Originally Posted by
stalebagel
This post was brought to my attention by Al Abrams [[former Motown publicist). He suggested that I respond.
While I’m not sure that I have more Motown knowledge than you, at least on this subject I am somewhat better informed and would be happy to clear up any confusion you may have about the group.
Although Billboard is a great reference for recordings, chart positions, etc, it is obviously not the last word on the complete history of Motown or of the artists. Here is the makeup of the group:
David Finley – Left the Del Vikings to join The Miracles in the 70’s and performed with them continuously until their final show in Salt Lake City, UT on October 4, 2011. I know this for a fact because I was the musical director for this show. David shares their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was given a plaque in his name to prove it. Because he did not attend the unveiling in California it was hand delivered to him by the late Bobby Rogers.
George Wilson – Joined The Capitols in the late 70’s, left in the early 80’s, returned in the mid 80’s and was with them until they disbanded in 2005. Altogether, he was with the group for more than 20 years.
Charles Franklin and Douglas Gaddy – Performed with former Temptation Ali Woodson’s group.
My credentials are as follows –
Musical Director for The Contours for 15 years. [[1998 through 2012)
Served as Musical Director at various times for The Miracles, Martha & The Vandellas, The Original Vandellas and The Velvelettes.
Performed with all of the above, and also with Ali Woodson, Richard Street, and numerous other Motown artists.
Shared the stage internationally with The Four Tops, The Spinners, Mary Wilson, Dennis Edwards Temptation Revue, and with numerous other Motown artists.
Currently manager and Musical Director for The Motortown All-Stars.
It should be noted that we do not purport to be The Temptations, The Miracles, or The Capitols. We simply [[and rightfully) bill ourselves as an assembled vocal group with members who performed with The Capitols, The Miracles, and former members of The Temptations. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try to present ourselves accurately, between the promoters that hire us and the media, many times the billing is not presented correctly or spelled properly. Having been in the entertainment business for many decades, I have been misquoted and/or mischaracterized many times myself over the years, at times even in this very forum. As a case in point, you mistakenly called us Motown Town All-Stars at one point in your post.
The bottom line is, this is a quality Motown show that was enjoyed by hundreds of people in Novi. We are doing everything we can to keep this music alive and to perform it as authentically as possible. You are obviously a fan of the genre, so I invite you to attend a performance the next time we are in town. I believe you will enjoy the show, and perhaps then you can post something positive about the group in your forum.
Sincerely,
Glen Raby
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