ALL THE MOTOWN #1s (#75-71). Continues tomorrow.

All the MOTOWN

No. 1 SINGLES

*75

I CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU

The Temptatons

[1969] Soul 5/ Pop 2

Norman Whitfield; Barrett Strong

This hit featured all of the group members on lead vocal duties. At the time, the line-up consisted of: Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams and Paul Williams. The single topped both the Soul and Pop charts.

*74

MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN’)

Stevie Wonder

[1980] Soul 7

Stevie Wonder

Wonder was a fan of Marley and reggae music. They intended to tour and collaborate. This hit was a tribute to reggae's greatest exponent recorded for the ‘Hotter Than July’ album. In October 1980, Marley collapsed and was diagnosed with cancer. On May 11, 1981 he passed away.

*73

TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING

Diana Ross

[1973] Pop 1

Michael Masser; Ron Miller

One of Berry Gordy Jr.’s main priorities during the early 1970s was ensuring Ross’ solo and film careers would succeed. Motown had moved from Detroit to Los Angeles. The label had expanded into motion pictures. This single was a fall-back in case Ross’ acting debut was not embraced by the public. She portrayed Billie Holiday in ‘Lady Sings The Blues’. The performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Liza Minnelli won the Oscar for ‘Cabaret’. The single was then re-recorded and unleashed to the public. Miller, one of its writers, had collaborated with Stevie Wonder in the 1960s. “Touch Me In The Morning” was the first of 2 US #1 singles co-written by Michael Masser. The second was the title song from Ross’ second film project.

*72

BEING WITH YOU

Smokey Robinson

[1981] Soul 5

William Robinson Jr.

George Tobin had produced Kim Carnes’ remake of The Miracles’ hit “More Love”. It charted in 1980. This inspired Robinson to compose something new for her. He called Tobin to offer his song, unaware that the producer was no longer working with Carnes due to a disagreement between them over her next recordings (among them was “Bette Davis Eyes”). Instead, he encouraged Smokey to record the song himself. Up to that point, all of his solo outings had been self-produced. Tobin offered to produce this one. Robinson eventually relented. The single was issued. As well as reaching #1 Soul, the disc peaked at #2 on the Pop Chart. Keeping Robinson out of the chart summit there was “Bette Davis Eyes”.

*71

RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT

DeBarge

[1985] Soul 1

Diane Warren

Warren was still relatively unknown as a songwriter when Motown unleashed this hit. She had been asked to create a song for ‘The Last Dragon’ movie soundtrack. Richard Perry, who had helped craft hit singles for Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon and the Pointer Sisters, produced the single. Aside from its Soul Chart success, “Rhythm Of The Night” peaked at #3 Pop.