With a very heavy heart, we announce the passing of a beloved Motown legend who gave us so much Rest in peace Full post below…
Born on September 2, 1943, in Detroit, Ashford wasstill a student at Wilbur Wright High School when she joined Annette Beard and Gloria Williams to form a girl group called the Del-Phis. Reeves later joined the group, which also recorded as the Vels.
In 1962, they sang backup for stars including Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells. Those sessions caught the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who offered them a record deal. After Gloria Williams left, the group became Martha and the Vandellas.
Their 1963 breakthrough, “Come and Get These Memories,” climbed to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B chart. The same year, “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave” became an even bigger hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. “Quicksand” followed as another early hit.
In the summer of 1964, “Dancing in the Street” became a landmark record, reaching No. 2on the Billboard Hot 100. Later covers included versions by the Mamas & the Papas and Van Halen. Other hits included “Nowhere to Run,” “I’m Ready for Love,” and “Jimmy Mack.”
