When You Think "Motown", Do You Think "Lionel Richie"?

[Motown Eddie]

When I think of Motown, I think of the artists that recorded the defining hits for the company during what I call The Hitsville Era [[1959-1971). Since Lionel Ritchie's work at the label comes after that period, I don't think of him when I think Motown [[however, I do acknowledge his work both as a member of The Commodores & solo act).