ALL THE MOTOWN #1s RANKED (#7). 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

*7

PLEASE MR. POSTMAN

The Mavelettes

[1961] Soul 7 / Pop 1

Robert Bateman; Georgia Dobbins; William Garrett; Brian Holland

Motown’s first Pop Chart #1 single was this early hit. This was also the label’s first disc to reach #1 on both the Soul and Pop listings. Co-writer Dobbins was a member of The Marvelettes but left before the single took off. The hit line-up consisted of Gladys Horton, Georgeanna Tillman (wife of Billy Gordon of Motown group The Contours), Wanda Young (wife of Bobby Rogers of The Miracles), Katherine Anderson and Juanita Cowart. Although “Please Mr. Postman” was the girl group’s only #1, the Marvelettes enjoyed other chart hits. These discs include: “Beechwood 4-5789”, “Too Many Fish In The Sea”, “The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game” and “Destination: Anywhere”. Its success paved the way for Motown's other girl groups such as Martha & The Vandellas, The Supremes and The Velvelettes. The single's crossover appeal augered well for Detroit's fledgling label.