Motown Artists Mentioned in Song

[marybrewster]

Over the years, several Motown artists have been mentioned in lyrics of songs; how many can you think of? Here's a few to start:

Rod Stewart - "The Motown Song":

"On the roof and listen to the Miracles"

AND

"Let the Temptations sing it one time"

Rick James - "Super Freak":

"Temptations sing!"

The Beloved - "Hello":

"Mary Wilson, Di and Flo, hello"

John Mellencamp - "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.":

"Spotlight on Martha Reeves, let's don't forget James Brown"

ABC - "When Smokey Sings":

"When Smokey sings....."

[roger]

Two minutes into this song they are "Listening To Marvin all night long" ...

I imagine they meant Mr Gaye ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR8D2yqgQ1U

And TEENA MARIE was a bit more direct with her "My Dear Mr Gaye" ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7-JmJQWWFM

Roger

[kenneth]

"Hello" by The Beloved mentions "Mary Wilson, Di and Flo."

Oh, I just realized Marybrewster had this one listed already!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWWaEEIkxGA

[marv2]

“Nas – Blunt Ashes”



[Intro: Nas]
Yo, I wonder if Langston Hughes and Alex Haley got blazed
Before they told stories, I'mma get blazed before I tell y'all stories
I saw on TV today, this man lost his son, his son died
So he had him cremated, took his ashes and then made it
To a Diamond ring, now he watches his son shine everyday
I just thought about that, while I sit here ashing in this ash tray, yeah

[Verse 1]
The making of a mad band, intricate stories of DeVante Swing
Ava Gardner, the crashin' of James Dean
Bobby Brown influenced by Rick James and it goes
Prince wanted Alexander O'Neal to be Morris Day or Jerome
But Alex was putting coke in his nose, nigga whyling
Could be a myth but I swear that the source was close
Phyllis Hyman..killed herself, it was crazy, mommy was bad they say
Donny Hathaway free fall from a balcony, he swings

[Hook: Nas]
As the blunt ash falls into the ash tray
I could see my whole life fly past me
Did I? Did I keep it gangsta or keep it classy?
And will the money and fame out last me?
The blunts ash falls down in the ash tray
Well I see my whole life fly past me
I'm asking did I keep it gangsta or keep it classy?
Did I? Anything else you wanna know, just ask me

[Verse 2]
Sam trusted Womack with his main lady
He tossing in the grave, like "This is how you repay me?"
A change gon' come, wish you didn't trust me so much
Marvin said "No mountain's high enough," fly stuff
David Ruffin was punching Tammi Terrell, gave her concussions
While the Funk Brothers was laying down the percussion
When Flo from the Supremes died, Diana Ross cried
Many people said that she was laughin' inside

[Hook]

[Verse 3]
John F. Kennedy's enemies dealt with treachery, it interests me
Judy Campbell in Gucci sandals, she's what a temptress be
The death of Ennis Cosby, what a mystery
Or the Chicagoan Harold Washington, someone is sabotaging 'em
Watch out for the traps, Larry Troutman killed his brother
Roger Troutman then he killed himself, that's the end of Zapp
And I wouldn't change a thing, mistakes of the greats
This is what came from their pain from their hurt we gain, an unfair exchange

[Hook]

[Outro]
I could smell old bogey cigars
Long record perfumes, smelling just as sweet
Me and my wife K, flying in a drop-top like Ruby and Ossie Davis baby
Know what I mean? Yo man, I get smoked out, and start thinking 'bout
Hattie McDaniel got a Oscar, for playing Mammy in Gone with the Wind
And she didn't get allowed, wasn't even allowed to go to the premier
Believe that? Couldn't go to premier to her joint
Man, you know they were strong back then man
Blunt from my ash tray, nothing gon' to live past me, yeah

[Ngroove]

Johnnie Taylor - wonder if he's in "Soul Heaven" too?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYIbC9l1QiA

[marv2]

Florence Ballard in Billy Bragg song "King James Version":


He was trapped in a haircut
He no longer believed in
She said "I'm a teacher here
I teach the children"
And he wondered to himself
There and then all the things he could learn from her
The great mighty wonder

Think of the names you once
Called me in anger
Remember the sadness In Florence Ballard's eyes
Imagine all the melancholy you could find
In the arms of a stranger
Bred, bread of heaven

Seems like nothing goes right
In the world that we were born in
But the horizon is bright
Yonder comes the morning

Upstairs they're buying
A stairway to heaven
Down in the garden
They're changing sticks into snakes
And the jangle of religious medals would put the fear of God into an angel
Come, come all ye faithful

Their baby came home to them
An unmarried mother
They wished she would turn to a pillar of salt
But in the end compassion has to be the greatest family value
Hope, hope of the helpless

Looks like a drift to the right
For the world we were born in
But the horizon is bright
Yonder comes the morning

[theboyfromxtown]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jMM-QOkHT4

[marv2]

"Tribute [[Right On)" by the Pasadenas:


This rhythm is a mama

Hey I want to tell you a story
It's about the groove
All Right now look hope here
Hope it makes you move
And get's the rhythm too
Yeah oh yeah

Well there's music from the past
Music for the young and old
Music revelation rock and roll and soul

So Right on .....right on
I said the beat was right on .....right on
Everybody

There was Little Richard [[ Tutti Frutti)
And Elvis too [[shook up, shook up, shook up)
Way back in the fifties [[way back, way back, way back)
There were doing it for me and you

Well I know there is way
With music we can say
These songs are in our blood
So let them play 'cos it's happening today

Right on right on
Right on [[repeat)

And we see it all so clear
The music while we are here
And we need it everyday
No doubt about it we can show the way

Talking about Sam Cooke
Jackie Wilson was their names
Ever since then things ain't been the same
[[ain't be the same)
Otis Redding God may rest his soul
Play back James Brown
How it slides I don't know

There's Motor City that gave us the motown tunes
They laid the foundation lord
And made Detroit some thing new
Yeah we're talking about Marvin Gaye
[[What's going on)
Little Stevie [[ For once in my life)
Smokey [[ Tears of a Clown)
Supremes [[ Baby love)

Right on right on
Right on [[repeat)

Ike and Tina Right on right on
Aretha Franklin Right on right on
Jimmy Hendrix Right on right on
Sound of Philly The Jacksons
All these sounds are still alive
Whoo
Blow horacle blow
Were right on rigt


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQLN-X13oTQ

[marv2]

Shalamar - Uptown Festival - The artists are not mentioned by name but they are given tribute in this song through the music.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiyhJ_1ao_E

[marybrewster]

I forgot this "Have a Nice Day" by Roxanne Shante':

"Just like Diana Ross, I'm the Boss....."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QkEHUMmpyM

[BigAl]

The Beloved - "Hello":
"Mary Wilson, Di and Flo, hello"


I always thought he was singing, "Mary Wilson, Diane, Flo...hello"
I googled the lyrics just now and stand corrected!

[thisoldheart]

"levi stubbs tears" by billy bragg

[BigAl]

Shalamar - Uptown Festival - The artists are not mentioned by name but they are given tribute in this song through the music.

When this song was getting club play, a DJ mentioned to me that Shalamar had approached Motown with a demo and were turned down. It was eventually released on the Soul Train label. Sounded far-fetched to me. This same DJ also said that it's not really Shalamar [[Jody Watley, Jeffrey daniel, Gary Mumford) singing but rather some uncredited session singers. Anyone know anything about this?

[marv2]

When this song was getting club play, a DJ mentioned to me that Shalamar had approached Motown with a demo and were turned down. It was eventually released on the Soul Train label. Sounded far-fetched to me. This same DJ also said that it's not really Shalamar [[Jody Watley, Jeffrey daniel, Gary Mumford) singing but rather some uncredited session singers. Anyone know anything about this?

It always sounded like Jody Watley singing to me.

[marv2]

Marvin Gaye- "A Funky Space Reincarnation" mentions Cindy Birdsong:

"A Funky Space Reincarnation"


2073
2084
2093

Light years ahead
You and me gon be getting down
On a space bed
We gon get married in June
We gon be getting down on the moon
Light years, interplanetary funk
is gonna get down
Star Wars interplanetary funk
Still getting down

Music won't have no race
Only space, Peaceful space
There is time what a trip
Step inside my little ship
I can tell by your way
That you really wanna stay
In space, funky space
Peaceful space
Terrible place

Wait till I've been cool
Hey baby, let's get in the groove

Girl you look like somebody I met a long time ago
I know I haven't met you though but
Oooh you look like I haven't known you for a thousand years
God, just, mmm.. I don't know what's happening, y'know, but I
I'm really empowered but every time I be checking you out y'know, my
You give me some other reaction
But it seems to me that the reason we together here
is that we supposed to be together

Come on baby let's go peace loving
And check out this new smoke
No this thing I got
It ain't classified as dope
Smoke I got from Venus
Have had it all week
It's getting old
Come on and try this new thing with me, baby
It's too cold

Come on now, baby
Let's take off clean
Get in this here machine
And rocket rocket rocket rocket
Hey little baby
Let's magnetise
Magnet makes your love rise baby

Ooh sugar, let's get some more
Why do I feel like I been with you before
Shoot me good with the create gun
Shoot the people and lots of fun
Everybody created
Time and lots of fun
Let's move the party over to Star One

Alright everybody, we're moving now to come in for a landing here in Pluto
Now all of you who aren't groovay
Send you over to the Plutotarium to be Plutotized
Know that that you dig that
And the rest of the group, I know y'all gon' have a ball
But hey, little miss birdsong! Come here
You follow me

Come on baby come on down
Razzmattazz and all that jazz
Come on baby come on down
Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz
Let's plug ourselves in this machine in the ground
Let's touch each other and feel each other down
Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz
Say, we need to say what we mean
Plug our hearts into the, the real machine
Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz
Let's see if we play, babe
Happiness around
Let's touch each other
Let's feel each other's ass
Let's razzmattazz, all that jazz
Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz
Says yeah
Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz
Says yeah
Let's touch each other
Let's feel each other's ass
Let's razzmattazz, all that jazz

Stop
Well it's been a fantastic trip, baby
Y'all cut it out
Get another load of funky four
Funky four
Everybody get your hands together
We be right here on time
You better count down, Zac
You ready?

One, fun
Two, you
Three, me
Four, more
Five, no jive
Six, no tricks
Seven, we in heaven
Eight, everything is straight
Nine, fine
Ten, next week
We'll do it again

[roger]

When this song was getting club play, a DJ mentioned to me that Shalamar had approached Motown with a demo and were turned down. It was eventually released on the Soul Train label. Sounded far-fetched to me. This same DJ also said that it's not really Shalamar [[Jody Watley, Jeffrey daniel, Gary Mumford) singing but rather some uncredited session singers. Anyone know anything about this?

Yes that is undoubtedly true BigAl .. "Uptown Festival" was produced by SIMON SOUSSAN, a controversial figure who had made a living producing Motownesque tunes for the U.K. "Northern Soul" scene and importing obscure [[and sometimes not exactly legit) U.S. 45s into Britain .. his most successful act were THE SHARONETTES who I believe were some Los Angeles session singers. They had two U.K. hits .. a version of "Papa OO Mow Mow" and this one ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eu_6RT1lrw
I suspect that the singers on "Uptown Festival" were exactly the same people, I've heard some well known names mentioned as the possible singers but I wouldn't want to spread false rumours. When "Uptown Festival" started to get interest some singers/dancers off the "Soul Train" T.V. show were recruited to promote the record ... and the rest is history ... :)

There is an interesting thread about Mr Soussan from 2003 in the SDF archives ...

http://soulfuldetroit.com/archives/4472/4664.html?1060556188

Roger

[marv2]

Spyder Turner and "Stand By Me" [[mentions David Ruffin, Smokey,)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZCTmTZ6MYo

[GrtGzu]

Stevie Wonder - You Haven't Done Nothin"

"Jackson 5 join along with me say Doo-Doo-Wop"

My fave!!!!

[Lulu]

Sylvia's "It's Good To Be The Queen"

Like Diana Ross said loud and clear, this is my house and I live here!!

<em>
http://youtu.be/JeHpZZElZoc

[Lulu]

The Concretes...not a mention but an entire song! Work!


http://youtu.be/EDAv_sNHpLs

[Lulu]

Julius Brown's "Diana" on West End Records


http://youtu.be/FyS69fa2S7Q

[soulballad]

Cindy by the Tempts! Maybe not Ms.B but oh well!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ohoX70ZrA

[marv2]

The Four Tops - "The Four of Us". In the last line Levi mentions the names, Obie, Lawrence, Duke and me........


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAaSrxioq70

[marv2]

and of course........



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmS1CUQvxTo

[arr&bee]

Haaaaaaaaaa,i can think of at least three temptations songs where the temps mention themselves...you're the one[temptations sing]...silent night[merry christmas from the temptations]...little things[lying in bed listening to the temptations on the radio].

[roger]

Julius Brown's "Diana" on West End Records


http://youtu.be/FyS69fa2S7Q

Having just listened to the lyrics of this song Lulu, I'm starting to wonder whether Julius Brown might be one of the regular posters here .... :) :) :)

Roger

[marybrewster]

Some really great songs; thank you all for sharing and posting!

[Lulu]

Having just listened to the lyrics of this song Lulu, I'm starting to wonder whether Julius Brown might be one of the regular posters here .... :) :) :)

Roger

West End Records was pretty awesome overall. Soul legends Bettye LaVette and Barbara Mason had dance hits...don't even get me started on Barbara Mason's "Another Man"...I could have written that song myself! Larry Levan, the DJ was also a big fan of the 70s Supremes. "Let Yourself Go" was a favorite of his!!!

[MotownSteve]

Gregory Porter: On My Way to Harlem:

I found out on my way to Harlem
Ellington you don't live 'round here
He moved away one day so they say
From Harlem
I can hear his echos still
Now now now you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
now now now you can't keep my away from where I was born
I was baptized by the jazz man's horn
I found out on my way to Harlem
Langston Hughes he don't live 'round here
He moved away one day from his way here in Harlem
I know that Marvin Gaye use to play right in here
Some body say you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
No you cant keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized to the sound of horns.
I found out on my way to Harlem
Ellington you don't live 'round here
He moved away one day so they say
Away from Harlem
I can hear his echos clear
OH now you can't keep me away from where i was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
Now now now now you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by the sound of horns
Oh I found out on my way to Harlem
Marvin Gaye used to play whats going on right over there
I so could use some of those blues from Langston Hughes
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train
Through Harlem
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train

Read more: Gregory Porter - On My Way To Harlem Lyrics | MetroLyrics

[roger]

West End Records was pretty awesome overall. Soul legends Bettye LaVette and Barbara Mason had dance hits...don't even get me started on Barbara Mason's "Another Man"...I could have written that song myself! Larry Levan, the DJ was also a big fan of the 70s Supremes. "Let Yourself Go" was a favorite of his!!!

Yes Lulu, there was a time in the early '80s when it looked like West End would go mega here in Merry Olde England, though in the end the only big hit the label had was "Do It to the Music" by RAW SILK. "Another Man" was also very popular though I know a few people who were put off by the lyrical content.

There was a great double L.P. put out by Streetsounds in the U.K. that contained many of the most popular [[in Britain) tunes off the label. This is it .....

http://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=506000

I still have my vinyl copy .... "You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too" by BRENDA TAYLOR, "Heartbeat" by TAANA GARDNER, "Ride On The Rhythm" by MAHOGANY, "Rescue Me" by SYBIL THOMAS .. absolute Heaven .. I think I shall have to play it again to find out if any Motown artists get mentioned in the lyrics ... :)

Roger

[tmd]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JMwd7_1r-Vo#t=10

[snakepit]

August & Deneen "We go Together"

Marvin and Tammi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxYIC1uIKrQ

[Nothing But Soul]

Marvin Gaye's name turned up in the lyrics of a couple of songs from genres where reference to a Motown artist is somewhat unexpected [[southern soul and contemporary blues).

In "Got My Whiskey", a popular Malaco southern soul record from Mel Waiters:

"I worked hard all week and its time to take a break
Play me some Marvin Sease or some Marvin Gaye"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCArcxpz2gA

In the modern blues of Robert Cray's "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark":
"Put on some music
Marvin Gaye's real nice
Once we get settled
I'll turn off the lights"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra2Qndv_xeE

[marv2]

R.J.'S Latest Arrival-"Shackles"

Lyrics include, "Like some Marvin Gaye, some Aretha,etc"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clt7VrJHuhA

[marv2]

The Commodores - "Nightshift"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrkEDe6Ljqs

[marv2]

"My Dear Mr. Gaye" by Teena Marie


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGO0WAybPiA

[marv2]

"What's Luv "by Fat Joe featuring Ashanti:

Yeah, uh, yo
Yo I stroll in the club with my hat down
Michael Jack style, hot steppin who the mack now?
Not my fault cause they love the kid

[skooldem1]

Fu-Schnickens - La Schmoove

Get on the board lay down the track and I'll do ten laps
Pass the pen, pass the pad, and I'll kick nuff raps
Just come inside your jam and witness who is boss
And it won't be Tony Danza nor Diana Ross.

[skooldem1]

Iggy Azalea/ K. Cole- I'm coming out

So I hit my home girls and told ‘em I can't stay in.
Spotlight stuck on me, that's how it seems
Stepping out, Diana Ross, no Supremes

[skooldem1]

Big Daddy Kane- Cause I can do it right

I'm takin' love to a brand new height
And if lovin' girls is wrong I don't wanna be right
'Cause my man baby face said that it's no crime
And of course I'll work Diana Ross overtime

[smark21]

I believe in Me by Lisa Left Eye Lopes

"But I'm a Diana Ross and not a Supreme"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2yvYPANyCI

[no_place_like_motown]

Sylvia - It's Good To Be The Queen

Like Diana Ross said loud and clear:
"This is my house and I live here!"

[no_place_like_motown]

Stephanie Mills - Movin' In The Right Direction

"And they were playing some Stevie Wonder
and ooo The Jackson 5"

[Lulu]

Sylvia - It's Good To Be The Queen

Like Diana Ross said loud and clear:
"This is my house and I live here!"

Yes! I posted the song above!!! Love it!

[marymary]

Ray Charles' version of Abraham, Martin & John has a verse about Marvin Gaye at the end.

[MIKEW-UK]

DAVID RUFFIN - SOUL MAN BY LARRY BUFORD


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dFWpd0UVRQ

[MIKEW-UK]

JAMIE FOXX, kanye west, SLOW JAMZ

Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrMrqBcv6Mk

[MIKEW-UK]

Smokey Robinson..... Sweet Harmony - dedicated to and uses wordplay on The Miracles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOuuCMXqU3w&amp;feature=kp

[roger]

I think this doesn't specifically name any individual Motown artists, but I think it is still worth mentioning ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIYDYVUbvh4
:)
Roger

[marymary]

I think this doesn't specifically name any individual Motown artists, but I think it is still worth mentioning ....


Another song that references Motown in general is Hitsville UK by The Clash!

[Jaap]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTV5FvNCbhk