I've written about this before. Motown signed the 5th as punishment.
Diana Ross was Berry's star; he was obsessed with her. Many artists were signed to Motown if Gordy felt they were a threat to Ross, and their recording careers compromised. Also, Marc Gordon was the 5th's manager and Florence LaRue's husband. Marc worked for Motown in the 60s. After ABC cut the group loose, Gordon had nowhere to turn except Motown. Gordy took the group on and cut two lps and as many singles which got no promotion. When they were dropped from the label in 1979, Gordy had effectively destroyed them. They could never threaten Ross again.
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