Very interesting Marv. Thanks!
You're most welcome Luke. I love the part of the story when Kenny Thomas says "In comes Mary Wilson....and I die!" LOL!!!!
Thanks for posting this marv2. I’m surprised that nothing was said about how the song's title went from “Stone Love” to “Stoned Love.” If it hadn’t changed, the Supremes may have performed it multiple times on television which could have pushed it to the top of the pop charts. Pity.
Nice post. I really enjoy reading the history of those Motown songs. It’s hard to imagine that Gordy thought the song garbage. Add Marvin’s “What’s Going On” to his list and you really have to question the guys musical ear.
I remember chatting with Kenny some years ago, and I was amazed that he had written this, and seemed to be so pleased that I knew the song. Yes, it had been a huge hit, but we're talking at least 20-25 years after the Supremes had disbanded. I told him about Sweet Brandy who had recorded a version of the song and released it. He wasn't aware of that particular version [[it's nowhere near as good as the Supremes' - but Sweet Brandy's take on it was very much a disco / hi-energy style).
Keep on posting Marv and thanks. Didn’t one of Marvin’s songs simulate smoking a joint? I can’t imagine Gordy calling SL garbage. But you are right, he made that mistake a few times !!! So great to hear the history of the song.
Perhaps i’m doing the man an injustice, but he also stifled any creative ambitions the Jackson 5 wanted to express which led to their departure from the label.
Marvin and Stevie of course had the clout to insist on being allowed to write and produce their own material. It would be interesting to know what he really thought of the music NW produced on the Temptations.
to the general public, it is the most recognizable 70's Supremes song....Up The Ladder, Everybody's Got The Right to Love, Stoned Love and River Deep Mountain High all got airplay on NYC's WABC...so did Remember Me and I'm Still Waiting
The trouble with the mistaken song title, "Stoned Love" makes me wonder how did the 5th Dimension get away with their song "Stoned Soul Picnic" becoming a big hit just a few years earlier?
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