Velvelettes question for The Boy from Crosstown

[snakepit]

Hi Xtown

just to let you know I'm playing "Ain't no place like Motown" on this weeks Soulful Shack.

BUT...in playing the track, It got me wondering why this song was recorded? Was there a decision to promote Motown via new songs...why the Velvelettes, and was there a plan to record any other artists on this track?
What does Cal remember of it? Not many Motown records recognise MOTOWN as a sound/label....a few exceptions, but this is right out there!

[motony]

Good question, snakepit.

[theboyfromxtown]

Pleased to hear that you are playing the track Snakepit

I can ask Cal but I have to say....why not the Velvelettes! I can guess what she will say but I shall see if she adds anything more to "I was just asked to get a taxi to the studio, learn a song and then leave for school........."

Understand this.....the Velvelettes had a VERY strong ally at Motown.....Mrs Esther Edwards!
Please remember that it was her son Robert Bullock that brought the group to Motown. Mrs Edwards was always helping the ladies and gave them a little more attention than some of the other groups. For example, Mrs Edwards would help organise having their stage outfits made but her biggest influence was being involved in the running of Motown at the top level. Therefor she was in a position to identify where there were openings for the group and actually secure those opportunities such as in performing Batman on Swinging Time. FYI, that involved a new recorded track [[sounds like it was recorded on the west coast) and a dance routine all organised by Harvey Fuqua.

Rick Witte [[Rick Robin & Him) put the track together. He's right down the ladder when it comes to getting a top selling name like the Supremes, Vandellas Temptations etc to record it. But Mrs Edwards has a suggestion.......

[snakepit]

Hi Xtown
No slight on The Velvelettes intended...you know me better than that.
I just wondered if Motown had some kind of 'Motown' promotion in mind ,such as a DJ convention, to raise awareness of the label, and intended to use the track on other artists.