From the MCRFB NEWS archives: 1965

Motown Records Expands Into Big Name Artists Repertoire; Finds UK Expansion Abroad

DETROIT — The Tamla-Motown organization recently reversed its general policy of creating its own big names and has been adding standard acts to its roster, including Billy Eckstine, Tony Martin and Connie Haines. Other big names – most of whom haven’t had hit records in some time – are expected to be added to the fold.

“One of the reasons these artists haven’t had hit product lately, “Vice-President and Sales Manager Barney Ales said, “is that they haven’t been recorded with an appeal to the record-buying public. We want to give them our sound.”

The “Detroit Sound” has been tremendously successful; the firm’s batting average is the envy of the record industry. As of this week, President Berry Gordy Jr. can point to 9 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (another just dropped off last week) and four of these were in the top 20. Two weeks ago, the firm had 12 singles on the chart. The label also now has seven LP’s in the top of the chart. “Where Did Our Love Go,” by the Supremes, has been on the LP chart 51 weeks.

What makes all of this fantastic, however, is that the firm released very few singles so far this year – only 32, according to Phil Jones, marketing and research director. “Five of these records were million-sellers,” he said. “Ninety per cent hit the charts.”

Five singles turned out by Gordy reached No. 1 on the Hot 100. These included three by the Supremes, one by the Four Tops and one by the Temptations. Jones said that “I Can’t Help Myself” by the Four Tops sold a million and a half records. “But we have 10 or 12 artists that constantly have hits,” Jones said. “I feel we’ve made more artists than any other label.”

It was felt that with the present splurge of signings, which included Jack Soo, the Lewis Sisters and Barbara McNair, the firm was branching into more album product. Jones said that Tamla-Motown first intended to give these new signings a hit single. “They seem to be able to sell albums better that way.

“We’ve been putting out a limited number of albums -12 or so this year. Out of that, 10 have been on the charts and seven are still on,” Jones said. “All of these albums have proper timing – the artists are hot. I don’t consider it any sense to turn out catalog product; it’s too difficult to compete with the budget lines.

“What we’re doing is signing people with talent that will fit in with material we’ve already got on hand. Our success can be attributed in part to the great producers we have working for us. For instance, the songwriting and producing team of Brian Holland, Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier have turned out six or seven releases this year, of which four have reached the No. 1 position on the chart and two or three reached the top 10.”

Smokey Robinson, the lead singer with the Miracles, also writes and produces, and Jones said that product director (and Motown producer, songwriter) Mickey Stevenson “has also come up with quite a few hits.”

The label recently expanded overseas, and Jones and Ales left Sunday (Aug. 23) to meet with EMI officials in England to discuss establishing closer ties and more effective marketing for the label. “What we hope to do,” Jones said, “is make all of our artists as successful in England as the Supremes are there.” END

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Information and news source: Billboard; September 4, 1965