James Jamerson
Yes, Kedar Massenburg served as the president of Motown Records. He played a significant role in revitalizing the label in the late 1990s and early 2000s, overseeing the careers of several prominent artists. Under his leadership, Motown continued to influence the music industry with a diverse roster of talent.
Barry Gordy and Motown Records attributed their success to six key groups: The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. These groups played a crucial role in shaping the Motown sound, characterized by catchy melodies, emotional lyrics, and polished production. Their influence helped to popularize Motown music across diverse audiences and solidified its place in music history.
Yes, Joe Hunter was a member of the Funk Brothers, the legendary group of session musicians who played on many of Motown's biggest hits in the 1960s. He was a talented pianist and played on numerous tracks that contributed to the distinctive Motown sound. Hunter's work with the Funk Brothers helped shape the music of that era, making him a significant figure in the history of popular music.
The Temptations, the iconic Motown group, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1960s. They originally started as a vocal harmony group in the city's vibrant music scene and later became known for their distinctive sound and choreography. Detroit's rich musical culture, especially the influence of Motown Records, played a crucial role in their development and success.
Hazel Gordy's mother is Berry Gordy Jr.'s second wife, Thelma Gordy. Thelma was an important figure in the music industry, particularly during the rise of Motown Records. She played a significant role in supporting her husband's career and the development of the Motown sound. Hazel Gordy is known for being the daughter of Berry Gordy and Thelma.
The Funk Brothers were the legendary house band for Motown Records and recorded with many iconic artists, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Temptations. Their contributions helped shape the distinctive sound of Motown in the 1960s and 1970s. The group played on countless hits, making them one of the most successful and influential backing bands in music history.
Brian Holland has: Played himself in "Motown 40: The Music Is Forever" in 1998. Played himself in "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" in 2002. Played himself in "TV Land Confidential" in 2005. Played himself in "Legends" in 2006. Played himself in "Unsung" in 2008.
Eddie Holland has: Played himself in "Motown 40: The Music Is Forever" in 1998. Played himself in "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" in 2002. Played himself in "TV Land Confidential" in 2005. Played himself in "Legends" in 2006. Played himself in "Unsung" in 2008.
I know of a fantastic Motown band who played at my sisters wedding. They kept the party going all night and played some great songs. All the guests were blown away! Below is the link to find them and check them out.... www.blackandgoldfunctions.com
Grant Boucher has: Played Dingo (1998) in "Shortland Street" in 1992. Played Hunter in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played 2nd Xena Warrior in "Xena: Warrior Princess" in 1995. Played Customer in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Henchman in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Publius in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995.
Mark Newnham has: Played Antaeus in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Hercules and the Circle of Fire" in 1994. Played Mummy in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Dahak in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Ares in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Big Ruff in "Young Hercules" in 1998. Played Stilt Walker in "A Twist in the Tale" in 1998.
Mark Nua has: Played Cleon in "Xena: Warrior Princess" in 1995. Played Ogre in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Wrestler in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Skoros in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Mong in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Executioner in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Otus in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Wounded Native in "Mysterious Island" in 1995. Played Maxi Me in "Jack of All Trades" in 2000. Played Iosefa in "Crooked Earth" in 2001. Played La Parisian Bouncer in "Spooked" in 2004. Played Giant in "Power Rangers Mystic Force" in 2006. Played Heavy in "Out of the Blue" in 2008.
Bunny DeBarge has: Played herself in "Bandstand" in 1952. Played herself in "Soul Train" in 1971. Played herself in "Solid Gold" in 1980. Played herself in "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" in 1983. Played Herself - Presenter in "The 11th Annual American Music Awards" in 1984. Played herself in "Motown Returns to the Apollo" in 1985. Played herself in "Unsung" in 2008.
Geoff Clendon has: Played Surveyor in "Children of Fire Mountain" in 1979. Played Policeman in "Prisoner" in 1979. Played Australian Doctor in "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" in 1983. Played Simon Tomkins in "Shortland Street" in 1992. Played Witness in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Foreman in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Father in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995. Played Oronis in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" in 1995.
Claudette Robinson has: Played herself in "The T.A.M.I. Show" in 1964. Played Singer in "Playboy After Dark" in 1969. Played herself in "Soul Train" in 1971. Played Herself (Miracles member) in "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" in 1983. Played herself in "Smokey Robinson: The Quiet Legend" in 1990. Played herself in "Motown 40: The Music Is Forever" in 1998. Played herself in "Soulful Sixties" in 2004. Played herself in "Tavis Smiley" in 2004. Played herself in "Motown: The Early Years" in 2005. Played herself in "Legends" in 2006. Played herself in "Unsung" in 2008. Played herself in "The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony" in 2012.
Mark DeBarge has: Played himself in "Bandstand" in 1952. Played himself in "Soul Train" in 1971. Played himself in "Solid Gold" in 1980. Played himself in "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" in 1983. Played himself in "Punky Brewster" in 1984. Played Himself - Presenter in "The 11th Annual American Music Awards" in 1984. Played himself in "Motown Returns to the Apollo" in 1985.
Clarence Avant has: Played himself in "Soul Train" in 1971. Played African Musician in "The Color Purple" in 1985. Played himself in "Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones" in 1990. Played himself in "Still Bill" in 2009. Played himself in "41st NAACP Image Awards" in 2010. Played Himself - Former Chairman of Motown Records in "Searching for Sugar Man" in 2012. Played himself in "The BET Honors" in 2013.