'Ask Ralph' thread series :

# 1 - How A Track Was Mixed
# 2 - How A Track Was Edited
# 3 - What is 'EQ' - ?
# 4 - What Is 'Compression' - ?
# 5 - Mixing A Hit

- and -

# 6 - Mono & Stereo Versions

Am I correct in my understanding that all 60s Motown recordings were made first in mono versions?

A large number of Hitsville recordings were then released as singles or on albums in mono versions only, while many remained in the vaults. A smaller selection were recorded and released as stereo versions.

What was the criteria for creating a stereo version - for example, was it simply that the particular track was scheduled for release on an album?