Motown: the successful record label from the sixties which specialised in presenting soul music with wide pop appeal. Beginning in the motor town of Detroit, Motown produced some outstanding talent – mainly black entertainers. Co -founder Smoky Robinson begins this week’s program with his group, The Miracles (You really Got A Hold On Me). Other fine performers include Marvin Gaye (I Heard It through the Grapevine) and The Four Tops (Reach Out I’ll Be There). However, Motown’s premier act and their most commercially successful group was The Supremes (Baby Love). There was also a tenuous and brief connection with Aussie group, The Easybeats (St Louis).

PLAYLIST

* You Really Got A Hold On Me – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

* Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

* I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

* My Guy – Mary Welles

* St Louis – The Easybeats

* Working My Way Back To You – The Spinners

* Reach Out I’ll Be There – The Four Tops

* What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted – Jimmy Ruffin

* Baby Love – The Supremes

* Bye Bye Baby – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

* Please Mr Postman – Marvelettes

* Love Is A beautiful Song – Barry Crocker