What If the Marvelettes HIT in 1970/71?

[marybrewster]

Makes you wonder what the Marvelettes were doing between 1964 and 1967. Sure, they were recording some singles and doing some touring, but how much time do you suppose that took up? A couple of days recording days each month? And maybe a couple of extended tours for a few weeks at a time? Sounds like a lot of "down" time. Did any of the members [[Gladys, Wanda, Kat) have side jobs they worked at when not being a Marvelette?

[WaitingWatchingLookingForAChance]

Makes you wonder what the Marvelettes were doing between 1964 and 1967. Sure, they were recording some singles and doing some touring, but how much time do you suppose that took up? A couple of days recording days each month? And maybe a couple of extended tours for a few weeks at a time? Sounds like a lot of "down" time. Did any of the members [[Gladys, Wanda, Kat) have side jobs they worked at when not being a Marvelette?

If you look at recording dates for the numerous [[and there were quite a lot) recordings that went unreleased, I'd hardly say they only spent a couple of days here and there in the studio. Pick up the 2 Marvelettes box sets and its amazing just how much recording was going on between '64 and '67.

Plus, the Marvelettes had a pretty loyal fan base and were fan favorites. Their career was still strong enough that I'm certain they were pretty busy touring; and not just in the U.S.but overseas as well. No doubt, their singles were well-received on Soul radio stations and according to Katherine in the book on the Marvelettes, they were considered a good live act and a great draw.

Everone also overlooks the fact that the Miracles, too, had a rather fair slump chart-wise from '64 to sometime in '65 but were still a very popular live act. Little Stevie Wonder couldn't buy a hit for the longest but Motown kept him busy on those tours.

I've read that even the lesser known artists have remarked that regardless of not having a hit, Motown kept them busy with touring, recording and those Artists Development classes. So I don't believe the Marvelettes needed "side jobs" or were hardly left with much down time of any kind. They were blessed with an exciting enough stage presence and act that they were able to remain popular as a live act.