Motown/Soul/R&B (120 Artists) 3 of 23

Motown (Soul/R&B), or the Motown sound, is a style of rhythm and blues music named after the record company Motown in Detroit, where teams of songwriters and musicians produced material for girl groups, boy bands, and solo singers during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Links to 120 Motown (Soul/R&B) artists:

Adams, Faye (1923- ). “Shake a Hand” Post 36. (https://youtu.be/IPoEs8Aop4Y).

Armstrong, Louis (1901-1971). “Greatest Hits” Post 30 (https://youtu.be/Nsu520GQWME) (RQ10).

Bailey, Chloe. (19 yrs old) “Upper Register” Post 37. (https://youtu.be/pntB7it50ls).

Ballard, Hank & The Midnighters (1927-2003). “The Twist” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/2qoY93CkwlA) (RQ 8).

Bass, Fontella (1940-2012). “Rescue Me” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/x7BeGDZewHs) (RQ 10).

Bell, Archie & The Drells (1966-1980). “Tighten Up” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/Wro3bqi4Eb8) (RQ 8).

Benjamin, Benny (1925-1969). (drummer) “Jozil Mix” Post 19. (https://youtu.be/S3rWXzjA-BE).

Bostic, Earl (1913-1965). (saxophone) “Where or When” Post 12. (https://youtu.be/kGOLDtnRTa0).

Bradley, Jan (1943- ). “Mama Don’t Lie” Post 12 (https://youtu.be/eu1FN09x7-4) (RQ 8).

Brown, Chris (1989- ). “Kiss Kiss” Posts 32 & 33 (https://youtu.be/DNbj7KNAyLE) (RQ 8).

Brown, James. (1933-2006). “It’s a Mans World & Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” Posts 12, 30 & 56 (https://youtu.be/QE5D2hJhacU) (RQ 10).

Burke, Soloman (1940-2010). “The Price” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/0zqeOsKBibc).

Carter, Clarence (1936-). “Slip Away” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/tj8eAHn_2YM) (RQ 8).

Chambers Brothers (1954-1972). George Chambers died October 12, 2019, at age 88. “Funky” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/EVJlCVPhhwY) (RQ 8).

Charles, Ray. (1930-2004) “Georgia on My Mind” Post 12 (https://youtu.be/fRgWBN8yt_E) (RQ 10).

Conley, Arthur. (1946-2003) “Sweet Soul Music” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/grE0lwTsSPg) (RQ 8).

Cool and the Gang (1964-). “Get Down on It” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/Wjh4p2uIvVU) (RQ 8).

Covay, Don (1936-2015). “Mercy Mercy” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/pWioaVN9olY)

Curtis, King (1934-1971). (Saxophone) “Memphis Soul Stew & Chief Called” Posts 6 & 19. (https://youtu.be/4Sm9n-6hy6M).

Crawford, Carolyn (1949-). “My Smile is Just a Frown” Post 35 (https://youtu.be/vGOkUkBU7e4) (RQ 8).

Dean, Debbie (1928-2001). “Don’t Let Him Shop Around” Post 35 (https://youtu.be/D-tqAiyE0N8).

Dekker, Desmond & The Aces (1941-2006). “Istaelites” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/0wSXTN2EfRo).

Doe, Ernie K (1933-2001). “Mother in Law” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/49iEnlvEbpU) (RQ 7).

Domino, Fats (1928-2017). “Ain’t that a Shame” Post 12 (https://youtu.be/I6JZW7zMDfY) (RQ 10).

Drake (1986-). “I’m Goin In” Post 33. (https://youtu.be/RMZaXO5fLc0).

Dukes, Kelvin. (14 yrs old) “Ain’t No Way” Post 37. (https://youtu.be/QC8DnUlvUso).

Dyke & The Blazers (1965-1971). “Funky Broadway” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/3C5Kl58eMTA).

Eminem (1972-). “Lose Yourself” Post 33. (https://youtu.be/tR1ECf4sEpw).

Everett, Betty (1939-2001). “The Shoop Shoop Song” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/4L7WTpxcPfQ) (RQ 8).

Floyd, Eddie (1937 – ). “Knock on Wood.” Motown/Soul/R&B. (https://youtu.be/1-KWX26Dwv8) (RQ 10).

Four Tops (1953- ). Abdul “Duke” Fakir is the only surviving original member. Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr and Alexander Morris have passed on. “Baby I Need Your Loving” Post 1 (https://youtu.be/joqjBAJx4ZA) (RQ 10); “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” Post 1. (https://youtu.be/s3bksUSPB4c); “Reach Out I’ll Be There” Post 1 (https://youtu.be/2EaflX0MWRo) (RQ 8) and “Bernadette” Post 1. (https://youtu.be/Y9l4MGwpQS0).

Franklin, Aretha (1942-2018). Known as the “Queen of Soul.” Her famous songs: “Respect” Posts 1, 38 (https://youtu.be/9iayJ8u4Qew) (RQ 10); “Chain of Fools” Post 1. (https://youtu.be/5C4FnlftQt4); “Think” Post 1. (https://youtu.be/hsL9UL9qbv8); “You Made Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” Post 1 (https://youtu.be/qz2efshhuq4) and “Say a Little Prayer” Posts 1, 31 & 33 (https://youtu.be/7Ifw8JhDBvs) (RQ 9).

Freeman, Bobby (1940-2017). “C’Mon and Swim” Post 54. (https://youtu.be/h6S5v6lLEgs).

Gaye, Marvin (1939-1984). “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/hajBdDM2qdg) (RQ 9).

Gray, Dobie (1940-2011). “Drift Away” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/gr_eVcCAUXo) (RQ 9).

Greaves, R. B. (1943-2012), who wrote and sang the memorable 1969 hit “Take a Letter Maria,” (https://youtu.be/DSbXNjsLdRM) (RQ 9). The soul singer, a nephew of Sam Cooke, died Sept. 27, 2012 of prostate cancer, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said Wednesday. “Take a Letter Maria” — the label used no comma — hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1969, selling more than a million copies. Its Latin-leaning rhythm, catchy melody and sharp, of-the-moment horn lines punctuated iconoclastic lyrics about a hardworking man who comes home to find “the woman I thought I knew in the arms of another man.” Rather than pull a pistol and waste them both, as a Delta bluesman might have, he heads to the office the next day and has his secretary fire off a missive to the cheating wife, saying he plans to divorce her — famously noting that his lawyer be cc’d.

Green, Al (1946- ). “Greatest Hits” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/csZV3w_nscg) (RQ 9).

Hayes, Isaac (1942-2008). “Soul Man” Post 3 (https://youtu.be/EVGiykCYHCE) (RQ 6).

Holloway, Brenda (1946- ). “Every Little Bit Hurts” 36. (https://youtu.be/lfBXQhJ8yeM).

Hughes, Jimmy (1938- ). “Steal Away” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/eAVmPkOrIkY) (RQ 8).

Ifil, Faith. (12 yrs old) “Proud Mary” Post 37. (https://youtu.be/aii62acsp_E).

Jackson, Chuck (1937- ). Mix “Any Day Now“ Post 6 (https://youtu.be/RPgE991VDwM) (RQ 10).

Jamerson, James (1936-1983). (electric bass) “What’s Going On” Post 19. (https://youtu.be/jxzlFw01V6Q.

John, Dr. – Malcolm John Rebennack Jr – (1941-2019) “What a Wonderful World” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/FUExCDFT2UY).

Knight, Gladys & The Pips (1944- ). “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” Posr 5 (https://youtu.be/WWvwP72FuVg) (RQ 7).

Lance, Major (1939-1994). “Um Um Um Um Um Um” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/).

Lewis, Barbara (1943- ). “Hello Stranger” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/J5BRuWS9iAk) (RQ 10).

Liggins, Jimmy (1918-1983). Guitarist. “Boogie Woogie King” Post 7. (https://youtu.be/dgfQjII4Tso).

Little Eva (Boyd) (1943-2003). “Loco-Motion” Post 36 (https://youtu.be/eKpVQm41f8Y) (RQ 8).

Love, Darlene (1941- ). “The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/vyiMMbUtavs)

Majika Sound. “Africa Calling” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/TCrSHkl9E90).

Martha & The Vandellas (formed in Detroit in 1957-1972). “Dancing in the Streets & Jimmy Mack” Posts 31, 33 & 56 (https://youtu.be/CdvITn5cAVc) (RQ 8).

Marvelettes (formed in Inkster, MI in 1960-1971). “Don’t Mess with Bill.” Motown/Soul 3 of 23 Genres. (https://youtu.be/dABWW58dR6U) (RQ 10).

Mason, Barbara (1947- ). “Yes, I’m Ready” (1965) Post 36. (https://youtu.be/op0_RAOt5vQ).

Mayfield, Curtis (1942-1999). “Diamond in the Back” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/ZVANQheoRUw) (RQ 8).

Mickey (Baker) and Sylvia (Vanterpool) (1954-1965) “Love is Strange” (1957) Post 36 (https://youtu.be/5SwMB9v1pQ4) (RQ 8).

Moon, Arei. (28 yrs old) “Finesse” Post 37. (https://youtu.be/3fvrdCl0wu0).

Oldham, Spooner (1943- ). Keyboard for Percy Sledge. “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (https://youtu.be/tNkfedM4GRk).

Orlons (formed in 1960 in Philadelphia). “Don’t Hang Up” (https://youtu.be/gy0nh3RbbBY), “The Wah-Watusi” (https://youtu.be/nCfBfurYpNU), and “South Street” (https://youtu.be/hW-Vc_tMIww).

Parker, Robert (1930-2020). “Barefootin” (1966) Post 36 (https://youtu.be/2VZakvxRD44) (RQ 8).

Pedit Afro. “Ndombolo Dance” Post 49. (https://youtu.be/DctelL2L_Fo).

Phillips, Esther (1935-1984). “Release Me” (1960) Post 36 (https://youtu.be/R5yYwiYEJ_8) (RQ 9).

Pickett, Wilson (1941-2006). “Midnight Hour (1965) & Mustang Sally” Posts 8, 31 & 33 (https://youtu.be/16u6w0cjjrU) (RQ 8).

Price, Lloyd (1933-12021). “Personality” Post 8. (https://youtu.be/MvPU-cvaKCM).

Purify, James (died in 2021) & Bobby (Moore). “I’m Your Puppet” (1967) Post 6 (https://youtu.be/rYyCdHUJfb4) (RQ 9).

Rawls, Lou (1933-2006). “You’re the One” Post 9 (https://youtu.be/VDCNQuBLifw) (RQ 10).

Redding, Otis (died in an airplane crash in Lake Mendota, Madison, WI on December 10, 1967. He was only 26 yrs old). “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” Posts 9 & 38 (https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug) (RQ 8).

Rida, Flo (1979- ). “Low” Posts 32 & 33. (https://youtu.be/U2waT9TxPU0).

Robinson, Smokey (1940- ) & The Miracles. Started recording in 1958. By 1967, they already had 12 gold records to their name. Here’s examples: “Shop Around & Tracks of My Tears” Posts 31 & 33 (https://youtu.be/rNS6D4hSQdA) (RQ 9).

Rodgers, Nile (1952- ). Guitarist. “Everybody Dance and I’m Comin Out” Posts 19 & 56. Has sold more than 500M records. (https://youtu.be/bqdSb-Kyh-s).

Sam (Moore) & Dave (Prater) (1961-1981). Dave passed in 1988. Sam continues with a solo career. “Soul Man” (won a Grammy) Posts 14 & 33 (https://youtu.be/h8uVBcWk5aw) (RQ 9).

Sharp, Dee Dee (1945- ). “Mashed Potatoes” (1962) Post 36 (https://youtu.be/51eJ3-h86JQ) (RQ 9).

Sledge, Percy (1940-2015). His first hits were in 1966. An example: “When a Man Loves a Woman” Post 14 (https://youtu.be/EYb84BDMbi0) (RQ 7).

Sly & The Family Stone (1966-1983). “Everyday People & Dance to the Music” Posts 14 & 33 (https://youtu.be/YUUhDoCx8zc) (RQ 10).

Soloman, Victor (22 yrs old). “My Girl” Post 53. (https://youtu.be/iZLvysClbwo).

Spencer Davis Group (1963-1969). Steve Winwood was in the group until 1967 when he then formed Traffic. “Gimmie Some Lovin” Post 33 (https://youtu.be/ko3m0NBbq1o) (RQ 7).

Starr, Edwin (1942-2003). “Funky Music” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/VS3W6rEtVVo).

Stewart, Billy (1937-1970). “Summertime” Post 6 (https://youtu.be/CDLDl0_pt_k) (RQ 9).

Swann, Betty (1944- ). “Make Me Yours” Post 36. (https://youtu.be/7pOkpwgOOiI).

Tate, Howard (1939-2011). “Ain’t Nobody Home” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/sYWJczQ-5QU).

The Capitals (1962-1969) “Cool Jerk” 36 (https://youtu.be/R73iEOvkr10) (RQ 8).

The Olympics (1957- ). “Dance by the Light of the Moon.” Motown/Soul. (https://youtu.be/0xsiHDFR054) (RQ 8).

Tex, Joe (1935-1982). “I Want to Do” Post 6. (https://youtu.be/MvAX-hlKa5U).

The Clovers (1946- ) From Washington DC. “Love Potion Number Nine” (1959) Post 51 (https://.be/qTjs7a9l0hM) (RQ 9).

The Coasters (1955- ). “Yakety Yak” (1959) Post 36 (https://youtu.be/epCN0f7FTIY) (RQ 9) and “Do You Love Me” (1962) Posts 35 & 36 (https://youtu.be/3EoI-6lQFIE) (RQ 8).

The Crystals (1960-1967) From New York City. “Da Doo Ron Ron” (1956) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/v-qqi7-Q19k) (RQ 8).

The Delfonics (1965- ). “La La Means I Love You” (1968) Post 51. (https://youtu.be/baNbyst7aW0)

The Dells (1953-2012) From Harvey, IL. “Oh What a Night (1959) & Stay in My Corner” (1965) Posts 6 & 36 (https://youtu.be/dOrb7py-cgo) (RQ 9).

The Impressions (1958-2018) From Chattanooga.TN. Jerry Butler, lead singer (82 years old). “For Your Precious Love” (1958) Post 6. Curtis Mayfield was a member of the group. (https://youtu.be/SrZ7NfwNBEk) (RQ 10).

The Isley Brothers (1954- ). From Cincinnati. “For the Love of You” Post 56. (https://youtu.be/23W3wqAvsLg).

The Marvelettes (1960-1971). From Inkster, MI. “Don’t Mess with Bill (1966) & Please Mr. Postman (1961)” Posts 7, 30 & 33. (https://youtu.be/OVsW_6AomOQ).

The Meters (1965-1977). From New Orleans. “Cissy Strut” (1969) Post 6. (https://youtu.be/MXI5Nuz6OHg).

The Orioles & Sonny Till (1947- ). “Crying in the Chapel” (1949) Post 18 (https://youtu.be/Qe_tL7aVGE8) (RQ 10).

The Shangri-Las (1963-1968). From New York City. “Leader of the Pack” (1964) Post 33 (https://youtu.be/Q8UKf65NOzM) (RQ 7).

The Shirelles (1957-1982). From Passaic, NJ. “Will U Still Love Me Tomorrow (1960) & Momma Said” (1961) Posts 14 & 17 (https://youtu.be/L842mz-tNBQ) (RQ 10).

The Supremes (1959-1977). From Detroit, MI. Led by Diana Ross along with Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. “Stop in the Name of Love (1965) & Baby Love” (1964). Overall, they recorded 12 No1 songs. Posts 15 & 17 (https://youtu.be/ZAWSiWtUK2s) (RQ 8).

The Tams (1960- ). From Atlanta. “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” (1964) Post 6. (https://youtu.be/eErxJ-p6TF8).

The Temptations (1960- ). From Detroit. Otis Williams is only surviving member. Other founding members were: Al Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. Examples if rheir work: “My Girl (1965) & Just My Imagination (1971)” . Overall the group produced 14 No1 R&B singles and three Grammy Awards. Posts 16, 17 & 33 (https://youtu.be/eepLY8J4E6c) (RQ 8).

The Tymes (1956- ) are an American soul vocal group who enjoyed equal success in the United Kingdom and in their homeland. They are one of the few acts to have one and only one chart-topper in both the US and UK with different songs. The group was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1956 as the Latineers, by Donald Banks (bass), Albert Berry (first tenor), Norman Burnett (baritone), and George Hilliard (second tenor). After a four-year stint on Philadelphia’s club circuit, they recruited a new lead vocalist, George Williams in 1960, and changed their name to The Tymes.^[2]The Tymes had hits in the UK in the 1960s with songs such as “So Much in Love” (https://youtu.be/FaYGlE9lHOw), a US chart topper and million-seller in 1963, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” (a remake of the Johnny Mathis classic hit from 1957), “Somewhere”, then in 1970s with “You Little Trustmaker” and “Ms Grace”. The last of these became the group’s biggest UK hit, reaching Number One in the UK Singles Chart in 1975, but barely dented the Billboard Hot 100, long after the success of “So Much in Love”. “Ms Grace”, while only charting modestly in the US, was and remains a regional hit with the Carolina Beach Musicscene. By 1976, Albert Berry and George Hilliard had been replaced with female singers, Terri Gonzales and Melanie Moore. Gonzales later recorded a solo album with Nile Rodgerswhile Moore worked as session vocalist with Kleeer and artists like Chaka Khan.

Thomas, Rufus (1917-2001). From Cayce, MS. Began recording in 1963. “Do the Push and Pull” (1970) Post 6. (https://youtu.be/jngwoLvW8UY).

Timmons, Courtney (from Harris Neck, GA. She is 23 yrs old). “Soulmate” Post 50. She walked in off the street to audition for Idols. (https://youtu.be/L4j_dHjrbwo).

Troy, Doris (1937-2004). From The Bronx, NY. “Just One Look” (1963) Posts 35 & 36 (https://youtu.be/GI3OYR_XM0w) (RQ 9).

Turner, Tina (born in 1939 as Anna Mae Bullock in Brownsville, Tennessee.). A couple of her recordings: “Proud Mary (2009) & I Want to Take You Higher” (1970). Sold more than 200M records. Posts 16 & 17 (https://youtu.be/02QUmKVsyFY) (RQ 10).

Washington, Justine “Baby.” (1940- ). From Bamberg, SC. “Only Those in Love” (1965) Post 36. (https://youtu.be/FiGBjE24BGU).

Walter, Junior & The All Stars (1931-1995). Born: Autry DeWalt Mixon in Blytheville, AR. “Shot Gun” (1965) Post 6. (https://youtu.be/FI7CtxlisCk).

Williams, Billy (1910-1984). From Waco, TX. “I’m Going to Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter” (1957) Post 21 (https://youtu.be/rxhT8T44bt8) (RQ 10).

Williams, Maurice & The Zodiacs (1959-1964). Born in Lancaster, SC. “Stay” (1960). Post 35 (https://youtu.be/o1Z_hskvz1M) (RQ 8).

Wilson, Jackie (1934-1984). Born in Detroit. “Star Dust” (1965). Charted over 50 singles, of which 16 were Top10 R&B hits. Post 21 (https://youtu.be/UzgmnGm0wD0) (RQ 9).

Womack, Bobby (1944-2014). Born in Cleveland. “If You Think You’re Lonely” (1981) Post 6 (https://youtu.be/bRXnRwm-njM) (RQ 10).

Wonder, Stevie (1950- ). Born as Stevland Hardaway Morris. He has been blind since shortly after birth. Stevie is from Saginaw, MI. “Superstition” (1972). He has charted 63 songs, 10 of which were No1s. Post 33 (https://youtu.be/0CFuCYNx-1g) (RQ 10+).