Who do you think is the most influential and iconic Motown group?

[Eddy66]

Just choose one group. No lists.

[Motown Eddie]

The Supremes.

[Eddy66]

Up to a few years ago I would have said the Supremes or even The J5, but now I would say The Temptations.

[midnightman]

The Supremes and the Temptations.

[RanRan79]

I think it has to equally be the Supremes and the Temptations, the two most successful Black groups of the 60s. They influenced countless singing groups that followed them. Many a male group patterned themselves after the Tempts, in look and choreography. And not only did most female groups start out wanting to be the next Supremes, but they too often patterned themselves after the original trio. Not to mention that it seems every record exec/writer/producer was always looking for that female group with that one girl who could be their Diana Ross. Still today I think any r&b male group is compared to the Tempts, and any three women are compared to the Supremes, whether they're singing or not.

[jbpintus]

~~~ Four Tops ~~~

[daviddh]

the supremes , but all of them

[midnightman]

Great point, Ran.

*Editing*

[copley]

In the UK it was the Four Tops.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Diana Ross and The Supremes.

[vgalindo]

Diana Ross and the Supremes.

[Roberta75]

Diana Ross and The Supremes and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

[JohnnyB]

Diana Ross and The Supremes and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

Diana Ross & The Supremes

[daviddesper]

I would say it would have to be the Supremes. Wouldn't it be safe to say that they had more appearances on TV variety shows than all the other Motown acts put together, and for that reason they brought the Motown brand name to the attention of mainstream America.

[Ngroove]

The Temptations.

[Eddy66]

The Temptations.
Agree. I also think their music, especially The psychedelic era has become a big influence. I actually hear more Temptation songs used in film. Ball of Confusion is the theme song in Spike Lee new film.

[mysterysinger]

Iconic goes to The Supremes but it would have to be another group for influential.

Girl groups existed and were successful before DRATS, including on Motown. Essentially they were followers but they did develop the art thanks to Motown.

[rovereab]

The Supremes for me. The original group had it all.

[jobucats]

The Supremes

[Jaap]

I think the strength [[and in extension its cultural impact) of 1960s Motown is the collective of groups sharing the same sound. Obviously, the Supremes and the Temptations--rightfully--stand out as very popular groups, but also their success and relevance is strengthened by Motown as a whole.

[captainjames]

HANDS DOWN !!!!
THE SUPREMES !!!!
and a close second THE TEMPTATIONS !!!!
sorry its just the way it was and Motown even decided to put them on TV together.

[sansradio]

The Supremes. They ushered the Motown Sound into the supper clubs and thereby opened vistas heretofore unseen for the company. And imagewise, they left the world thunderstruck.

[TheMotownManiac]

Diana Ross & The Supremes