What Motown stars have you met?

[luke]

Me....Cindy, Diana, Mary [[all separately at different times) . [[Emailed with Vandellas Roz and Betty)

[motownlover1964]

Mary Wilson
Scherrie Payne
Lynda Laurence
Susaye Greene
Martha Reeves
Betty Kelly
Smokey Robinson
Otis Williams

[sansradio]

Diana Ross
Leslie Uggams
Ali Ollie Woodson

[snakepit]

Seen in concert [[ met if only briefly.. #)

Four Tops
Diana Ross
70s Supremes [[ J,M,C)
Edwin Starr [[#)
Elgin's [[#)
Jr Walker [[#)
Jimmy Ruffin
Gladys Knight & Pips
Marvin Gaye
Marv Johnson
Syreeta
Devastating Affair
Commodores
Martha & Vandellas
David Ruffin, Drenis Edwards &
Eddie Kendricks [[#)
Temptations [[70s)
Chuck Jackson
Stevie Wonder
Brenda Holloway
Kim Weston
Spinners
Smokey Robinson
Miracles [[70s)
Funk Bros
Chris Clark [[2 songs I think)
Jackson 5
Sisters Love
Rose Banks
Girl group supporting Commodores...forgot name...



Probably missed someone...

[jsmith]

Deleted .. !

[jsmith]

MET: Edwin Starr, the Velvelettes, Chuck Jackson, Chris Clark, Brenda Holloway, Bobby Taylor, Sammy Ward, Francis Nero, Tempts Damon Harris, Ron Tyson & Allie Ollie Woodson + Louvain Demps.
SEEN IN CONCERT: 4 Tops, Isleys, Jimmy Ruffin, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards, Gladys Knight & Pips, Syreeta, Martha & V's, Jnr Walker & AllStars & more I can't recall at present.

[Motown Eddie]

Only met two Motown stars: Mary Wells & Martha Reeves. Met both backstage after they did a double bill at The Bottom Line in NYC in 1984. It was a pleasure meeting them both!

[Sotosound]

I attended a press meeting with Jermaine Jackson when "Let's Get Serious" was big. I was kindly invited by Karen Spreadbury. I didn't get to speak to him but he looked a little self-conscious and nervous, stood there all by himself and the focus of so much attention.

These days I'd have said "Hi" since, after all, he was just a guy doing a job. Back then I wasn't so sure what to do, so I did nothing.

[marv2]

Everyone! LOL!

[JohnnyB]

I attended a press meeting with Jermaine Jackson when "Let's Get Serious" was big. I was kindly invited by Karen Spreadbury. I didn't get to speak to him but he looked a little self-conscious and nervous, stood there all by himself and the focus of so much attention.

These days I'd have said "Hi" since, after all, he was just a guy doing a job. Back then I wasn't so sure what to do, so I did nothing.

Diana Ross
Stevie Wonder
Lynda Lawrence
Mary Wilson

[Circa 1824]

These celebrities "meet" hundreds, if not thousands, of people each year. Most of these "meets" involve a quick handshake and one or two sentences of conversation.

Spending a couple hours or longer with a celebrity falls into a very different category. I had one of these meets where I spent 5 hours with a celebrity, rode round-trip in a car together, chatted, and sang together to a Motown CD playing in the car. I am still pinching myself.

[dickiemint]

Here goes
Temptations [[ Ali Ollie Woodson lead at time )
Original Four Tops
Martha Reeves
Mary Wilson
Jimmy Ruffin
Velvelettes
Brenda Holloway
Kim Weston
Flos[[ Jean Lynda and Sherrie )
Syreeta
Bobby Moore of Miracles

[theboyfromxtown]

I think we've been pretty lucky over here in the UK. Martha started it off, as I recall, of the meet and greet and now other acts have started doing it. It's almost a sin if they don't.

I think Snakepit might have left off the Originals and if he did, he'll kick himself for it!

Two Motown "stars" that most of us have met, and especially one in particular...

Esther Edwards and Claudette Robinson.

[snakepit]

[
Xtown
Unfortunately I missed The Originals as I was on holiday.....
and you know how much I love them.
" It could never happen to me"...but it did

I think Snakepit might have left off the Originals and if he did, he'll kick himself for it!

Two Motown "stars" that most of us have met, and especially one in particular...

Esther Edwards and Claudette Robinson.[/QUOTE]

[edafan]

On 8/25/2002 I got to spend an hour with Al McKenzie [[Musical Director), and the following Temptations Bo Henderson, Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, and Terry Weeks before their show. On their way out from the stage, they even came over to our seats and said "Goodbye".

Bob Babbitt, Uriel Jones, and 4 other funk brothers, Peabo Bryson, Joan Osborne. I got to spend 2 hours with them talking music.
Plus I got to talk to them on three other occasions.


In the early days of the WEB. Damon Harris sent me an email about his creating a site concerning prostate cancer. God bless him. The disease eventually killed this wonderful man.

One of the ex Boston Celtics, got me to be able to sit in the press row behind the basket. Boy that really impressed my high school students.



edafan

[snakepit]

Xtown
think Snakepit might have left off the Originals and if he did, he'll kick himself for it!

sadly I missed the Originals, and you know how much I love that group.
"it could never happen to me"...but it did

[snakepit]

hard hat on...
forgot to mention...
met Martha Reeves and Pat Lewis on visit to Detroit....ended up singing on stage with Martha at amateur night rehearsals .

[satipe]

What a great thread!

I am like Marv by saying EVERYONE as we have been BLESSED as "my kids" have been able to meet with many of the aforementioned. Beans Bowles, Kat Schaffner, Bobby Rogers, Damon Harris, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Willis, Freddie Gorman, Richard Street, Roz Holmes, Annette Beard, etc., etc. We have been truly BLESSED.

Our greatest friend was not from Motown and he was B.B. King and we miss him ever so much.

[marv2]

What a great thread!

I am like Marv by saying EVERYONE as we have been BLESSED as "my kids" have been able to meet with many of the aforementioned. Beans Bowles, Kat Schaffner, Bobby Rogers, Damon Harris, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Willis, Freddie Gorman, Richard Street, Roz Holmes, Annette Beard, etc., etc. We have been truly BLESSED.

Our greatest friend was not from Motown and he was B.B. King and we miss him ever so much.

B.B. King was the greatest! I last saw him in 2013 in concert. My mom has met him.

[luke]

I am jealous of you who have met so many!! Anyone meet Thelma Houston or Brenda or David or Levi?

[marv2]

I am jealous of you who have met so many!! Anyone meet Thelma Houston or Brenda or David or Levi?

I knew Levi and I have met David Ruffin and some of his children.

[marv2]

Legendary Detroit DJ "Frantic" Ernie Durham talked me into escorting Wanda Rogers to her dressing room and to wait for her outside the ladies room and then ride up the elevator with her for a performance! LOL!

[Zantellor]

I met many Motown stars starting with The original Supremes at Sterns Dept store twice in 1966 when they were promoting the A Go Go album prior to its release and again in 1967 while they were preforming at the Copa. Ive also met Cindy and Scherrie . Cindy with Diana and Mary at The Ed Sullivan show I have met Mary Wilson many times at many shows. I also met Tammi Terrell at the Ed Sullivan Show when DRATS were appearing . I met Martha Reeves , Betty Ketty and Rosalind Ashford at Palasades Prk NJ Martha got me a picture with them that I cannot find. I met Duke Fakir at Madison Square Garden while as Otis Williams says paying the water bill. Imaging peeing right next to Duke. [[sorry} Later that evening at the TnT concert I met Dennis Edwards and the Temps and Levi, Obie and Laurence. I met Caldin Gil Street and Spyder Turner at Ponderosa Stomp at Lincoln Center NYC.I met Scherrie Payne in NJ.Unfortunaly I met Henry Flambough of The Spinnners in Brooklyn who refused to give me an autograph and was rude. And the most recent Bettye Lavette last year before her concert in Ft Lauderdale Fl. She gave me a big hug

[marv2]

I met many Motown stars starting with The original Supremes at Sterns Dept store twice in 1966 when they were promoting the A Go Go album prior to its release and again in 1967 while they were preforming at the Copa. Ive also met Cindy and Scherrie . Cindy with Diana and Mary at The Ed Sullivan show I have met Mary Wilson many times at many shows. I also met Tammi Terrell at the Ed Sullivan Show when DRATS were appearing . I met Martha Reeves , Betty Ketty and Rosalind Ashford at Palasades Prk NJ Martha got me a picture with them that I cannot find. I met Duke Fakir at Madison Square Garden while as Otis Williams says paying the water bill. Imaging peeing right next to Duke. [[sorry} Later that evening at the TnT concert I met Dennis Edwards and the Temps and Levi, Obie and Laurence. I met Caldin Gil Street and Spyder Turner at Ponderosa Stomp at Lincoln Center NYC.I met Scherrie Payne in NJ.Unfortunaly I met Henry Flambough of The Spinnners in Brooklyn who refused to give me an autograph and was rude. And the most recent Bettye Lavette last year before her concert in Ft Lauderdale Fl. She gave me a big hug

Hey Mike I peed next to Walter Mondale at the old Minnesota Twins Stadium LOL! Oh remember meeting Mary again at Coney Island?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I've met and had conversations with Billie Calvin and Brenda Evans of The Undisputed Truth, Marv Johnson, and spoke with Johnny Bristol while he was mixing the vocal version of Jr. Walkers "Way Back Home". I had cocktails with Mrs. Berry [[Bertha) Gordy, Sr., and I spent time with George Gordy when he invited me to his office where he test-played a recording of his latest production on Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, "In And Out Of My Life". And, finally, I said hello in passing to Norman Whitfield.

[Zantellor]

Hey Mike I peed next to Walter Mondale at the old Minnesota Twins Stadium LOL! Oh remember meeting Mary again at Coney Island?

Yes Marv and the picture you took of Mary and I is framed in my living room and on facebook.Even though I have met Mary prior to the Coney Island meeting several times,I am still thankful that you formally introduced me
to Mary.

[marv2]

Yes Marv and the picture you took of Mary and I is framed in my living room and on facebook.Even though I have met Mary prior to the Coney Island meeting several times,I am still thankful that you formally introduced me
to Mary.

It was my pleasure.

[kenneth]

Yes Marv and the picture you took of Mary and I is framed in my living room and on facebook.Even though I have met Mary prior to the Coney Island meeting several times,I am still thankful that you formally introduced me
to Mary.

Please post it here so we can see it!

[kenneth]

I've only met Scherrie and Susaye, after their concert in LA a couple years ago, and Mickey Stevenson [[in the parking lot when he was waiting for his car).

[Bluebrock]

I am only counting people whom i have met/interviewed for at least 15 minutes.
Diana Ross
Jean Terrell
Lynda Lawrence
Mary Wilson
David Ruffin
Lionel Richie
Smokey Robinson
Edwin Starr
Otis Williams
Dennis Edwards
Melvin Franklin
Thelma Houston
Tata Vega
Johnny Bristol
Jean Carn
Billy Griffin
Ron Isley

And i will be able to add Gladys Knight to the list in July.


I am sure i will remember some others that i have currently forgotten, but that will suffice for now.

[jaybs]

Was blessed going into radio from school. even though my careers teachers told me To Stop Dreaming! Every Motown artist that visited the UK from mid 70's to the late 90's, many became friends as we kept in touch, always such a pleasure to spend time with Levi Stubbs, Edwin Starr, Junior Walker, Eddie Kendrick, sadly never meet such as The Originals, or The Elgins & a few of the artists who never made it big in the UK.

At that period the Radio Station started to promote concerts at The Liverpool Empire & Southport Theatre so it was good to ensure we got involved with Motown and other soul artists. One stand out concert was Michael Jackson, we had run coaches around 15 to see him on The Bad Tour at Wembley and I put that together, but then when he moved to Europe on Tour his manager said Michael wanted to do one more date in the UK, still remember the management board meeting when the MD told us the fee wanted, quick calculations we need an audience of 70,000 to cover that with all he costs involved The Empire seated 2,700, so we started to throw places around and came up with Aintree Racecourse the home of the famous Grand National, now to sell the tickets there were a few who sweated it would be a big financial loss, but I had confidence, we sold 128,000 tickets a record to this day I think in the UK, the sight looking from off the side of the stage & meeting Michael back stage a night I will never remember.

All my mates were rock & punk fans, but my brother was 11 years older and thanks to him he turned me onto Motown, but my real era was Philly and to meet and talk and get to know Philadelphia International Artists was also great, O'Jays of course stands out as they did not travel that much to the UK, Harold Melvin & of course Teddy! but the Three Degrees, I was once in hospital when they visited the station and they had a get well card delivered by hand to the hospital, still keep in contact with them, music has been my life and thanks to all the artists.

[robb_k]

I've met Freddie Gorman and Scherrie Payne, who recorded for us at Airwave Records, also several other ex-Motown artists [[like Art Posey, and the like)[[but the others weren't "stars"). Stevie Wonder played Harmonica on one of our Freddie Gorman cuts. But I didn't meet him, as I was in Europe when he did that. I met Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Robert Gordy [[Bob Kayli) [[not a "star", but head of Jobete Music). I met Mickey Stevenson [[not a singing star). I met Smokey and the other Miracles [[but only for a handshake and "Hi".

I've met many non-Motown R&B and Blues singers and a few producers.

[Zantellor]

Thank you Marv for meeting me at the concert. Introducing me to Mary and taking this picture of us. I grew up very close to Coney Island and spent much time there on the rides and at the beach. They wer e great times. Nothing was better than being introduced to Mary on my home turf. I had agreat time that night . May did a great show .And the drinks were good. Thanks again Marv

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[marv2]

Thank you Marv for meeting me at the concert. Introducing me to Mary and taking this picture of us. I grew up very close to Coney Island and spent much time there on the rides and at the beach. They wer e great times. Nothing was better than being introduced to Mary on my home turf. I had agreat time that night . May did a great show .And the drinks were good. Thanks again Marv

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Ahh! Great picture. Hey, I know those people! LOL!

[lester]

That'd be Three Ounces Of Love then.

Like you Snakepit I have meet them all.

Had afternoon tea with Maxine Powell in Detroit.
Had breakfast with Supremes and Marv Johnson
Dinner with Martha Reeves in London
Drove around London showing main landmarks then had dinner with Hattie Littles
Been in dressing rooms
On tour buses
Had Linda Griner staying with me at home
Been in a recording studio in Detroit with Wanda Rogers
Talked to Ester Edwards at Motown Museum
Bumped into [[actually bumped into) Jr Walker at Motown Museum
Accompanied Kim Weston to the Ladies [[I waited outside)
Travelled with Velvelettes from Hotel to TV Studio
Shared a taxi with Kim Weston and Frankie Gaye
Bumped into Brenda Holloway in the street in Camden Town
Caroline Crawford at Sylvia Moys' studio
Sylvia Moy gave me a short guided tour of her house/studio [[Masterpiece Sound in West Detroit)she was carrying her small dog [[called Cherie Amour)
Vermettya Royster sent me a very personal thank you note
Took Joe Stubbs to the pub
Clay McMurray came to sign my book in my hotel room, as did Sylvester Potts and Joe Billingslea
Waiting for the lift, doors opened and out walked Joe Harris & Brenda Evans [[I didn't get in I ran after then)
Been in Marvelettes dressing room and Edwin Starr's
Joe Hunter [[band leader) & Ivy Joe Hunter
Chris Clark came to meet me at Brighton [[or was it Bournemouth)
Carried Kim Weston's frock to someone's Caravan a Skegness
Spent hours in the studio with Billy Griffin, Francis Nero, G.C. Cameron

I've lived a very Motown life, have all the 45's, EPs, 12'' singles, cassettes, CDs, Boxed sets, DVDs, Books and autographs
The list could go on

Funny not been able to get close enough to Gladys, Stevie or Diana but there is till time for that to happen.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Nick & Valerie [[lovely), and Diana [[gracious and crazy beautiful, plus she smelled REALLY good!)

[PeaceNHarmony]

... and gave Tina flowers onstage in 1973 but I don't know if that counts as 'meeting', but she beamed that Tina smile and thanked me. And Stephanie Mills at a NYC nightclub debut, maybe 1976? Adorable.

[PeaceNHarmony]

I am only counting people whom i have met/interviewed for at least 15 minutes.
Diana Ross
Jean Terrell
Lynda Lawrence
Mary Wilson
David Ruffin
Lionel Richie
Smokey Robinson
Edwin Starr
Otis Williams
Dennis Edwards
Melvin Franklin
Thelma Houston
Tata Vega
Johnny Bristol
Jean Carn
Billy Griffin
Ron Isley

And i will be able to add Gladys Knight to the list in July.


I am sure i will remember some others that i have currently forgotten, but that will suffice for now.

A wonderful list, but never one of your beloved Dells?

[snakepit]

Three ounces of love

Thanks Lester.

[lakeside]

Met Mary Wilson about 4 times and she was always gracious and fun to talk to. Had a personal tour through the Motown Museum when it first opened by Beans Bowles and met Esther Gordy the same day.

[marv2]

Met Mary Wilson about 4 times and she was always gracious and fun to talk to. Had a personal tour through the Motown Museum when it first opened by Beans Bowles and met Esther Gordy the same day.

That is great Lakeside. I really miss Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Bowles.

[snakepit]

To add to my list of meetings, Johnny Allen and Beans Bowles at The old Graystone[[ I think) in Greektown.

[lakeside]

That is great Lakeside. I really miss Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Bowles.

What's sad is....I didn't know who Mr. Bowels was at the time. It's when the museum first opened and he met us at the door. We were the only people on the tour at that time. I sure would have asked a lot more questions had I known. He was very nice and gave a wonderful tour of the museum. I believe he mentioned that he was appearing in a show at the Fox Theater at the time. He took us into Esther's office to meet her. She was lovely and gave me some Motown pics and a calendar. That was certainly a memorable day.

[marv2]

What's sad is....I didn't know who Mr. Bowels was at the time. It's when the museum first opened and he met us at the door. We were the only people on the tour at that time. I sure would have asked a lot more questions had I known. He was very nice and gave a wonderful tour of the museum. I believe he mentioned that he was appearing in a show at the Fox Theater at the time. He took us into Esther's office to meet her. She was lovely and gave me some Motown pics and a calendar. That was certainly a memorable day.

Dr. Bowles was an essential part of the development of Motown. He organized and managed those early Motortown Revue tours among other notable tasks. He was big in Detroit Jazz Society. A nicer gentleman you would never meet. His son Dennis wrote a book about him recently. Dennis is a member here.

[snakepit]

I met Beans Bowled at the opening of a Jazz society event. We had been in Bomacs and were invited to a gathering on the following Sunday.

[marv2]

I met Beans Bowled at the opening of a Jazz society event. We had been in Bomacs and were invited to a gathering on the following Sunday.

Snakepit, wow! I use to go to Bomacs.

[masterblaster]

Seen in concert [[ met if only briefly.. #)

Four Tops
Diana Ross
70s Supremes [[ J,M,C)
Edwin Starr [[#)
Elgin's [[#)
Jr Walker [[#)
Jimmy Ruffin
Gladys Knight & Pips
Marvin Gaye
Marv Johnson
Syreeta
Devastating Affair
Commodores
Martha & Vandellas
David Ruffin, Drenis Edwards &
Eddie Kendricks [[#)
Temptations [[70s)
Chuck Jackson
Stevie Wonder
Brenda Holloway
Kim Weston
Spinners
Smokey Robinson
Miracles [[70s)
Funk Bros
Chris Clark [[2 songs I think)
Jackson 5
Sisters Love
Rose Banks
Girl group supporting Commodores...forgot name...



Probably missed someone...

Wasn't the girl group supporting the Commodres, Three Ounces Of Love. I saw this concert in Manchester U.K around 1978 when they had just signed to Motown, hailed as the new Supremes at the time.

[marv2]

Wasn't the girl group supporting the Commodres, Three Ounces Of Love. I saw this concert in Manchester U.K around 1978 when they had just signed to Motown, hailed as the new Supremes at the time.

Masterblaster, you know what? The year before, 1977 they were hailing High Inergy as the "new Supremes" LOL!!!

[snakepit]

Wasn't the girl group supporting the Commodres, Three Ounces Of Love. I saw this concert in Manchester U.K around 1978 when they had just signed to Motown, hailed as the new Supremes at the time.

You were at the same Manchester concert then. Probably second house, a bit of disturbance in the audience if I remember correctly.

[snakepit]

Snakepit, wow! I use to go to Bomacs.

Yes . recommended by Martha Reeves. Went to Bomac's on Friday evening.
Teddy Harris trio
Mc Lottie the body.
Bought the group some drinks, they sat with us, and invited us the Jazz Society opening.
I think it was at the Graystone ballroom.
Went back to Bomacs on the Sunday evening with 16 piece band...invited Pat Lewis to join us , which see did.
Gave her my Golden World T-shirt !