Martha and the Vandellas
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Martha and the Vandellas are a American Soul/Pop Band who rose to fame via their hit single, "Dancing in The Street".
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Former members
Martha Reeves
Rosalind Ashford-Holmes
Annette Beard-Helton
Gloria Williams
Betty Kelly
Lois Reeves
Sandra Tilley (deceased)
About
Martha and the Vandellas was formed in 1960 by "Martha Reeves". Martha was born on July 18, 1941 at Eufaula, Alabama to "Ruby Reeves" and Elijah Reeves". Martha was raised in Detroit, Michigan. She spent her time working at her grandfather's church. Martha studied in Russel Elementary.
In 1959, after graduating in high school, Martha joined the group, "The Fascinations". In 1960, they recorded their single under Mah's Records. In that same year, she met "Rosalind Ashford". Rosalind and Martha was recruited to joined "Annette Sterling", "Gloria Williamson" and "Annette Beard" in the Del-Phils. After their single, ""My Baby Won't Come Back" failed the chart, Martha decided to go solo. She joined a talent contest and won.
The prize was a three day engagement at the Twenty Grand, a local nightclub where she sang as Martha LaVaille. After performing, William Stevenson, right hand of "Betty Gordy", owner of Motown Records approached Martha and gave her his call card. Martha became the secretary of Betty in Motown Records. When Betty needed a background singer, Martha called up her friends, Rosalind and Annette. The trio became the background singer of Marvin Gaye in his single, "Hitch Hike".
The group convinced Betty that they were staying as a trio. Betty told them to changed up their name. The trio decided to called themselves, Martha and the Vandellas. They released hit singles like, ""Heat Wave" in 1963 which chartered at #1 on the R&B Chart and "Quicksand". Their signature song was "Dancing in The Street" was released in 1964 which reached #2 on the R&B Chart. Other hit singles are "I'm Ready For Love" in 1966 landed #2 on R&B Chart, "Jimmy Mack" which chartered at #1 on R&B Chart and "Honey Chile".
In 1963, Anette left the band and was replaced by "Betty Kelly". She also left the group after four years and was replaced by "Lois Reeve". Rosalind also left the band and was replaced by "Sandra Tilley". She died in 1981 because of a brain tumor. The group decided to break apart in 1973. Martha went solo.
Awards & Certifications
Chart Toppers
| Year | Black Album Chart | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | 6 | Greatest Hits |
| 1967 | 14 | Watchout! |
| 1968 | 13 | Ridin High |
| 1972 | 32 | Black Magic |
News
Tours & Concerts
There are no current tour and concert schedules for Martha and the Vandellas.
Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
Discography
Albums
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Singles
| Date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Quicksand / Darling, I Hum Our Song | Gordy |
| 1968 | Can't Dance to That Music You're Playin' / I Tried | Gordy |
| 1969 | We've Got) Honey Love / I'm in Love (And I Know It) | Gordy |
| 1970 | I Should Be Proud / Love, Guess Who | Gordy |
Compilations & Live Releases
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 [Early Classics]]
1996 Spectrum |
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 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
August 10, 1999 Universal |
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 Dance Party/Watchout
April 1, 2002 |
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Other artists
Similar artists
Contemporaries
Influences
Trivia
- In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Martha and the Vandellas #96 on their list of The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
- Martha and the Vandellas, taking their name from Detroit street Van Dyke and Reeve's favorite singer Della Reese.
Reviews
External Links
Categories: Artist | R&B | Soul | Pop
