You Really Got A Hold On Me: Allison Young

Monday morning, the great Smokey Robinson song as performed by Allison Young. We always enjoy her duets with Josh Turner, but even some of her much earlier YouTube videos, made in her bedroom, as seen here, show her extraordinary voice and artistry.

More at Allison Young

Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay: Otis Redding

A great song, but Redding had died a few months before it was released. It became the first #1 song on the music charts that had been released posthumously.

Thanks to YouTuber Rafael Romero

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now

Monday morning, McFadden and Whitehead, who, incidentally, wrote “Bad Luck” and “Wake Up Everybody” for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, with their biggest hit.

Thanks to YouTuber Disko Heaven

Sideshow: Blue Magic

From the falsetto seventies, this Philly sound inspired R&B record was a million-seller hit. It’s Ted Mills who is the lead singer hitting those high notes..

Thanks to YouTuber WillFareed63

Hit The Road, Jack

Monday morning, Ray Charles has to make an unexpected exit…

Thanks to YouTuber Andres Trevino

Everybody Is A Star

Astronomy, as told by Sly and the Family Stone.

More at Sly & The Family Stone

Go Now

 

The Moody Blues did a great version of this song as well in 1964, but I prefer this original, with the soulful Bessie Banks, written by her husband Larry Banks.

Thanks to YouTuber Steven Michael Bogarat

Fast Car

 

Tracy Chapman was an unlikely singer/songwriter to chart in the top 10 in 1988, but there was something so pure, authentic, and truthful in her singing that this song resonated with many and, improbably, became a hit.

Thanks to YouTuber Folk & Country on MV

Tracks Of My Tears : Linda Ronstadt

Monday morning, Linda Ronstadt, in the prime of her career, with Tracks of My Tears, yet another great Smokey Robinson penned song.

More at Linda Ronstadt

 

My Guy: Mary Wells

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Mary Wells performing her 1964 hit, the first solo female hit for Motown. Smokey Robinson was the writer. She knocked The Beatles out of first place on the May 1964 charts.

Thanks to YouTuber Smurfstools Music Time Machine

“Jimmy Mack, You Better Hurry Back”: Martha And The Vandellas

Monday Morning, Martha and the Vandellas put out the call.

Why Berry Gordy named the group The Vandellas seems to be a mystery, but they charted 26 hits in just nine years.

Thanks to YouTuber SuperCanopus

Ooh Baby Baby

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Monday morning, loosen your tie with the man, besides Berry Gordy,  most responsible for the success of Motown, the brilliant singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson.

Gotta love the swivel 1.0 choreography for the Miracles, too.

Thanks to Youtuber QuentinCoxBOI

Oh No, Not My Baby

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Maxine Brown never broke through the top 10 on the US pop charts, but her talent was respected by producers like Berry Gordy. This song, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, has been covered by lots of artists,  but I like Maxine Brown’s original version the best.

Thanks to YouTuber RAGEnFORCE

Stop Doggin’ Me Around

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Mr. Excitement, Jackie Wilson, lays down the law on Monday morning.

Thanks to Youtuber SoulvilleCounty