From Billboard Magazine, 3/20/1976

NEW YORK--Motown and CTI reportedly settled their distribution differences last week. It's understood that when lawyers for both parties return to federal court here Monday [[15) it will be for an extension of time to draw up final papers for an out-of-court settlement.

Key to the settlement is a new dual distribution pact giving Motown a minimum number of new albums a year on certain artists, as well as distribution rights to half of CTI's existing catalog.

Projects for the future include McCoy with Jermaine Jackson, Tony Camillo with the Dynamic Superiors, a major Philadelphia producer with former Tower of Power lead singer Lenny Williams and a probable future date between McCoy and Thelma Houston.

"With the obvious success we've had," Belkin says, "it is likely that we will venture further into different combinations using independents. Most of the producers we've approached have been receptive to working with artists from our roster."

Belkin also points out that Berry Gordy, Jr. will continue to play a role in studio production from time to time, as he has since the inception of the company. And Smokey Robinson will continue to product his product. "We are hopeful Smokey will be able to work with other label artists as well.

Why did Motown wait until relatively recent times to move into the independent area? "For years in Detroit," Belkin says, "Motown literally trained its own producers, people who made careers of producing and who include some of the leading creative figures in the industry today. When the label moved to Los Angeles, the marketplace was different, the environment was different and nature of the business had changed for everybody, including Motown. The label was obviously open to the competitive instincts of the market and found a happy medium between independents and staff people. The staff will be increased as opportunities present themselves, though we don't really know how many will be added to the eight-man group we currently have."

With the Miracles, Diana Ross, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, the Commodores, Eddie Kendricks and others, Motown is enjoying its hottest period in its history on the pop LP and singles charts.