ALL THE MOTOWN #1s RANKED (#20-16). Continues  in 2 days.

All the MOTOWN

No. 1 SINGLES

Hear the songs as the countdown continues on Spotify:

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

*20

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

Diana Ross

[1970] Soul 1 / Pop 3

Nickolas Ashford; Valerie Simpson

When Ross quit The Supremes, expectations were high that her solo career would take off. The reality was different. Her solo singles failed to reach the top on either chart. The Supremes, on the other hand, did get to #1 and continued with a string of Top 10 hit singles. At first, Ross had mixed feelings about recording “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. It had already been cut as a duet by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. Ross had recorded it herself with The Supremes and The Temptations the following year. Ashford and Simpson created a whole new approach to the song for Ross to interpret again. The producers’ efforts paid off. Ross achieved her first solo chart- topper on both charts.

*19

I’LL BE THERE

Jackson 5

[1970] Soul 6 / Pop 5

Berry Gordy Jr.; Bob West; Willie Hutch; Hal Davis

As Motown’s priority group Diana Ross & The Supremes splintered, the focus shifted on to a new group. The Jackson 5 released 4 singles in 1970. All 4 reached #1 on both the Soul and Pop charts. The first three were upbeat. “I’ll Be There” marked a change in direction for the brothers. It was a ballad and more adult. The new approach expanded the group’s audience. Despite his youth, lead vocalist Michael managed to convey the maturity within the song’s lyrics. It offered a new perspective on his undeniable talent.

*18

THREE TIMES A LADY

Commodores

[1978] Soul 2 / Pop 2

Lionel Richie

Members of The Commodores had contributed to the songwriting of many of the group’s hits, but they were all eclipsed by the songs presented by Richie. In time, it was his ballads that formed the act’s signature sound. “Easy”, “Still” and “Three Times A Lady” are among the group’s best remembered songs. The latter was inspired by his parents’ wedding anniversary. At that occasion, his father made a speech. His words resonated with Richie. The public related to the song’s lyrics too, making the single a global hit.

*17

YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE

The Supremes

[1966] Soul 2 / Pop 2

Brian Holland; Lamont Dozier; Eddie Holland

This remains one of Motown’s catchiest singles and one of the signature songs by The Supremes. In 1982, a remake by Phil Collins topped the UK Chart and made the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100. This is one of the songs The Supremes recorded in Italian as “L’Amore Verrà”.

*16

THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO

The Temptations

[1964] Soul 1

William “Smokey” Robinson; Robert Rogers

The meeting of Berry Gordy Jr. and Smokey Robinson was a key milestone. Together, they would work in tandem to make Motown a success. Robinson was soon put to good use composing songs for the acts on the label’s roster. This included The Temptations. After a few flops, the group’s second chart entry was its first co-written by Robinson. “The Way You Do The Things You Do” is classic Smokey. The magic is in its lyrical simplicity. This gave The Temptations its first Pop hit too: reaching #11. Eddie Kendricks shines on lead vocals. Robinson would steer the group through a variety of hits until 1966 when Norman Whitfield took over.