Martha Reeves & The Vandellas rank among the most iconic girl groups of the 1960s, with their upbeat sound epitomizing the energy and soul of Motown Records. The group was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1957, and their original line-up comprised of Martha Reeves, Annette Sterling, and Rosalind Ashford. Over time, the group saw several changes in its members, but Martha Reeves remained the constant, leading the trio to stardom with her distinctive and powerful voice.

Their breakthrough came with the 1963 hit "Come And Get These Memories," which laid the foundation for a string of chart-toppers characterized by vibrant rhythms and unforgettable melodies. However, it was the 1964 release of "Dancing In The Street" that solidified Martha Reeves & The Vandellas as Motown legends, with the anthem becoming a cultural touchstone of the 1960s. Other notable albums like "Dance Party," "Watchout!," "Ridin' High," and "Natural Resources" followed, as did hit singles like "Nowhere to Run" and "Jimmy Mack." The group's music spoke to the soul of a nation amidst social change, and their performances, including memorable shows on "The Ed Sullivan Show," are still celebrated today. Despite later albums such as "Black Magic" and personnel changes, the group never recaptured the immense success of their mid-60s peak. Nevertheless, their legacy continues to influence countless R&B and soul artists, securing their place in music history.

Genres

Classic Girl Group

Classic Soul

Motown

Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

The Supremes

Gladys Knight & The Pips

The Temptations

Aretha Franklin

The Ronettes

The Marvelettes

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

The Shirelles

The Crystals

The Shangri-Las

Stevie Wonder

Otis Redding

Latest Release

Dancing In The Street (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, December 5, 1965)

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Single - Released June 19, 2020