ALL THE MOTOWN #1s (#95-91). Continues tomorrow.

All the MOTOWN

No. 1 SINGLES

*95

RUNAWAY CHILD, RUNNING WILD

The Temptations

[1969] Soul 2

Norman Whitfield; Barrett Strong

The departure of the Holland/ Dozier/ Holland songwriting team resulted in increased prominence for Norman Whitfield. His greatest impact was on the musical shift in The Temptations’ catalogue. With David Ruffin gone, Dennis Edwards took over lead vocal duties. His distinctive grittier voice was well suited to the serious tone of the group’s recordings during this phase. The new direction was ushered in by parent album 'Cloud Nine'.

*94

TOO HOT TA TROT

Commodores

[1978] Soul 1

Thomas McClary; Milan Williams; Walter Orange; Lionel Richie; Ronald LaPread; William King

Group members created this funky outing for The Commodores. They co-produced the track with James Anthony Carmichael. Orange took care of the lead vocals. This chart-topper was used in the film ‘Thank God It’s Friday’. The group appeared in the movie. Universally panned, at least its soundtrack included some gems such as this and from the likes of Diana Ross and Donna Summer. The latter contributed the Oscar-winning song “Last Dance”.

*93

I’LL BE DOGGONE

Marvin Gaye

[1965] Soul 1

William “Smokey” Robinson; Pete Moore; Marv Tarplin

Again, members of The Miracles crafted a new hit song for Gaye. Robinson took care of its production. Although Gaye had been scoring chart entries since 1962, “I’ll Be Doggone” was his first to reach the top.

*92

BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP

The Temptations

[1966] Soul 5

Norman Whitfield; Eddie Holland

Before teaming up with Barrett Strong at Motown, Whitfield penned some hits with Eddie Holland. The latter had already proven himself as part of the songwriting trio (Holland/ Dozier/ Holland) that had churned out #1s for The Supremes and The Four Tops. In fact, “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” was replaced at the chart summit by a H/D/H creation: “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. David Ruffin performed lead vocals for The Temptations’ hit.

*91

STONED LOVE

The Supremes

[1970] Soul 1

Frank Wilson; Kenny Thomas

When Berry Gordy Jr. heard the finished product, he expressed his disapproval. At the time, The Supremes consisted of: founder Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong and Jean Terrell. The latter filled the void left when Diana Ross quit the trio in 1969. “Up The Ladder To The Roof” was the first release after switching lead singers. The disc made the Top 10 on the Pop and Soul charts. “Stoned Love” was The Supremes’ biggest hit in the post-Ross period. It was also the 8^th and final Soul #1 for the girl group. Its success augured well for the new line-up. Unfortunately, Gordy lost interest in the group, choosing to focus on Ross’ solo career. The Supremes underwent various line-up changes but continued placing songs on the Soul Chart until 1977. Wilson was the only member to last the distance from the group’s formation to eventual split. She passed away in 2021.