop), (written by Ashford & Simpson
) and "Here I Am Baby" (#14 R&B, #44 Pop).
Motown had long since shifted support to more successful and newer artists on their roster. By the time their 1969 ninth album In Full Bloom was released Motown had all but sidelined the group providing mediocre publicity and a smaller budget. The group were also experiencing some internal problems which left them unable to do promotion. The album's only single, a remake of Justine Washington
's "That's How Heartaches Are Made", peaked at #97 Pop and failed at R&B. The Marvelettes were never to have another hit single. The album failed to chart on either Pop or R&B.
By 1970 the Marvelettes had ceased to exist in all but name due to serious internal conflict, Rogers personal problems and Motown's lack of interest. However, Motown thought that there was some mileage to be had from making Rogers into a solo star. Despite all her problems which would have prevented her from touring, Smokey cut an album with Rogers featuring the Andantes
, (Motown's in-house backing group), consisting mainly of older Motown songs. Motown thought it would have more commercial appeal if it was released under the Marvelettes name, hence the title The Return of the Marvelettes
. However Rogers was awaiting the birth of her third child (with her then husband Miracle Bobby Rogers
), and Motown was in the process of moving to Los Angeles. Although it failed to make the Billboard 200
chart, it did reach #50 on the US
Billboard
R&B
chart
. Motown issued two singles from the album, neither of which were hits, "Marionette" and "A Breathtaking Guy
". Meanwhile former Marvelette Anne Bogan went on to join trio Love, Peace & Happiness which evolved into group New Birth.
of the Supremes
, legislation was launched in 2006 to prevent artists from using the name of a group that does not have at least one original member.
In 2006, Horton appeared with Dazee Luv, Jaki-G & Denise Stubbs of Joe Harris' Undisputed Truth on PBSs My Music Salute to Early Motown.
An in-depth history of the group can be found in Marc Taylor's book, The Original Marvelettes: Motown's Mystery Girl Group and the Goldmine article on the group from its June 8, 1984 issue.
In 2007, the Marvelettes were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
In 2009, as part of Motown's 50th Anniversary celebrations, a new limited-edition triple-CD set on the group entitled The Marvelettes: Forever – The Complete Motown Albums Vol. 1 was released. This featured the group's first six albums, some of which had never been released on CD. Vol. 2 is scheduled for release in 2011.
Rogers currently lives in the Detroit suburb of Westland, Michigan
. She made a brief return to performing in the early 1990s as a solo artist, re-recording some of the Marvelettes' hits, such as "Don't Mess With Bill". Her last public appearance was in early 2006 when she attended a play hosted by Katherine Anderson Schaffner.
Katherine Elaine Anderson Schaffner retired from singing when the group disbanded in 1972 (the year Motown began its transition to Los Angeles). She has become very involved in helping troubled teenagers in the Detroit area. She appeared in 2006 to attend a play in her home town of Inkster, Michigan, where she still lives. Her last appearance was at the Motown 50th Anniversary, held at the Roostertail in Detroit on November 21, 2009. Katherine (Kat to her friends) is the mother of two adult children, Keisha and Kalaine Schaffner. She is also the grandmother of one grandson, Toure Schaffner. Of all the original Marvelettes, Katherine is the most active today. She was one of the writers of the Gladys Knight & The Pips
hit, "I Don't Want To Do Wrong."
Gladys Catherine Horton semi-retired from the business to take care of her handicapped son; however, she still performed on occasion as "Gladys Horton of the Marvelettes". She had lived in southern California since the early 1970s. She died at age 66 on January 26, 2011, at a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, California following several strokes.
On August 12, 1963, Georgeanna Marie Tillman married Billy Gordon of The Contours
; she left the group about two years later. On January 6, 1980, she died from complications of lupus
and sickle-cell anemia
, at age 36. She is interred at the Metropolitan Memorial Park in Belleville, Michigan
.
Juanita Cowart Motley officially left the Marvelettes back in the late winter/early spring of 1962 (though she would occasionally record with the group until early 1963). Shortly after, she bought a candy store on Michigan Avenue, in her neighborhood of Inkster, Michigan, with $1,500.00 she had saved as a Marvelette. Her last appearance in public was in 2006 when she attended a play in her home town of Inkster, Michigan, where she still lives.
After the Marvelettes disbanded in 1972, Anne Bogan went on to lead an RCA trio known as Love, Peace & Happiness, which was part of the group New Birth. Ann settled into a secure nine-to-five job in Cleveland. She is alive and well in Cleveland, Ohio
, and sings with a gospel group.
(** there was no Billboard R&B chart during this time.)
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singing
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
girl group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
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. Postman
Please Mr. Postman
"Please Mr. Postman" is the debut single by The Marvelettes for the Tamla label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr...
", and for setting the precedent for later Motown girl groups such as Martha and the Vandellas
Martha and the Vandellas
Martha and the Vandellas were among the most successful groups of the Motown roster during the period 1963–1967...
and 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...
.
During their eight-year run on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
music charts the group scored 21 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
and 23 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...
hit singles. Of these hits 3 were Top 10 Pop singles, 9 were top Top 10 R&B singles and their debut was #1 one on both charts.
Origins
Gladys HortonGladys 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:...
and Georgia Dobbins formed the Casinyets (or "Can't Sing Yets") in their hometown Inkster, Michigan
Inkster, Michigan
Inkster is a city in Wayne County of the U.S. state of Michigan. At the 2010 census, the city population was 25,369. It is one of several suburbs in Metro Detroit whose population is majority or plurality African American.- History :...
a suburb located west of Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
with backing vocalists Georgeanna Tillman, Wyanetta (usually spelled "Juanita") Cowart, and Katherine Anderson.
In 1961 the quintet, now called the Marvels, entered the Inkster High School talent show where they finished fourth. Although only the first three winners could win the prize of a trip to audition for the new Motown record company located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, an exception was made and they were allowed to audition as well. In April they did this for Motown executives Brian Holland and Robert Bateman with the girls alternating lead parts. They auditioned for Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy, Jr. is an American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries.-Early years:...
and Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
who scheduled a second audition after asking if the group had any original material.
At the next audition Georgia arrived with pianist William Garrett who had also written a few tunes. Georgia had asked Garrett if he had any new songs and he showed her a blues song called "Please Mr. Postman" that had only a few lyrics and no music. Garrett agreed to Georgia's rewriting the song into something more favorable for a young girl group as long as he was given songwriting credit. Georgia, who had no previous songwriting experience, took the tune home and reconstructed it overnight keeping only the title.
The song by Dobbins and Garrett turned out to be the Marvelettes first single and their biggest hit, "Please Mr. Postman
Please Mr. Postman
"Please Mr. Postman" is the debut single by The Marvelettes for the Tamla label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr...
." The group returned to Motown with the song and a new member, Wanda Young (later Rogers), who replaced Dobbins (whose church-going father was against the idea of his daughter singing in nightclubs) giving them, like The Shirelles
The Shirelles
The Shirelles were an African-American girl group that achieved popularity in the early 1960s. They consisted of schoolmates Shirley Owens , Doris Coley , Addie "Micki" Harris , and Beverly Lee...
before, two lead singers.
Early success
Motown gave the Marvels the star treatment. Gordy renamed the group the Marvelettes and had "Please Mr. Postman" re-written for them and released as their first single in the summer of 1961 on the Tamla imprint with Horton singing lead. The song took fourteen weeks to hit the #1 position on the Pop chart, a record for its time. The song also held at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart for seven consecutive weeks. It was the first of two million-selling gold certified 45's for the group. An album also called Please Mr. PostmanPlease Mr. Postman (album)
Please Mr. Postman is the 1961 debut LP from Motown girl group The Marvelettes and the sixth album ever released by the company. The focal track is the number-one hit single, "Please Mr. Postman"...
was rush released to capitalize on the girls initial success but neither it nor subsequent four albums charted.
As their follow up, in a short-sighted move, Motown released "Twistin' Postman
Twistin' Postman
"Twistin' Postman" is a song recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes, who released it in 1961, and was the follow-up to their smash debut single, "Please Mr. Postman". Much like that song, it is led by original Marvelette Gladys Horton, and is partially based on the then-current Twist...
" to capitalize on both the success of the groups first single and the twist
Twist (dance)
The Twist was a dance inspired by rock and roll music. It became the first worldwide dance craze in the early 1960s, enjoying immense popularity among young people and drawing fire from critics who felt it was too provocative. It inspired dances such as the Jerk, the Pony, the Watusi, the Mashed...
dance craze. Released in December 1961, as the fad was dying down, the song only reached #34 on the pop chart and #13 R&B. Despite this, the Marvelettes were becoming a popular touring group going on various Motown ensemble tours and even a few solo outings. A second album entitled The Marvelettes Sing (a.k.a. Smash Hits of '62) comprised 99% cover versions as the title suggests.
Their third album was called Playboy
Playboy (The Marvelettes album)
Playboy is the third album by Motown girl group, The Marvelettes, released to capitalize on their hit singles "Playboy" and "Beechwood 4-5789", in 1962. It also includes the single, "Someday, Someway", and heartfelt standard, "Forever", which would be released as a single the following year. Other...
and included songs from many accomplished writers such as Brian Holland, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Lamont Dozier. The album featured the hit singles "Playboy
Playboy (The Marvelettes song)
"Playboy" is a song composed by Brian Holland, Robert Bateman, Mickey Stevenson and singer Gladys Horton, lead vocalist of the Motown singing group The Marvelettes, who recorded the song and released it as a single on Motown's Tamla imprint in 1962...
" (#4 R&B, #7 Pop), "Beechwood 4-5789
Beechwood 4-5789
"Beechwood 4-5789" is a 1962 single released by Motown girl group The Marvelettes on the Tamla record label.-Original version:Written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson and George Gordy, the lyrics are about the narrator wanting a man she just met to call her number in order to "have a...
" (#7 R&B, #17 Pop) and "Someday, Someway" (#8 R&B).
Stumbling blocks
By this time founding member Juanita Cowart was suffering from depression. After a mistake on American BandstandAmerican Bandstand
American Bandstand is an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as producer...
in 1962, Cowart finally left the group. Motown press releases called it a "nervous breakdown."
Not wanting to rest on their laurels the group forged ahead recording their fourth album The Marvelous Marvelettes. Despite their previous track record this album did not produce any major hits. Of the three singles released from the album the second single, "Locking Up My Heart
Locking Up My Heart
"Locking Up My Heart" is a 1963 single released by Motown girl group The Marvelettes on the Tamla record label.The first charting single written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland,1 "Locking Up My Heart" was also the first single to feature Wanda Young as lead...
", fared the best. Horton was the main lead with Rogers on the latter portion on the tune singing falsetto. It reached #25 R&B and #44 Pop. The single may have done better chart wise but suffered from split airplay as the track "Forever", which featured Rogers, was its "B" side and also charted reaching #78 Pop. The other singles were "Strange, I Know" which reached #10 on R&B but only peaked at #49 Pop and "My Daddy Knows Best" which peaked at #67 Pop.
By 1964 the Marvelettes faced major competition, not only from other Motown artists like 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...
and Martha and the Vandellas
Martha and the Vandellas
Martha and the Vandellas were among the most successful groups of the Motown roster during the period 1963–1967...
, but from bands from the British Invasion and surf-pop movements. The Marvelettes, Velvelettes and others turned down the song "Where Did Our Love Go
Where Did Our Love Go
"Where Did Our Love Go" is a 1964 song recorded by The Supremes for the Motown label.Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, "Where Did Our Love Go" was the first single by the Supremes to go to the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart...
", written by the Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team. Instead, the Marvelettes chose to record Norman Whitfield
Norman Whitfield
Norman Jesse Whitfield was an American songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Berry Gordy's Motown label during the 1960s...
and Eddie Holland
Edward Holland, Jr.
Edward Holland, Jr. is an American singer, songwriter and record producer....
's "Too Many Fish in the Sea". Meanwhile Motown made the 'no hit' Supremes record "Where Did Our Love Go". Even they did not much care for the song, which went on to reach #1 Pop and R&B.
In 1965 Georgeanna Tillman was battling lupus. As her health problems worsened her doctor advised her to stop touring and she left the group for good. She remained at Motown for a while as a secretary. Georgeanna Tillman married Billy Gordon (of the Contours
The Contours
The Contours were one of the early African-American soul singing groups signed to Motown Records.The group is best known for its Billboard Top 10 hit, "Do You Love Me," a million-selling song that peaked twice in the Top 20....
) in 1963. She died in 1980 from the complications of sickle-cell anemia
Sickle-cell disease
Sickle-cell disease , or sickle-cell anaemia or drepanocytosis, is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder with overdominance, characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. Sickling decreases the cells' flexibility and results in a risk of various...
. The Marvelettes continued on as a trio.
During the two years following The Marvelous Marvelettes they issued a number of under-achieving singles, a live album called The Marvelettes Recorded Live On Stage and a greatest hits compilation The Marvelettes Greatest Hits which was actually not released until 16 February 1966. It included the earlier non-studio album singles "As Long As I Know He's Mine", "He's A Good Guy (Yes He Is)" and "You're My Remedy" all of which failed to make the Top 40.
The "comeback"
The group's first notable hit in nearly two years came at the end of 1964 with the Holland-Whitfield composition "Too Many Fish in the SeaToo Many Fish in the Sea
"Too Many Fish in the Sea" is a 1964 hit song recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes. It was the group's first top 40 pop hit in almost a year reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the first hit singles written by Norman Whitfield and was also written by Eddie...
" which has become a Motown and soul classic, reaching #15 R&B and #25 Pop on the Billboard charts. On the heels of their new-found success further singles were issued. "I'll Keep Holding On
I'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...
", now a Northern soul anthem and non-album track, reached #34 Pop and #11 R&B, whilst "Danger! Heartbreak Dead Ahead" stalled at #61 Pop but also got to #11 R&B.
Just prior to the issue of their Greatest Hits album, a Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
composition called "Don't Mess with Bill" was released as a single, marking the beginning of a renewed partnership with the songwriter and leader of the Miracles
The Miracles
The Miracles are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Record Corporation . Their single "Shop Around" was Motown's first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of Motown's signature...
. "Don't Mess with Bill
Don'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...
", a seductive anthem about cheating, brought the group major success and a second million-selling, gold certified record. It reached #3 R&B and returned them to the Top 10 where it climbed to #7.
They continued their partnership with Robinson on their seventh album, The Marvelettes (Pink Album)
The Marvelettes (album)
The Marvelettes a.k.a. The Pink Album is a 1967 album by American vocal group The Marvelettes, also their seventh LP.-Overview:Recording began in 1966. Smokey Robinson handled much of the production. There is also production from James Dean and William Weatherspoon who would provide material for...
, which was released in 1967. It spawned the massively popular "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
The 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....
" which just missed the top of the R&B charts, peaking at #2 and hit #13 Pop. They followed it up with a remake of the Ruby & the Romantics
Ruby & the Romantics
Ruby & the Romantics was an American R&B group in the 1960s. They had several pop and R&B hit records, but are sometimes considered as a one-hit wonder for topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963 with their first recording, "Our Day Will Come", written by Mort Garson and Bob Hilliard...
' "When You're Young and in Love
When 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...
", written by Van McCoy, peaking at #9 R&B and #23 Pop. It also gave the Marvelettes their only UK hit where it reached #13. During this period Robinson had begun to favour Rogers over Horton as lead singer on many of the groups songs.
Danger: dead end ahead
In 1967 co-lead singer Horton left the group to get married and was replaced by Anne Bogan. Their eighth album was named Sophisticated SoulSophisticated Soul
Sophisticated Soul is the eighth LP issued by Motown girl-group The Marvelettes. It is the first album to feature Anne Bogan who replaced Gladys Horton in 1967, although Horton's voice is featured on one of the tracks...
after the new style under Rogers' lead and their reformed appearance. Singles released from the album included "You're The One" (#20 R&B, #48 Pop), "My Baby Must Be a Magician
My 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...
" (#8 R&B, #17 Pop, featuring an exceptional introduction by Melvin Franklin of 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,...
, "Destination: Anywhere" (#28 R&B, #63 Pop), (written by Ashford & Simpson
Ashford & Simpson
Nickolas Ashford , and Valerie Simpson , were a husband and wife songwriting/production team and recording artists....
) and "Here I Am Baby" (#14 R&B, #44 Pop).
Motown had long since shifted support to more successful and newer artists on their roster. By the time their 1969 ninth album In Full Bloom was released Motown had all but sidelined the group providing mediocre publicity and a smaller budget. The group were also experiencing some internal problems which left them unable to do promotion. The album's only single, a remake of Justine Washington
Justine Washington
Justine "Baby" Washington is an American soul music vocalist.-Life and career:Washington was raised in Harlem, New York. In 1956, she joined the vocal group The Hearts, then became s a solo artist the following year. Washington had 16 rhythm and blues chart entries in 15 years, most of them during...
's "That's How Heartaches Are Made", peaked at #97 Pop and failed at R&B. The Marvelettes were never to have another hit single. The album failed to chart on either Pop or R&B.
By 1970 the Marvelettes had ceased to exist in all but name due to serious internal conflict, Rogers personal problems and Motown's lack of interest. However, Motown thought that there was some mileage to be had from making Rogers into a solo star. Despite all her problems which would have prevented her from touring, Smokey cut an album with Rogers featuring the Andantes
The Andantes
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 group sang background vocals on numerous Motown recordings, including songs by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, The Temptations, Stevie...
, (Motown's in-house backing group), consisting mainly of older Motown songs. Motown thought it would have more commercial appeal if it was released under the Marvelettes name, hence the title 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...
. However Rogers was awaiting the birth of her third child (with her then husband Miracle Bobby Rogers
Bobby Rogers
Bobby Rogers is an American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a member of Motown Records' first signed act and first million selling group The Miracles from 1956 to present. He is also the grandfather of R&B singer Brandi Williams from R&B girl group Blaque-Life:Rogers is the son of the late...
), and Motown was in the process of moving to Los Angeles. Although it failed to make the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart, it did reach #50 on the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
R&B
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart
Record chart
A record chart is a ranking of recorded music according to popularity during a given period of time. Examples of music charts are the Hit parade, Hot 100 or Top 40....
. Motown issued two singles from the album, neither of which were hits, "Marionette" and "A Breathtaking Guy
A 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...
". Meanwhile former Marvelette Anne Bogan went on to join trio Love, Peace & Happiness which evolved into group New Birth.
Legacy
Due to Motown's decision to sell the name "Marvelettes" to a promoter, Larry Marshak, none of the original members are able to tour under the name "Marvelettes" in the United States. Several groups bill themselves as "The Marvelettes", however these women are much younger than the original lineup. Thanks to the efforts of people like Mary WilsonMary Wilson
Mary Wilson may refer to:* Mary Wilson, Baroness Wilson of Rievaulx , British poet, widow of former British prime minister, Harold Wilson* Mary Wilson , American singer, member of The Supremes...
of 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...
, legislation was launched in 2006 to prevent artists from using the name of a group that does not have at least one original member.
In 2006, Horton appeared with Dazee Luv, Jaki-G & Denise Stubbs of Joe Harris' Undisputed Truth on PBSs My Music Salute to Early Motown.
An in-depth history of the group can be found in Marc Taylor's book, The Original Marvelettes: Motown's Mystery Girl Group and the Goldmine article on the group from its June 8, 1984 issue.
In 2007, the Marvelettes were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
In 2009, as part of Motown's 50th Anniversary celebrations, a new limited-edition triple-CD set on the group entitled The Marvelettes: Forever – The Complete Motown Albums Vol. 1 was released. This featured the group's first six albums, some of which had never been released on CD. Vol. 2 is scheduled for release in 2011.
Later years
- Wanda Young Rogers
Rogers currently lives in the Detroit suburb of Westland, Michigan
Westland, Michigan
Westland is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located about west of downtown Detroit. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 84,094.-Politics:...
. She made a brief return to performing in the early 1990s as a solo artist, re-recording some of the Marvelettes' hits, such as "Don't Mess With Bill". Her last public appearance was in early 2006 when she attended a play hosted by Katherine Anderson Schaffner.
- Katherine Anderson
Katherine Elaine Anderson Schaffner retired from singing when the group disbanded in 1972 (the year Motown began its transition to Los Angeles). She has become very involved in helping troubled teenagers in the Detroit area. She appeared in 2006 to attend a play in her home town of Inkster, Michigan, where she still lives. Her last appearance was at the Motown 50th Anniversary, held at the Roostertail in Detroit on November 21, 2009. Katherine (Kat to her friends) is the mother of two adult children, Keisha and Kalaine Schaffner. She is also the grandmother of one grandson, Toure Schaffner. Of all the original Marvelettes, Katherine is the most active today. She was one of the writers of the Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips were an R&B/soul family musical act from Atlanta, Georgia, active from 1953 to 1989. The group was best known for their string of hit singles on Motown's "Soul" record label and Buddah Records from 1967 to 1975, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight...
hit, "I Don't Want To Do Wrong."
- Gladys Horton
Gladys Catherine Horton semi-retired from the business to take care of her handicapped son; however, she still performed on occasion as "Gladys Horton of the Marvelettes". She had lived in southern California since the early 1970s. She died at age 66 on January 26, 2011, at a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, California following several strokes.
- Georgeanna Tillman
On August 12, 1963, Georgeanna Marie Tillman married Billy Gordon of The Contours
The Contours
The Contours were one of the early African-American soul singing groups signed to Motown Records.The group is best known for its Billboard Top 10 hit, "Do You Love Me," a million-selling song that peaked twice in the Top 20....
; she left the group about two years later. On January 6, 1980, she died from complications of lupus
Lupus
Lupus most commonly refers to the disease systemic lupus erythematosus.Lupus may also refer to:-Medicine:* Lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease with several different forms...
and sickle-cell anemia
Sickle-cell disease
Sickle-cell disease , or sickle-cell anaemia or drepanocytosis, is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder with overdominance, characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. Sickling decreases the cells' flexibility and results in a risk of various...
, at age 36. She is interred at the Metropolitan Memorial Park in Belleville, Michigan
Belleville, Michigan
Belleville is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,991 at the 2010 census. It is the sister city of Machynlleth, Wales. Belleville is southeast of Ann Arbor and southwest of Detroit.-Geography:...
.
- Juanita Cowart
Juanita Cowart Motley officially left the Marvelettes back in the late winter/early spring of 1962 (though she would occasionally record with the group until early 1963). Shortly after, she bought a candy store on Michigan Avenue, in her neighborhood of Inkster, Michigan, with $1,500.00 she had saved as a Marvelette. Her last appearance in public was in 2006 when she attended a play in her home town of Inkster, Michigan, where she still lives.
- Ann Bogan
After the Marvelettes disbanded in 1972, Anne Bogan went on to lead an RCA trio known as Love, Peace & Happiness, which was part of the group New Birth. Ann settled into a secure nine-to-five job in Cleveland. She is alive and well in Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, and sings with a gospel group.
Albums
| Year | Album | Peak chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Pop Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US R&B Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
||||
| 1961 | Please Mr. Postman Please Mr. Postman (album) Please Mr. Postman is the 1961 debut LP from Motown girl group The Marvelettes and the sixth album ever released by the company. The focal track is the number-one hit single, "Please Mr. Postman"... |
— | — | ||
| 1962 | The Marvelettes Sing (aka Smash Hits of '62) | — | — | ||
| Playboy Playboy (The Marvelettes album) Playboy is the third album by Motown girl group, The Marvelettes, released to capitalize on their hit singles "Playboy" and "Beechwood 4-5789", in 1962. It also includes the single, "Someday, Someway", and heartfelt standard, "Forever", which would be released as a single the following year. Other... |
— | — | |||
| 1963 | The Marvelous Marvelettes | — | — | ||
| The Marvelettes Recorded Live On Stage | — | — | |||
| 1966 | The Marvelettes Greatest Hits | 84 | 4 | ||
| 1967 | The Marvelettes (Pink Album) The Marvelettes (album) The Marvelettes a.k.a. The Pink Album is a 1967 album by American vocal group The Marvelettes, also their seventh LP.-Overview:Recording began in 1966. Smokey Robinson handled much of the production. There is also production from James Dean and William Weatherspoon who would provide material for... |
129 | 13 | ||
| 1968 | Sophisticated Soul Sophisticated Soul Sophisticated Soul is the eighth LP issued by Motown girl-group The Marvelettes. It is the first album to feature Anne Bogan who replaced Gladys Horton in 1967, although Horton's voice is featured on one of the tracks... |
— | 41 | ||
| 1969 | In Full Bloom | — | — | ||
| 1970 | 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... |
— | 50 | ||
| 1975 | The Marvelettes Anthology | — | — | ||
| Best of The Marvelettes | — | — | |||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Pop 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... |
US R&B Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,... |
UK UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
||
| 1961 | "Please Mr. Postman Please Mr. Postman "Please Mr. Postman" is the debut single by The Marvelettes for the Tamla label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr... " (Tamla 54046) "So Long Baby" |
1 | 1 | — |
| "Twistin' Postman Twistin' Postman "Twistin' Postman" is a song recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes, who released it in 1961, and was the follow-up to their smash debut single, "Please Mr. Postman". Much like that song, it is led by original Marvelette Gladys Horton, and is partially based on the then-current Twist... " (54054) "I Want a Guy I Want a Guy "I Want a Guy" is a song written by Berry Gordy and was the debuting single for Motown girl group The Supremes in 1961. It was also recorded by The Marvelettes... " |
34 | 13 | — | |
| 1962 | "Playboy Playboy (The Marvelettes song) "Playboy" is a song composed by Brian Holland, Robert Bateman, Mickey Stevenson and singer Gladys Horton, lead vocalist of the Motown singing group The Marvelettes, who recorded the song and released it as a single on Motown's Tamla imprint in 1962... " (54060) "All the Love I've Got" |
7 | 4 | — |
| "Beechwood 4-5789 Beechwood 4-5789 "Beechwood 4-5789" is a 1962 single released by Motown girl group The Marvelettes on the Tamla record label.-Original version:Written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson and George Gordy, the lyrics are about the narrator wanting a man she just met to call her number in order to "have a... " (54065) / |
17 | 7 | — | |
| "Someday, Someway" (54065) | — | 8 | — | |
| "Strange I Know" (54072) "Too Strong to Be Strung Along" |
49 | 10 | — | |
| 1963 | "Locking Up My Heart Locking Up My Heart "Locking Up My Heart" is a 1963 single released by Motown girl group The Marvelettes on the Tamla record label.The first charting single written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland,1 "Locking Up My Heart" was also the first single to feature Wanda Young as lead... " (54077) / |
44 | 25 | — |
| "Forever" (54077) | 44 | 24 | — | |
| "My Daddy Knows Best" (54082) "Tie a String Around Your Finger" |
67 | ** | — | |
| "As Long as I Know He's Mine" (54088) "Little Girl Blue" |
47 | ** | — | |
| "Too Hurt to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye" (as The Darnells) (Gordy 7024) "Come on Home" |
117 | ** | — | |
| 1964 | "He's a Good Guy (Yes He Is)" (54091) "Goddess of Love" |
55 | ** | — |
| "You're My Remedy" (54097) "A Little Bit of Sympathy, a Little Bit of Love" |
48 | ** | — | |
| "Too Many Fish in the Sea Too Many Fish in the Sea "Too Many Fish in the Sea" is a 1964 hit song recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes. It was the group's first top 40 pop hit in almost a year reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the first hit singles written by Norman Whitfield and was also written by Eddie... " (54105) "A Need for Love" |
25 | 15 | — | |
| 1965 | "I'll Keep Holding On I'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... " (54115) "No Time for Tears" |
34 | 11 | — |
| "Danger! Heartbreak Dead Ahead" (54120) "Your Cheating Ways" |
61 | 11 | — | |
| 1966 | "Don't Mess with Bill Don'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... " (54126) "Anything You Wanna Do" |
7 | 3 | — |
| "You're the One" (54131) "Paper Boy" |
48 | 20 | — | |
| 1967 | "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game The 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.... " (54143) "I Think I Can Change You" |
13 | 2 | — |
| "When You're Young and in Love When 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... " (only UK charting single) (54150) "The Day You Take One, You Have to Take the Other" |
23 | 9 | 13 | |
| 1968 | "My Baby Must Be a Magician My 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... " (with Melvin Franklin, guest vocal) (54158) "I Need Someone" |
17 | 8 | — |
| "Here I am Baby" (54166) "Keep Off, No Trespassing" |
44 | 14 | — | |
| "Destination: Anywhere" (54171) / | 63 | 28 | — | |
| "What's Easy for Two Is So Hard for One" (54171) | 114 | — | — | |
| 1969 | "I'm Gonna Hold on as Long as I Can" (54177) "Don't Make Hurting Me a Habit" |
76 | — | — |
| "That's How Heartaches are Made" (54186) "Rainy Mourning" |
97 | — | — | |
| 1970 | "Marionette" (54198) "After All After All (The Miracles song) "After All" is a 1960 song written by Smokey Robinson and originally recorded and released by The Miracles on the Tamla label. It was later covered as an unreleased single by The Supremes for Tamla; it was canceled in favor of the single "Buttered Popcorn", and their cover wasn't released until it... " |
— | — | — |
| 1971 | "A Breath-Taking Guy A 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... " (54213) "You're the One for Me Bobby" |
— | — | — |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | ||||
(** there was no Billboard R&B chart during this time.)
Tamla Motown UK releases
Including catalogue numbers- TML11008 The Marvelous Marvelettes LP
- STML/TML11052 The Marvelettes LP
- STML/TML11090 Sophisticated Soul LP
- STML/TML11145 In Full Bloom LP
- STML11258 The Best of The Marvelettes LP
- TMG518 I'll Keep Holding On / No Time For Tears 7"
- TMG535 Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead / Your Cheating Ways 7"
- TMG546 Don't Mess with Bill / Anything You Wanna Do 7"
- TMG562 You're the One / Paper Boy 7"
- TMG594 The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game / I Think I Can Change You 7"
- TMG609 When You're Young and in Love / The Day You Take One (You Have to Take the Other) 7"
- TMG639 My Baby Must Be a Magician / I Need Someone 7"
- TMG659 Here I Am Baby / Keep Off No Trespassing 7"
- TMG701 Reachin' for Something I Can't Have / Destination Anywhere 7"
- TMG860 Reachin' for Something I Can't Have / Here I Am Baby 7"
- TMG939 When You're Young and in Love / The Day You Take One (You Have to Take the Other) 7"
- TME2003 The Marvelettes EP
Awards and recognition
- 1995: The Rhythm & Blues Pioneer Award (Rhythm & Blues Foundation).
- 2004: Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of FameVocal Group Hall of FameThe Vocal Group Hall of Fame was organized to honor outstanding vocal groups throughout the world. It is headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, United States. It includes a theater and a museum....
. - 2005: RIAA-certified gold records for "Please Mr. PostmanPlease Mr. Postman"Please Mr. Postman" is the debut single by The Marvelettes for the Tamla label, notable as the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The single achieved this position in late 1961; it hit number one on the R&B chart as well. "Please Mr...
" and "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...
".