ALL THE MOTOWN #1s RANKED (#50-46). Continues tomorrow.

All the MOTOWN

No. 1 SINGLES

Hear the songs as the countdown continues on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/26CwsmyHenDGwqbVozUPxz?si=def5399e3bfc472f

*50

I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU

Stevie Wonder

[1984] Soul 3 / Pop 3

Stevie Wonder

With sales exceeding 4 million, this remains one of Wonder’s best-selling singles. It was used in the film ‘The Woman in Red’ which starred Gene Wilder. Dionne Warwick led to Wonder delivering a soundtrack album for the comedy.

*49

JUST MY IMAGINATION

(RUNNING AWAY WITH ME)

The Temptations

[1971] Soul 3/ Pop 2

Norman Whitfield; Barrett Strong

The Temptations had been dealing with social commentary on recent singles such as “Cloud Nine”, “Ball Of Confusion” and “Runaway Child Running Wild”. By 1971, this theme appeared to be losing momentum. Whitfield knew it was time to diversify again. He and Strong had developed a sweet ballad some time before it was presented to the group. “Just My Imagination” was a return to the traditional Temptations songs in the early 1960s. Eddie Kendricks was back centre stage as lead vocalist on this new release. The lyrics reveal a clever twist. This single proved that the group had lost none of its magic.

*48

SOMEDAY WE’LL BE TOGETHER

Diana Ross & The Supremes

[1969] Soul 4/ Pop 1

Jackey Beavers; Johnny Bristol; Harvey Fuqua

This single marked a line in the sand for Motown. It was the final Soul & Pop chart-topper of the 1960s, a decade dominated by Motown music. “Someday We’ll Be Together” was also the last Supremes single to feature Diana Ross on lead vocals. It had already been announced that she would be quitting the group and concentrating on a solo career. The single served as a fitting swan song for the Ross-led line-up. It was later revealed that the other 2 Supremes (Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong) were not invited into the recording sessions for this single. The Andantes provided back-up for Ross. Co-writers Bristol and Beavers had recorded the original version of the song as Johnny and Jackey. Bristol is heard prominently on background vocals on Ross’ remake.

*47

HIGHER GROUND

Stevie Wonder

[1973] Soul 1

Stevie Wonder

Wonder’s early adulthood period saw his genius blossom through album releases such as ‘Innervisions’. That LP spawned the hit single “Higher Ground” and won him the first of his 3 Album of The Year Grammy Awards.

*46

I WANT YOU

Marvin Gaye

[1976] Soul 1

Leon Ware; T-Boy Ross

Ware had already developed an album’s worth of new songs that he planned to release. When Gaye heard some of the material, he came up with an idea. The singer suggested he and Ware collaborate on an album project which would eventually be the ‘I Want You’ LP issued by Gaye, using most of the ideas already earmarked for the songwriter’s own project. “I Want You” had previously been heard by Berry Gordy Jr., who recognized its hit potential and suggested it would be perfect for Gaye. Ware had written it with credit also being given to Diana Ross’ brother. The latter was an aspiring songwriter at the label. Together, they had previously penned “I Wanna Be Where You Are” for Michael Jackson.