Fave MOTOWN DANCE HITS From Classic 1960's Motown Thru Post-'72 LA Motown Disco

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Great news, everyone! Berry Gordy is so pleased and impressed with the positive response of everyone's contribution toward Motown's Prettiest CD compilation, he would now like for you to come up with a list of 25 of Motown's Hottest Dance Hits! As we all know, Motown was releasing Dance music long before the term "Disco" was ever invented. Let your favorite dance tracks include Classic 1960's Motown as well as post-1972 LA Motown Disco. Keep it fresh and exciting by mixing them all in together!

[Graham Jarvis]

How about Sammy to start it off?


And what about a fantastic artist that never really made it big at Motown?

[Motown Eddie]

And, Away We Go-

1. Martha & The Vandellas-"Dance Party"
2. The Marvelettes-"Mix It Up'
3. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Mickey's Monkey"
4. The Contours-"Can You Jerk Like Me"
5. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Shotgun"
6. Stevie Wonder-"Love A Go-Go"
7. Barbara McNair-"Baby A Go-Go"
8. The Contours-"Shake Sherrie"
9. The Marvelettes-"Barefootin"
10. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Going To A Go-Go"
11. Eddie Kendricks-"Keep On Trucking"
12. The Miracles-"Love Machine"
13. Marvin Gaye-"Got To Give It Up [Pts. 1 & 2]"
15. The Commodores-"Machine Gun"
16. Diana Ross-"Love Hangover"
17. Thelma Houston-"Don't Leave Me This Way"
18. The Jackson 5-"Dancing Machine"
19. Gladys Knight & The Pips-"The Nitty Gritty"
20. Rick James-"You And I"
21. The Temptations-"Hum Along And Dance"
22. The Jackson 5-"Honey Love"
23. Martha & The Vandellas-"The Jerk"
24. Frank Wilson-"Do I Love You [Yes I Do]"
25. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Dancing's Alright"

[Philles/Motown Gary]

How about Sammy to start it off?


And what about a fantastic artist that never really made it big at Motown?

Graham, at first, I wasn't sure if your two dance entries [[out of the requested 25) were appropriate for this particular post, but they are indeed danceable, so why not, I say! I bought Sammy Davis, Jr.'s, "Something For Everyone" Motown LP back upon its release but, I must admit, I didn't like it. I had really wanted to love it, but just couldn't. [[I was hoping for some Smokey-produced Motown cover versions or new songs, as Motown achieved with Billy Exkstine's and Barbara McNair's albums; instead, we got cover versions of non-Motown songs, i.e., "Spinning Wheel", "You'd Better Sit Down Kids", "Wichita Lineman", "In The Ghetto", etc.)

At the time, I did, however, like -- and purchased --- Sammy's 1971 45 release on his own new Ecology label [[which was distributed by Motown) titled, "In My Own Lifetime" b/w "I'll Begin Again" [[both of which are included on "Motown's Complete Singles - Volume 11A [[1971)".

I've gotta admit, I had never heard Sammy's 1984 recording of "Hello Detroit", but I LOVE IT! And it IS danceable! IMO, it's the best of his Motown recordings that I've heard so far. If only it were available on CD! [[I'm left wondering how Sammy happened to reunite with Motown after so many unsuccessful years had passed. Or, was "Hello Detroit" left over from his early '70s Motown sessions?

As far as Chuck Jackson goes, I bought all three of his Motown albums upon their release -- "Arrives", "Goin' Back To Chuck Jackson" and "Teardrops Keep Falling On My Heart". Why he didn't find success at Motown is beyond me. From the very first note of the very first track on Chuck's very first Motown album [["Arrives"), the track "[[You Can't Let The Boy Overpower) The Man In You", had me hooked and mesmerized by Smokey's latest production. And it's an exciting mid-tempo dance groove as well -- definitely among my favorites!

CHUCK JACKSON
"[[YCLTBO) The Man In You"
https://youtu.be/i7vt0YrZJ7U?si=bVoPj5Ln9TZH03vT

Okay, Graham, now you owe us 23 more dance recommendations! Ha!!!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

And, Away We Go-

1. Martha & The Vandellas-"Dance Party"
2. The Marvelettes-"Mix It Up'
3. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Mickey's Monkey"
4. The Contours-"Can You Jerk Like Me"
5. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Shotgun"
6. Stevie Wonder-"Love A Go-Go"
7. Barbara McNair-"Baby A Go-Go"
8. The Contours-"Shake Sherrie"
9. The Marvelettes-"Barefootin"
10. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Going To A Go-Go"
11. Eddie Kendricks-"Keep On Trucking"
12. The Miracles-"Love Machine"
13. Marvin Gaye-"Got To Give It Up [Pts. 1 & 2]"
15. The Commodores-"Machine Gun"
16. Diana Ross-"Love Hangover"
17. Thelma Houston-"Don't Leave Me This Way"
18. The Jackson 5-"Dancing Machine"
19. Gladys Knight & The Pips-"The Nitty Gritty"
20. Rick James-"You And I"
21. The Temptations-"Hum Along And Dance"
22. The Jackson 5-"Honey Love"
23. Martha & The Vandellas-"The Jerk"
24. Frank Wilson-"Do I Love You [Yes I Do]"
25. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-"Dancing's Alright"

Wow! Perfectly-varied list, Eddie! You took the title of The Marvelettes' "Mix It Up" to heart, and you did just that!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

To get the Disco ball shining just a little bit brighter, here are some ideas to get your feet movin' and your butt shakin':

1) THE TEMPTATIONS - Glasshouse
2) THELMA HOUSTON - I Can't Go On Living Without Your Love
3) J5 - Get It Together
4) DIANA ROSS - You Were The One
5) MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile
6) MARVIN GAYE - Chained
7) THE SUPREMES - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
8) STEVIE WONDER - Ain't That Asking For Trouble
9) YVONNE FAIR - Walk Out The Door If You Wanna
10) THE TEMPTATIONS - It's A Lonely World Without Your Love
11) FOUR TOPS - Something About You
12) JR. WALKER - How Sweet It Is
13) THE VELVELETTES - A Bird In The Hand [[Is Worth Two In The Bush)
13) THE MARVELETTES - The Stranger
14) J5 - Dancing Machine
15) BRENDA HOLLOWAY - Just Look What You've Done
16) THE NEW SUPREMES - I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking
17) SHORTY LONG - Don't Mess With My Weekend
18) GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
19) DIANA ROSS - The Boss
20) J5 - Forever Came Today
21) EDDIE KENRICKS - Boogie Down
22) MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - Bless You
23) THE SUPREMES - You Can't Hurry Love
24) VALERIE SIMPSON - Drink The Wine
25) JR. WALKER - Tune Up

[Graham Jarvis]

Some good lists, but there is so many Motown artists with great records that never seem to exist anymore, one other is the Isley Bros, they have so many great songs. "Tell Me, It's Just a Rumour Baby" [it was never issued on 45 in the States] . They were all Berry's at one time!

Anyway it's for everyone!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Some good lists, but there is so many Motown artists with great records that never seem to exist anymore, one other is the Isley Bros, they have so many great songs. "Tell Me, It's Just a Rumour Baby" [it was never issued on 45 in the States] . They were all Berry's at one time!

Anyway it's for everyone!

Graham, I, too, love The Isley Brothers' "Tell Me It's Just A Rumor, Baby". I have no idea why it wasn't released as a single here in the U.S. unless Motown feared that it was "too black" for 1960's AM Pop Radio stations. Right or wrong, that's the only possible reason I can think of. It's a shame because it's one of the best dance records EVER!

[Graham Jarvis]

Try Billy Eckstine?

[Motown Eddie]

More Dancers from Motown!

1. Little Stevie Wonder-"Fingertips [Part 2]"
2. The Contours-"Dancing U.S.A."
3. Eddie Holland-"Leaving Here"
4. The Supremes-"Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart"
5. Stevie Wonder-"Nothing's Too Good For My Baby"
6. The Isley Bros.-"Got To Have You Back"
7. The Monitors-"Number One In Your Heart"
8. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas-"I Can't Dance To That Music Your Playing"
9. The Temptations-"Happy People"
10. Bonnie Pointer-"Heaven Must Have Sent You"
11. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Hip City [Pts. 1 & 2]"
12. The Isley Bros.-"Catching Up On Time"
13. Martha & The Vandellas-"Nobody'll Care"
14. Marvin Gaye-"Hitch Hike"
15. The Spinners-"I'll Always Love You"
16. The Marvelettes-"Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead"
17. Eddie Kendricks-"Date With The Rain"
18. The Supremes-"The Day Will Come Between Sunday And Monday"
19. The Jackson 5-"Body Language"
20. The Twisting Kings-"Congo Twist"
21. Martha & The Vandellas-"Dancing In The Street"
22. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Baby You Know You Ain't Right"
23. Stevie Wonder-"Every Time I See You I Go Wild"
24. Kim Weston-"I'm Going To Make It Up To You"
25. The Temptations-"Psychedelic Shack [Long Version]"

[BayouMotownMan]

Most of Motown's output was dance music. But since most of the ones I would have chosen have been selected in previous posts I'll throw some others out there for consideration:

I've Got A Weak Heart-Kim
Tender Loving Care - PJ
Jimmy Mack [[mono single)-Martha
Let It Whip=Dazz Band
Let Me Tickle Your Fancy-Jermaine
He's A Pretender-High Inergy
He's All I've Got-Supremes
Since You've Been Gone-4 Tops
You Need Love Like I Do-Gladys
You and I-Rick James
Don't Park Your Loving-High Inergy
It's A Good, Good Feeling-Miracles
What's Easy For Two-Marvelettes
Do You See My Love-Jr Walker
What Is A Heart Good For-Miracles
Moving Violation-J5
You're What's Missing In My Life-Supremes
You Need A Strong Dose of Love-GC Cameron
Come and Get This Stuff-Syreeta
In The Middle Of A Feeling-Three Ounces of Love
You Are The Reason I Feel Like Dancing-5th Dimension
Get The Cream Off The Top-Eddie
Funky Music-Edwin Starr
Treat Her Like A Lady-Temptations
Love Power-Willie Hutch
Warm Summer Night-Mary Wilson

[lucky2012]

Motown was the dance music of the 60's. My list doesn't go past 1968. It includes some already mentioned that I just couldn't leave out.

Do You Love Me [Now That I Can Dance]? - Contours
Mix It Up - Marvelettes
I Gotta Dance to Keep from Crying - Miracles
In My Lonely Room - Martha & Vandellas
I'll Be in Trouble - Temptations
You're a Wonderful One - Marvin Gaye
Danger! Heartbreak Dead Ahead - Marvelettes
It's the Same Old Song - Four Tops
Something About You - Four Tops
Take Me in Your Arms [Rock Me a Little While] - Kim Weston
Going to a Go Go - Smokey & Miracles
Up Tight - Stevie Wonder
Don't Mess with Bill - Marvelettes
Get Ready - Temptations
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Temptations
Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart - Supremes
This Old Heart of Mine - Isley Bros.
Whole Lotta Shakin' in My Heart [Since I Met You] - Smokey & Miracles
You Can't Hurry Love - Supremes
Function at the Junction - Shorty Long
Road Runner - Jr. Walker & All Stars
I'm Ready for Love - Martha & Vandellas
Jimmy Mack - Martha & Vandellas
Soulful Shack - Smokey & Miracles
He Was Really Sayin' Something - Marvelettes
Going Down for the Third Time - Supremes
Just Look What You've Done - Brenda Holloway
I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Gladys & Pips
I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing - Martha & Vandellas
The Stranger - Marvelettes
I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Try Billy Eckstine?

Graham, I can EASILY picture Motown fans gettin' down and dirty-dancing to this mid-tempo jitterbugger! Had I been aware of it back in the day, I would have raced out to buy this single first thing.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

More Dancers from Motown!

1. Little Stevie Wonder-"Fingertips [Part 2]"
2. The Contours-"Dancing U.S.A."
3. Eddie Holland-"Leaving Here"
4. The Supremes-"Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart"
5. Stevie Wonder-"Nothing's Too Good For My Baby"
6. The Isley Bros.-"Got To Have You Back"
7. The Monitors-"Number One In Your Heart"
8. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas-"I Can't Dance To That Music Your Playing"
9. The Temptations-"Happy People"
10. Bonnie Pointer-"Heaven Must Have Sent You"
11. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Hip City [Pts. 1 & 2]"
12. The Isley Bros.-"Catching Up On Time"
13. Martha & The Vandellas-"Nobody'll Care"
14. Marvin Gaye-"Hitch Hike"
15. The Spinners-"I'll Always Love You"
16. The Marvelettes-"Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead"
17. Eddie Kendricks-"Date With The Rain"
18. The Supremes-"The Day Will Come Between Sunday And Monday"
19. The Jackson 5-"Body Language"
20. The Twisting Kings-"Congo Twist"
21. Martha & The Vandellas-"Dancing In The Street"
22. Jr. Walker & The All Stars-"Baby You Know You Ain't Right"
23. Stevie Wonder-"Every Time I See You I Go Wild"
24. Kim Weston-"I'm Going Make It Up To You"
25. The Temptations-"Psychedelic Shack [Long Version]"

Another cool list full of well-known hits and rarities, Eddie!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Most of Motown's output was dance music. But since most of the ones I would have chosen have been selected in previous posts I'll throw some others out there for consideration:

I've Got A Weak Heart-Kim
Tender Loving Care - PJ
Jimmy Mack [[mono single)-Martha
Let It Whip=Dazz Band
Let Me Tickle Your Fancy-Jermaine
He's A Pretender-High Inergy
He's All I've Got-Supremes
Since You've Been Gone-4 Tops
You Need Love Like I Do-Gladys
You and I-Rick James
Don't Park Your Loving-High Inergy
It's A Good, Good Feeling-Miracles
What's Easy For Two-Marvelettes
Do You See My Love-Jr Walker
What Is A Heart Good For-Miracles
Moving Violation-J5
You're What's Missing In My Life-Supremes
You Need A Strong Dose of Love-GC Cameron
Come and Get This Stuff-Syreeta
In The Middle Of A Feeling-Three Ounces of Love
You Are The Reason I Feel Like Dancing-5th Dimension
Get The Cream Off The Top-Eddie
Funky Music-Edwin Starr
Treat Her Like A Lady-Temptations
Love Power-Willie Hutch
Warm Summer Night-Mary Wilson

Interesting and unique list, Bayou! There are bound to be duplicates from list to list, but I wouldn't let it stop me. If you feel strongly enough about a track, include it. Delving into Motown's mid-to-late '70s and early '80s hits can be a fresh source of dance content.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Motown was the dance music of the 60's. My list doesn't go past 1968. It includes some already mentioned that I just couldn't leave out.

Do You Love Me [Now That I Can Dance]? - Contours
Mix It Up - Marvelettes
I Gotta Dance to Keep from Crying - Miracles
In My Lonely Room - Martha & Vandellas
I'll Be in Trouble - Temptations
You're a Wonderful One - Marvin Gaye
Danger! Heartbreak Dead Ahead - Marvelettes
It's the Same Old Song - Four Tops
Something About You - Four Tops
Take Me in Your Arms [Rock Me a Little While] - Kim Weston
Going to a Go Go - Smokey & Miracles
Up Tight - Stevie Wonder
Don't Mess with Bill - Marvelettes
Get Ready - Temptations
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Temptations
Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart - Supremes
This Old Heart of Mine - Isley Bros.
Whole Lotta Shakin' in My Heart [Since I Met You] - Smokey & Miracles
You Can't Hurry Love - Supremes
Function at the Junction - Shorty Long
Road Runner - Jr. Walker & All Stars
I'm Ready for Love - Martha & Vandellas
Jimmy Mack - Martha & Vandellas
Soulful Shack - Smokey & Miracles
He Was Really Sayin' Something - Marvelettes
Going Down for the Third Time - Supremes
Just Look What You've Done - Brenda Holloway
I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Gladys & Pips
I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing - Martha & Vandellas
The Stranger - Marvelettes
I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

Love this list, Lucky!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

And The Motown Dance Hits Just Keep On Coming!

1) THE SUPREMES - You Keep Me Hanging On
2) MARY WELLS - One Block From Heaven
3) KIM WESTON - Looking For The Right Guy
4) JR. WALKER - Right On Brothers And Sisters
5) THE VELVELETTES - He Was Really Saying Something
6) STEVIE WONDER - Part-Time Lover
7) EARL VAN DYKE & THE SOUL BROTHERS Ft. THE ANDANTES - All For You
8) MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - Easily Persuaded
9) DAVID & JIMMY RUFFIN - Set 'Em Up [[Move In For The Thrill)
10) TAMMI TERRELL - He's The One I Love
11) THE VELVELETTES - Needle In A Haystack
12) GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - The Boy From Crosstown
13) STEVIE WONDER - Go Home
14) EDWIN STARR - S.O.S. [[Stop Her On Sight)
15) FOUR TOPS - I Got A Feeling
16) THE NEW SUPREMES - Na Na Hey Hey [[Kiss Him Goodbye)
17) STEVIE WONDER - Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Dah-Day
18) DIANA ROSS - Remember Me
19) THE NEW MIRACLES - Wigs And Lashes
20) DYNAMIC SUPERIORS - Nowhere To Run
21) JR. WALKER - Take Me Girl I'm Ready
22) KIKI DEE - More Today Than Yesterday
23) THE TEMPTATIONS - Keep Holding On
24) JERMAINE JACKSON - Take Me In Your Arms
25) THE NEW SUPREMES - He's My Man

[Philles/Motown Gary]

As Darlene Love stated in her interview segment for "Girl Groups -- The Story Of A Sound", "MOTOWN was gettin' DOWN!" And, boy, were they ever!

1) THE MARVELETTES - Keep Off, No Trespassing
2) THE TEMPTATIONS - Power
3) THE SUPREMES - Mother Dear [["More Hits" Album Version)
4) STEVIE WONDER - Superstition
5) SYREETA - To Know You Is To Love You
6) MICHAEL JACKSON - Rockin" Robin
7) FOUR TOPS - My Past Just Crossed My Future
8) DIANA ROSS - What You Gave Me
9) JR. WALKER - Proud Mary
10) RICK JAMES - Love Gun
11) THE COMMODORES - Brick House
12) MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS - Leave It In The Hands Of Love
13) THE NEW SUPREMES - Have I Lost You
14) THREE OUNCES OF LOVE - I've Got A Right To Be Loved
15) JR. WALKER - Nothing But Soul
16) DIANA ROSS - No One Gets The Prize
17) MARVIN GAYE - Can I Get A Witness
18) STEVIE WONDER - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
19) BARBARA RANDOLPH - When It Rains It Pours
20) SHORTY LONG - Night Fo' Last
21) CHRIS CLARK - Whisper You Love Me Boy
22) THE MARVELETTES - My Baby Must Be A Magician
23) STEVIE WONDER - You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover
24) GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - Just Walk In My Shoes
25) FOUR TOPS - You Gotta Forget Him, Darling

[Graham Jarvis]

The Contours "Whole Lotta Woman"

[Graham Jarvis]

Don't forget Xmas & Stevie!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Stevie's "What Christmas Means To Me" is a great dance track, Graham. And timely, too!

[Graham Jarvis]

Gary it just seems you and me!

How about the Vows "Tell Me" & Ivy Jo "I Can Feel The Pain" So many more from V.I.P. Dalton Boys , Chris Clark, R Dean Taylor. Debbie Dean & the list goes on.