During the Motown era, folks
witnessed an explosion of talent.
The songs and legacies of Aretha Franklin and
Stevie Wonder can never be duplicated. The
soundtracks of so many people globally relate
to their inspiring music.
Glorious music flourished along
with songs filled with harmony.
Diverse fashion increased, and soul
magnified itself. By the time of
many protests and other social
movements, artists never wavered
in their goal of producing excellent
R&B music including great music
in general. The Supremes sang
gloriously. Unparalleled dance
moves and funk were shown by
James Brown. Powerful ballads
were performed by Aretha
Franklin, and Marvin Gaye moved
crowds. From Sunday best clothing
to riveting sounds of soulful
artistry, that era was a time of just
passionate expression of human
talent. That is why the 1960’s
would always be one of the greatest
decades of music itself.
 This picture showed Mary Wilson, Diana
Ross, and Florence Ballard as the Supremes.
The source of this image is:
Universal/Motown/File.

The Table of Contents

1. An Overview 6. Artists Assert Themselves

2. Motown Starts 7. 1967-1969

3. Black Musical Excellence 8.Conclusion

4. Stax Records
The 1960's soul and R&B music
reflected the times of optimism,
social change, pain, joy, and
creativity at the same time. The
start of the 1960's was massively
different than the late 1960's. Early
1960's music had a Motown touch
with men and women wearing
their Sunday-best clothing. Ballads
about love plus romance were
commonplace from the Supremes,
the Temptations, Stevie Wonder,
Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson,
Smokey Robinson, Jimmy Walker
and the All Stars, Ben E. King, Rya
Charles, Fontella Bass, Etta James,
and the Miracles, and the Four
Tops. With the growth of the Civil
Rights Movement, the
counterculture, and the anti-war
movements, music did evolve to
promote more political causes like
the songs from the Impressions
(whose lead singer Curtis
Mayfield would change music
forever). The 1960's expressed
diverse styles of R&B, even proto-
funk by the 1960's with people like
Sly and the Family Stone, James
Brown, and other artists. Aretha
Franklin spoke about the dignity
of a woman with songs like
Respect. Aretha was an active
member of the Civil Rights
Movement along her father, who
was a preacher plus friend of the
late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With the Tet Offensive,
assassinations of heroic people,
protests, and rebellions, everything
that we see now in 2020 is a
reflection of the 1960's. Militancy
was the order of the day by the late
1960's. The activism of the Black
Panther Party for Self-Defense
captivated our people plus others.
Love of Blackness was shown in
James Brown's revolutionary song
of: "I'm Black and I'm Proud." That
song would inspire the youth to
love their God-given Blackness a
great deal. Dynamic soul
encompassed the expression of
musicians from the Marvelettes to
Odetta. There is no way that any
human being can have a
comprehensive look at music in
general without listening plus
studying the music of the 1960's
period. Staxx Records and Jimi
Hendrix's sounds flourished
during that time period too. The
demand for social change outlined
the essence of the human urge to
be free. Oppression of any kind is
wrong, and the 1960's R&B have
shown the power of the black
human spirit. In 2020, we continue
to fight for the prize of liberation.
 Motown Starts
Motown is a word that stood the test of time as a large part of music. It showed music made by African
Americans, and its songs have been beloved by people of every race or color. It broke down barriers and has
been embraced by human beings globally. Also, it gave many musicians’ opportunities to not only tour the
world. It gave them the chance to fully express their own personal identities. When you think of the music of
the 1960's, you think of Motown constantly. It was created by Berry Gordy Jr. as Tamla Records on January 12,
1959. It was incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. It was originally an American
owned record label. It promoted soul music, pop, and R&B. Universally, people from across genres of music
loved Motown. By 2018, Motown was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony
held at the Charles H. Wright Museum at Detroit, Michigan. Berry Gordy is a businessman. He made a record
store called the 3D Record Mart. Gordy visited Detroit's downtown nightclubs to study music. Later, he was a
songwriter. He, his sister Gwen Gordy, and Billy Davis wrote songs for Jackie Wilson. Wilson's first hit was
Reet Petite from November of 1957. Gordy helped to write Lonely Teardops in 1958. Berry Gordy and his
siblings Ann, Gwen, and Robert helped to write many forms of music for artists. Smokey Robinson met Gordy
in 1957. Smokey was just 17 when he was in the group called the Matadors. Gordy loved doo-wop. Smokey was
in the Miracles too. Anna Records was made by Gordy and his sister Gwen on April 1959. Gordy and secretary
Janie Bradford wrote Barrett Strong's Money (That's What I want). Smokey Robinson was the vice President
of Talma. Hitsville USA was the first headquarters of the Motown company. Motown signed Mable John,
Eddie Holland and Mary Wells. By 1960, the Miracles' Shop Around was the first number R&B hit in 1960. The
Marveletts hit Please Mr. Postman was famous in 1961. From 1961 to 1971, Motown had 110 top 10 hits. That fact
is just amazing. By 1960, Marvin Gaye signed with Motown. The Twist was popularized by Chubby Checker.
In 1961, the Temptations signed with Motown. They were once the Elgins. Stevie Wonder signed with them
too.
The Supremes signed with Motown, and they were once called the Primettes. Eddie Holland recorded "Jamie."
In 1962, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier started to work as songwriting, music production
team. Motown toured the East Coast and the South with their Motor town Revue. Groups like the Miracles,
Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Contours, the
Marvelettes, and the Choker Campbell Band. The Contours released Do You Love Me. Demos grew by 1963.
Mary Wells was on American Bandstand with Dick Clark in 1963. Martha and the Vandellas were nominated
for Love is Like A Heatwave. The song was written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Edward Holland Jr.
The Motown's Artist Personal Development started in 1964. Maurice King, Maxine Powell, and Cholly Atkins
worked with artists. The Miracles perform in London in the same year. Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers of
the Miracles wrote the Temptations hit The Way You Do the Things You Do.

On December 11, 1964, the talented singer Sam Cooke passed away. He was an American singer, songwriter,
civil rights activist, and entrepreneur. Clarksdale, Mississippi was the place of his birth, as his birth was on
January 22, 1931. He could sing, play the guitar, and toured the world. Back in the early 1960's, he was called the
King of Soul. Some of his greatest songs were You Send Me, A Change is Gonna Come, Cupid, Wonderful
World, Chain Gang, Twistin' the Night Away, and Bring it On Home to Me. His distinctive vocals contributed
to many soul artists' growth like Aretha, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, etc. He
was raised in Chicago. Sam Cooke sang gospel, as his father was a preacher. From 1957 to 1964, he had many
popular songs. Sam Cooke was one of the first modern black performers and composers to work on the
business side of the music industry to promote ownership of resources. As early as 1956, his first pop/soul
single was Lovable. In 1961, Sam Cooke created his own record label called SAR Records (with J. W. Alexander
and his manager, Roy Crain). The label had artists like the Simms Twins, the Valentinos (who were Bobby
Womack and his brothers), Mel Carter, and Johnnie Taylor. Etta James and Muhammad Ali were some of Same
Cooke's friends. Sam Cooke was a great songwriter, and he focused on creating singles. Sam Cooke was not
perfect, and I make no justifications for his mistakes. His death has been disputed. What we do know that he
died in Los Angeles by one gunshot wound to the chest. Many women (like Bertha Franklin and Elisa Boyer. In
1979, Elisa Royer was found guilty of the 2nd degree murder of her ex-boyfriend. Bertha Franklin shot a patron
at the Hotel six months prior to Cooke's death) were there at the time of his death, and they accused him of
improprieties at the Hacienda Motel.
Sam Cooke's family and fans dispute those allegations to this day. Whatever the truth is, we are clear that we
should always stand on acting righteous towards any human being that we encounter. In Chicago and Los
Angeles, thousands of his fans lined the streets to mourn Sam Cooke's passing. When Etta James (a great
singer) saw Cooke's body, she said that Sam was so badly beaten that he was almost decapitated on both of his
hands were bruised plus completely crushed. She said that Cooke's nose was mangled. Sam Cooke lived for 33
years on this Earth. If you want to read a book that chronicles the life of Sam Cooke in a fair, accurate way, I do
recommend the book, entitled, "One More River to Cross: The Redemption of Sam Cooke" by B.G. Rhule. The
editors of the book are DONNA H. RICHARDS and JOANNA KATSUNE.

In 1965, Motown reached into new heights of power. Motown had its foreign label, Tamla-Motown in London.
Brenda Holloway performed with the Beatles on their North American Tour. Motown released its first 8 track
tapes. The Four Tops' I Can't Help Myself was released and the Supremes' "Stop in the Name of Love" was
released in 1965. Stop in the Name of Love just caused the Supremes to reach new heights of popularity. James
Brown recorded, "Papa Got a Brand New Bag" in 1965 too. By this era of time, the British musical invasion
sweep America with acts like the Beatles and the Stones. The irony is that many of these groups from the
British invasions profoundly acknowledged the contributions of black artists that came before them in
developing the sound of soul music, R&B, and rock and roll.

Black Musical Excellence

Black Musical Excellence during the 1960's was heavily abundant. Black Excellence isn't just found in the
musicians of the 1960's. Many producers and other black people behind the scenes made 1960's music from
Motown, Staxx, Columbia, and other record labels presented black music to the world. Berry Gordy worked
like clockwork to promote talented artists. Motown artists made songs constantly all over the Hitsville studio
in Detroit. We not only honor Black Excellence. We are the living manifestations of that Black Excellence. Our
creativity, our voice, our strength, and our consciousness are all valuable in the Universe. That is why we have
purpose and we are born to show our lights and to display our gifts to help humanity prodigiously. I always
love Africa and I will continue to promote liberation. When it is all said and done, you can't be a freedom
fighter without honoring black women. Black women gave us life. No human on this Earth would be here
without a black woman period. Therefore, it is our obligation to completely support and respect black women.
 The legend Wilma
Rudolph

Historic Changes of the

1960’s
One large part of Motown's success was the Holland-Dozier-Holland team. This
was a songwriting and production team made up of Lamont Dozier and brothers
Brian and Eddie Holland. They helped to create the Motown sound of the 1960's.
They worked from 1962 to 1967 at Motown. Dozier and Brian Holland wrote and
produce songs. Eddie Holland wrote lyrics and arranged the vocals. This team
was involved in the 10 of 12 Supremes' 12 U.S. No. 1 singles like Baby Love, Stop! In
the Name of Love, You Keep Hangin' On. They worked with The Four Tops and
Michael Jackson. The Four Tops is an underrated group with the led single of Levi
Stubbs. Levi Stubbs (1936-2008) was one of the greatest vocalists of all time. He
was that great. The team also worked with the Marvelettes, Martha and the
Vandellas, and Marvin Gaye. Norman Whitfield was another great writer and
producer of the 1960's too. Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland
were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2010.

Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) was credited as one of the creators of the The legendary actress
Motown Sound and of the late 1960's subgenre of psychedelic soul. Maxine Diahann Carroll started in
Powell was the woman who helped Motown's musicians to develop their the title role of the show
Julia on September 17,
character, fashion, and other aspects of their performance. She told the Supremes 1968. She was the first
about talking, dressing, and eating food. Maxine Powell said the truth that each African American actress to
person is beautiful. She lived to be 98 years old. She worked with Marvin Gaye, star in her own television
Smokey Robinson, Tammi Terrell, and Stevie Wonder. Powell wanted to show series where she didn’t play
the black excellence in the world by presenting the best out of artists. That was a domestic worker.
her gift. Smokey Robinson helped Motown with writing hit records too. Cholly
Atkins was involved in the artistic development department as a dance teacher.
Back in the day, many Motown artists were too rigid in their dance moves, so
Atkins came about to help many artists to be more fluid in how they performed or
danced on stage. His lessons worked. Cholly Atkins worked with the
Temptations and the Four Tops. He also worked with the Pips and the Supremes.
Honi Coles also worked with Motown musicians to improve their dancing skills.
Atkins choreographed for the Temptations until his passing in 2003.

Dr. King and Kwame Ture are in the street marching

in 1966. They disagreed on issues, but they had the
same goal of wanting freedom and justice for black
people.
On October of 1968,
Tommie Smith and John
Carlos raised their fists to
symbolize black power and
unity after winning the gold
and bronze medals,
respectively at the 1968
Summer Olympic Games.
As a legend of R&B and pop music, her hits are well known. Martha Reeves was the lead singer of Motown's
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. This group had many classic singles like Come and Get These Memories,
Heat Wave, Dancing in the Street, Nowhere to Run, etc. Martha Reeves was born in Eufaula, Alabama. She was
the 3rd child of her parents' 11 children. Later, she moved into Detroit when she was a baby. Her grandfather
was a preacher named Reverend Elijah Reeves. She was active in the church and their choir at Detroit's
Metropolitan Church;. Martha loved Lena Horne and Della Reese. She was a fan of R&B and doo-wop music.
She joined many groups like the Fascinations, the Del-Phis (with included Rosalind Ashford in 1957). Later, she
joined the Vandellas. Martha Reeves made her solo career too. She became a born again Christian. Soul Train,
The Midnight Special, and other shows had appearances from her. Touring the world is her specialty. She
received an honorary Ph.D. in Humanities on November 25, 2012 at Detroit. She was induced into the Rhythm
and Blues Hall of Fame as a solo artist on October 4, 2015. Reeves served on the Detroit city council. She
defends musicians and their rights of getting better wages and royalties.
*The living legend Sister Valerie Simpson is 74 years old. She was born in the Bronx, New York City. She is the
widow of the legend Nickolas Ashford. The couple met at Harlem's White Rock Baptist Church in 1964. They
joined many groups, wrote songs, and were great producers. They loved Motown. Their love story is one of the
greatest love stories of all time with their glorious love of music. Their duets were in songs like Solid in 1984,
Found a Cure in 1979, etc. They wrote songs for the greats like Aretha Franklin, the 5th Dimension, Ray
Charles, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Ashford and Simpson toured
the world. Soul, creative power, and harmony encompass their musical legacy. Valerie Simpson released a solo
album in June 2012 called Dinosaurs are Coming Back with the last recorded performance of Nina Simone, a
second duet with Robert Flack, and an instrumental version of A'int No Mountain High Enough. She or Valerie
Simpson is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from
Berklee College of Music. She loves her children. Ashford and Simpson were inducted in the Songwriters Hall;
of Fame in 2002. Valerie Simpson continues to be a great blessing for so many human beings. Rest in Power to
Brother Nickolas Ashford.
The 1961 film of Raisin in the Sun
had an ensemble cast (of people
like Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee,
Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, and
other people) that described the
life of a Chicago middle class black
family trying to go into a mostly
white neighborhood.
The 1967 film of In the Heat of the
Night stars Sidney Poitier as a
Philadelphia police detective
traveling into Mississippi in order
to solve a murder case. He slaps a
white man in self-defense which
was a first in motion pictures. He
also befriends a hostile police chief.
Gone Are the Days! was a 1963
drama and comedy film starring
Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and
Godfrey Cambridge. The movie
wanted to expose stereotypes and
use satire and humor to make light
of how evil it is for one to harbor
racist views.
The Cool World movie of
1963 was ahead of its time
that shown the issues going
on in Harlem life. It dealt
with racial injustice, poverty,
drugs, violence, and other
aspects of life that many
people suffered.
The Learning Tree of 1969 is
a look of African American life
in 1920’s Kansas. Its shows
the complexities of life from
romance to town events.
The 1960 film of Sergeant
Rutledge (who is played by
Woody Strobe) is about a
black sergeant falsely accused
of murder and rape. It shows
the truth at the end of the film
of one white person guilty of
the crimes.
For Love of Ivy in 1968 is about a
black couple coming together in
romance after a long time. It stars
the legends Sidney Poitier and the
late legendary singer Abbey
Lincoln.
The tragic 1966 film of Black Girl
has Mbissine Therese Diop
playing a maid in France. The
French couple mistreats her
extremely bad, and it outlines the
truth that anti-black oppression is
a global phenomenon.
The 1963 film of Ganga Zumba is
the film about the life story of the
escaped former slave who led the
Quilombo dos Palmares in Brazil
that fight for their liberation. The
Afro-Brazilian actors and
actresses in the film are Antonio
Pitanga, Lea Garcia, Eliezer
Gomes, Luiza Maranhao, Jorge
Coutinho, etc.
Nothing But a Man was one
of Malcolm X’s favorite films.
It was created in 1964 which
details the story of a black
man in the Deep South
trying to survive as he falls in
love with a beautiful woman,
who is a teacher. The man
stands up for his dignity
against racists. The movie
stars Ivan Dixon and Abbey
Lincoln.
A Man Called Adam deals
with a tormented man
(played by Sammy Davis Jr.)
making a music comeback
with a civil rights activist
and her grandfather (played
by Louis Armstrong). Cicely
Tyson is in the film as
Claudia Ferguson.
Guess Who’s Coming to
Dinner is a 1967 film that
deals with interracial
marriage. Back in those days,
interracial marriage was a
massively big deal in
America. It was only in 1967
when interracial marriage
was legalized federally in
America. That wasn’t that
long ago.
 Stax Records
Stax Records is one of the most underrated record labels of R&B and soul music. It is based in Memphis, and
people called it the area of Memphis soul. It has been part of a large movement of musical expression. It was
founded in 1957, and shared its operations with Volt Records. Southern soul music was common back in the
day. Stax helped to release gospel, funk, and blues records too. Jim Stewart and his sister Estelle Eaxton
founded the record label. It had many ethnically integrated bands like Booker T & the M.G.'s. It also had
multiracial groups of artists and writers that was unprecedented during the 1960's. According to
ethnomusicologist Rob Bowman, the label's use of "one studio, one equipment set-up, the same set of musicians
and a small group of songwriters led to a readily identifiable sound. It was a sound based in black gospel, blues,
country, and earlier forms of rhythm and blues. It became known as southern soul music." Otis Redding was
the biggest artist on the label. He passed away in 1967. Its main rival was Motown Records in Detroit. Al Bell
controlled Stax in 1968. It ended in 1975 because of financial solvency issues. Stax issued new singing acts
again in 1978. It was reactivated in 2004. Current R&B and soul performers released material there. The
Veltones made Fool in Love during the early years. Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla made music. Their
song was Cause I Love You. In 1962, Booker T. Jones (who could play many instruments) helped to expand
Stax into the next level with drummer Al Jackson Jr., bassist Donald Dunn, and others. Isaac Hayes was also in
the label back in the 1960's.

Redding's first single, "These Arms of Mine," issued in October 1962, hit both the R&B and the pop charts.
Though the label had enjoyed some early hits with the Mar-Keys and Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Redding became
the first Stax/Volt artist to consistently hit the charts with each release—in fact, each of Redding's 17 singles
issued during his lifetime charted. (Carla Thomas also charted with some consistency, but her pre-1965 releases
were on Atlantic, not Stax or Volt.). Between January 1962 and December 1964, Stax and Volt released several
chart hits each by Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, and Booker T. and the M.G.'s. However, despite dozens of
other releases, only three other Stax/Volt singles charted during this time, and all just barely: William Bell's
"You Don't Miss Your Water" hit #95 in early 1962; the Mar-Keys' "Pop-Eye Stroll" hit #94 in mid-1962
(although it was a big hit in Canada, hitting #1 on Toronto's CHUM Chart), and Barbara & the Browns' "Big
Party" made it to #97 in mid-1964.
Beginning in 1965, when the label formalized its distribution agreement with Atlantic, Stax/Volt artists made
the charts much more frequently. Later, Sam and Dave, the Mad Lads, and other artists came on the scene. Don
Covay and Wilson Pickett recorded at the label too. Stax artists toured across America and in Europe. Stax
broke with Atlantic records in 1968. Johnnie Taylor gave Stax its first big post-Atlantic hit in 1968 with
"Who's Making Love", which became the label's best-selling single to that point. Producer and songwriter Isaac
Hayes stepped into the spotlight with Hot Buttered Soul. Originally seen just as a solo artistic project for
Hayes to make up the numbers, it went on to sell over three million copies in 1969. Stax had the Staple Singers
too. Al Bell worked with Rev. Jesse Jackson and funded Operation PUSH. People know about Wattstax that
was organized by the Stax label on August 20, 1972. It featured Richard Pryor when he was a young man. It was
called Black Woodstock with over 100,000 mostly African American people there. It was made into a film
released by Columbia Pictures in February of 1973. Artists as diverse as Shirley Brown and Elvis would work at
Stax Records. Stax made an iconic movement that we appreciate to this day.
 Artists assert themselves
By the time of 1966, American society was changing. Shows had more integrated audiences even in the South.
Black music was the soundtrack of the lives of millions of Americans. Motown was already reaching new
international acclaim. Yet, social justice activists like Ella Baker, Dr. King, Kwame Ture, Rosa Parks, Gloria
Richardson, etc. continued to fight for change. By this time, the Civil Rights Movement at its core dealt with
more complex issues of housing, education, police brutality, economic inequality, the Vietnam War, and other
issues. The Black Power movement was reaching tons of young people. Music reflected this new reality in
American society. In 1966, Norman Whitfield was producing the Temptations. Motown grossed $20 million.
Motown signed many great artists like Gladys Knight and the Pips, Tammi Terrell, and the Isley Brothers. Nick
Ashford and Valerie Simpson were staff writers at Motown. Stark Trek was born. Color TV started to be
popular. I Spy was there. The Freedom of Information Act was signed by LBJ. The Black Panthers were created
in 1966 as well. By early 1966, James Brown had a record called I Got You (I Feel Good). Joe Tex had A Sweet
Woman Like You. Singles form Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, the Four Tops, and The Temptations dominated
the charts in 1966. The Temptations had 4 chart topping records of Get Ready, Aint Too Proud to Beg, Beauty
is Only Skin Deep, and I'm Losing You. June was when James Brown had the song of "It's a Man's Man's Man's
World." Wilson Pickett was showing music. The Supremes had recorded like You Can't Hurry Love and You
Keep Me Hangin' On. Stevie Wonder had Uptight and Blowin' in the Wind. Percey Sledge's When a Man
Loves a Woman was an anthem of 1966. Sam and Dave's Hold On! I'm a Comin' was popular. Ray Charles and
Lou Rawls expressed themselves with music in 1966 as well. It was a very soulful year indeed. Maurice King
was also part of the Motown's artist development department too.
As a tenor with a four octave
range, he was a great soul singer.
He was part of the transition of
rhythm and blues into soul. He
loved to perform a show in front
of crowds. He was born in
Detroit. He could do pop, doo-
wop, and easy listening. He was
one of the most influential
musical artists of all time. Music
from Jackie Wilson includes
songs like lonely Teardrops,
Your Love Keeps Lifting Me
Higher, and Baby Workout.
Jackie Wilson was a man who
was born to outline his musical
expression.
During his performances, he
would dance creatively, do the
splits, and other actions that
inspired people like James
Brown, Elvis, and Michael
Jackson. Jackie Wilson worked
with legends like Count Basie,
LaVern Baker and gospel singer
Linda Hopkins. The Funk
Brothers were involved in his
comeback of the late 1960’s. By
the 1970’s, he had songs like
Beautiful Day and You Got Me
Walkin. I make no justifications
for his imperfections. Yet, we
understand his life in order to live
better lives ourselves.
 "...We, the Supremes, can’t take all the credit. The writers and producers at Motown gave us the
music and sound that people loved. And then there was the glamour. My whole life is like a dream. I
tell you – if I were not a Supreme, I would want to be a Supreme. I’m living the dream..."

-Mary Wilson

1967-1969
During the year of 1967, one woman dominated the charts. R&B music expanded greatly internationally. The
most successful artist of 1967 was Aretha Franklin. She spent seven weeks at number one between March and
May 1967 with the song, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)." She released the song Respect in 1967
with 8 weeks in the peak position and the song Baby I Love You by the end of the year. By this time, she was on
Atlantic Records. The Queen of Soul was already one of the greatest singers of all time by the 1960's. There
were other artists who had number one hits for the first time in 1967 too. One was Aaron Neville. Aaron Joseph
Neville is a legendary R&B and soul vocalist plus musicians. He had 4 platinum albums and he was born on
January 24, 1941. New Orleans was the place of his birth. His niece is the famous journalist Arthel Neville.
Aaron Neville's song Tell It Like It Is was powerful. Freddie Scott and Bettye Swann had songs like Are You
Lonely for Me and Make Me Yours respectively. The songs I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Gladys Knight
& the Pips reached the top spot in the Billboard by December of December 1967. The Supremes was the
greatest singing group of women during the 1960's and possibly of all time with music like Love is Here and
Now You're Gone. The Supremes also had their funky tune in 1967 called The Happening. Sam and Dave's Soul
Train was a classic example of excellent artistry. Martha and the Vandellas' Jimmy Mack described romance.
Stevie Wonder released the song I Was Made to Love Her, which showed his massive growth as an artist. Back
then, he was a teen making classic songs that remain timeless to this very day.

By September of 1967, James Brown had his music of Cold Sweat and Wilson Pickett had the song of Funky
Broadway. Stevie Wonder in 1967 toured Europe, Motown had five major labels (Tamla, Motown, Gordy, Soul,
and V.I.P.), and Dr. Martin Luther King's anti-war speech of "Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam." R&B in 1968
dealt with tons of somber songs, political songs, and songs of reflections about life in general. By 1968, Otis
Redding had the posthumous number one with the song of Sittin' on The Dock of the Bay. Marvin Gaye
dominated the charts in 1968 with Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, You're All I need to get bay both duets
with Tammi Terrell. By the end of 1968, Marvin Gaye had his version of I Heard It Through the
Grapevine." Gaye’s version would stand out in an extraordinary fashion. Archie Bell & the Drells had Tighten
Up and Hugh Masekela had the song of Grazing in the Grass. Hugh Masakela was a South African trumpeter.
1968 saw new people on the top of the R&B charts like Tammi Terrell, the Intruders, the Dells, and Johnnie
Taylor. One of the most revolutionary songs of all time was James Brown's "Say It Loud - I'm Black I'm Proud."
The message of the song is self-explanatory. It wanted to promote Black Unity and being thankful of being
Black as Black is Beautiful. It gave confident to black youth about the greatness of their black identity. The
song was an anthem for the Black Panther movement. James Brown promoted black empowerment and self-
reliance. What I disagree with conservative black capitalism as promoted by Nixon, I do agree with James
Brown in black empowerment and loving black identity.

It is important to celebrate the life of another legend. She is not here physically, but her legacy lives on as a
heroic singer. Her journey in life's road has been rough. We know of the stories. Books, an episode from
Unsung that I watched, and other sources documented her valleys. Yet, she was a kind soul who wanted love
and respect as an equal human being. Her sound magnificently flourished despite the pain that she had
experienced in her life. She was Tammi Terrell. Tammi Terrell was an icon of Motown music, and her wit plus
strength were admirable. Every song from her was like a pure exercise of talent. One of her best friends was
Marvin Gaye. Their chemistry as friends was undeniable. He was her support and vice versa. When Marvin
Gaye was very shy back in the 1960's, Tammi Terrell inspired him to be more expressive with his personality.
Tammi Terrell was from the streets of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is home to many soul singing legends then and
now. She went into Germantown High School in Philadelphia. She sang duets with Marvin Gaye and made solo
records. Your Precious Love is one of the great records from her. If This World Were Mine was another one of
her classics too. Tammi Terrell was engaged to a real man named Dr. Ernest Garrett, who was a doctor. She
passed away in 1970 of brain cancer at the age of 24 years old. Marvin Gaye, or his close friend, has never gotten
over her passing. Marvin Gaye was a real friend to her. Tammi's life signified the beauty of music, and how we
have to do our part in treating our neighbors as ourselves. Tammi Terrell was a nice, gentle soul who only
wanted peace and love.

Rest in Power Sister Tammi Terrell.

The Intruders had the Philadelphia soul sound which was be very prominent by the 1970's. Smokey Robinson
and the Miracles had the hit of I Second that Emotion. Aretha Franklin's Chain of Fools On February, The
Temptations' I Wish It Would Rain was extremely popular. By 1968, the Temptations were already on the
Mount Rushmore of R&B groups. The Impressions's We're a Winner and James Brown's I Got the Feelin'
made people dance all of the time. Jerry Butler and Stevie Wonder made more music. Love Child was a 1968
song released by Diana Ross & the Supremes. It was their 11th and penultimate number one single in the
United States. This song was part of their album of Love Child. The theme of the song was a child born by an
unmarried mother and the love of that child by the mother regardless. Back in the day, this subject matter was
taboo, but the Supremes were courageous to talk about this important issue of humanity. The Supremes
performed the powerful song on the Ed Sullivan Show on September 29, 1968. Some of the lyrics of the song are
the following:

"...Don't think that I don't need you

Don't think I don't wanna please you

No child of mine'll be bearing

The name of shame I've been wearing

Love child, love child

Never quite as good

Afraid, ashamed, misunderstood These are Motown artists in London back in 1965.
But I'll always love you..."

Rest in Power to Sister Florence Ballard, who was one of

the greatest singers of all time. She was part of the original
Supremes. Detroit, Michigan was the place of her birth.
She was a friend to Mary Wilson at Northeastern High
School. They worked with Diana Ross to form the Primes
and then the Supremes. In the spring of 1964, the group
released "Where Did Our Love Go", which became their
first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the
way for ten number-one hits recorded by Ross, Ballard
and Wilson between 1964 and 1967. She had 3 daughters.
We know how she passed. Florence Ballard had great
talent, and she was the unsung artist of the Supremes who
gave them the strength to ascend into much more
greatness.
From January 8-18, student
protesters at Brandeis University (at
Waltham, Massachusetts) took over
Ford and Sydeman Halls to demand
the creation of an Afro-American
Department. This was approved by
April 24, 1969. 1969 saw the Black
Studies movement reach into a new
level of power.
Many African American women and
other black people protested for
economic benefits for black nurses
at Charleston, South Carolina. This
was the Charleston hospital strike of
1969. They were successful. Coretta
Scott King and Ralph Abernathy
were there in the movement too.
One December 4, 1969, Fred
Hampton and Mark Clark were
assassinated by the Chicago police.
Fred Hampton was a Black Panther
Party leader, and he was a
revolutionary socialists. Fred
Hampton wanted people of many
backgrounds to work for social
change.

1969 was the final year of the 1960's. As with the times, music evolved into a more funk direction by 1969.
Psychedelic R&B grew, and society was becoming more progressive with social movements flourishing. Marvin
Gaye continued to make classic records like Too Busy Thinking About my Baby. James Brown had music along
with the Temptations. James Brown increasingly used the funk style that was developed since the 1960's.
Tyrone Davis had his single Can I Change My Mind. Sly & The Family Stone had the funk record Everyday
People. Sly Stone had developed the funk and psychedelic soul into another level. The Isley Brothers, Joe Simon,
and the Originals had their first numbers of the careers during 1969. Diana Ross and the Supremes released
Someday We'll Be Together which was the prelude to the end of the Supremes with Diana Ross in the group.
Jr. Walker and the All-Stars topped the chart with What Does it Take (To Win Your Love). Jerry Butler in
April 1969 had the popular hit of Only the Strong Survive. The Isley Brothers had the 1969 song of It's Your
Thing. Joe Simon, the Dells, Aretha Franklin, and the Originals had many of their records.

Marlena Shaw's version of California Soul is my favorite version of the song. Marlena Shaw is a great soul
singer. 1969 also saw the Jackson Five perform at the Daisy Disco in Los Angeles with an Introduction from
Diana Ross. Diana Ross promoted the Jackson Five and became a very close friend to Michael Jackson. 1969
was the birth of Michael Jackson and his family taking the country by storm with their inspirational music. In
1969, the Jackson Five released the single "I Want you Back." Michael Jackson had the lead vocals in the song. It
was performed on the band's first television appearances, on October 18, 1969 on Diana Ross's The Hollywood
Palace and on their milestone performance on December 14, 1969 on The Ed Sullivan Show. The Jackson family
blessed the world not only with their musical talent but with their grace and compassion for fellow people. The
Temptations' I Can't Get Next to You was number one on the pop charts in 1969. 1969 saw R&B music in a
new space with old school sounds plus mixed with new school flavor. The 1970's would see the greatness of
music continue to come alive. 1969 saw the birth of Earth, Wind, and Fire too (they were the Salty Peppers
back in 1969 with records like La La Time and Uh Huh Yeah).The Funk Brothers and other producers made
some of the greatest music of all time.
CELEBRATING THE 40TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (BET)

The great journalist Jacqui Reid was the

host of BET Nightly News from 2001 to
2005. She is from the great city of
Atlanta, Georgia. Her journalist career
has been extensive as she has been on the
The host Free
View and many stations in Brunswick
and others
were on 106 (in Georgia), Lexington (in Kentucky),
and Park. Free and in New York City. She is an active
was member of the National Association of
interviewing Black Journalists.
Brandy here.

Black Girls Rock since 2006 was

founded by former DJ Beverly Bond.
This movement is about the
celebration of the contributions of
black women. Black women should
always be respected and honored.

Amanda Lewis was Ever since January 25, 1980, BET has existed to BET+ is a streaming
one of the many provide information, entertainment, movies, political service that shows many
hosts of BET’s Teen views, and other insights to inspire and promote the black shows along with
Summit. It lasted interests of black people. With all of the changes in exclusive new generation
from 1989 to 2002. the world now, we certainly honor the diverse black black TV shows as well.
She (who supports voices and black talents who enlighten the human
the Humane race. From award shows to massive documentaries,
Society) majored in
Black Entertainment Television remains powerful. It is
history at Howard
University, in
always important to love our black identities as a
Washington, D.C., means to be free. Black Lives always Matter and our
from which she black excellence is truly sacrosanct.
graduated, cum
laude, in 1995. Rihanna awarded the legend Mary J. Blige the
BET Lifetime Achievement Awards during the
2019 BET Awards.

Since 1989, Rap City dominated

BET. The hosts of Big Lez (or
Leslie Segar), Joe Clair, and Big
The New Edition Story from January of 2017 was Tigger interviewed hip hop
realistic, popular, and was filled with brutal artists, traveled the world, and
honesty. It was one of the greatest miniseries of shown excellence involving black
a music group of all time. It brought BET into musical talent. Rap City ended in
another level of prominence. 2008.
BET’s Video Soul had Donnie
Simpson and Sherry Carter
interviewing musicians and
showing music videos. Vanessa
William is with them in this
picture.
 Cicely Tyson
LEGENDARY ACTRESS, FASHION
MODEL, ROLE MODEL, AND HEROIC
ACTIVIST
She is a gracious, beautiful woman who
broke down barriers and is still going
strong in giving inspiration to the younger
generation. She is Sister Cicely Tyson and
it's her Birthday today. She is now 95 years
old, and she was born in New York City.
Theater and movies show her talent. She
gave her voice, so future black women
would express their voices more in acting
and in every arena of society. Also, Cicely
“Challenges make you Tyson motivates all of humanity to
discover things about achieve greatness in their daily lives too.
She was in Sounder. She won Emmy
yourself that you never Awards. Tyson was named a Kennedy
really knew. ” Center honoree in 2015. In November
2016, Tyson received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, which is the highest
-Cicely Tyson civilian honor in the United States. Her
parents were from the Caribbean. They
were immigrants who came into Ellis
Island at New York City. In 1981, she was
in the Marva Collins story that celebrated
the Chicago based educator Marva
Collins. She received honorary degrees at
Howard, Columbia, and Morehouse. She
was also in the 1960's show called East
Side/West Side. Tyson was awarded the
NAACP's 2010 Spingarn Medal for her
Cicely Tyson’s Iconic Roles over the Decades contributions to the entertainment
industry, her modeling career, and her
support of civil rights. Elegance, legendary
career, and a true humble person describe
the characteristics of Sister Cicely Tyson.

She is our Queen.

Carib Gold (1956) Sounder (1972) Mama Flora’s Family
(1998)
 `
Conclusion
When it is all said and done, the 1960's had in my view some of the greatest music of all time. Its funk, its soul,
and its creativity will always be timeless. The 1960's music can't be separate from the time period though.
During that time, civil rights were fought for, the anti-war movement was powerful (with massive protests in
1967 and 1969 in places like New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.), and other minorities
desired liberation. Freedom movements were abundant as the Jim Crow apartheid system was legally
abolished. The 1960's music was dominated by Motown, Stax, Atlantic, and other labels who knew of the
consumers. As social movements became more potent, the music became more creative. The origins of disco,
hip hop, funk, and modern music in general have its roots or DNA from 1960's music. From the Supremes,
Fontella Marie Bass, Major Lance, Ike & Tina Turner, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, Brook Benton, Smokey
Robinson, Jerry Butler, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Mary Wells, The Marvelettes, Dionne Warwick, Etta
James, Solomon Burke, Carla Thomas, Betty Everett, and to the Temptations, there was never a dull moment.
From Jackie Wilson in 1960 to the Jackson Five in 1969, people danced to the music, celebrated life, and fought
for profound social change. My parents loved the music from the Motown era with artists like the
Temptations, Mahalia Jackson, and Martha and the Vandellas. Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke brought more
soul in the lives of the people. James Brown showed the world that being Black is Beautiful. The Supremes had
charisma, talent, and grace.

Aretha Franklin stood up for our rights, so we could live in this generation found in 2020. Artists like Ray
Charles, the Miracles, the Four Tops, The Drifters, Sam and Dave, Ben E. King, the Impressions, Booker T. the
M.G.s, the Chi-Lites, Donny Hathaway (who had the song of I Thank you, Baby with singer June Conquest.
Hathaway's other early single was The Ghetto Part 1 in 1969 too), the Shirelles, Jimi Hendrix, The Isley
Brothers, The Midnighters, the 5th Dimension, and other unsung musicians excelled greatly. People can't sleep
on artists like Barbara Lewis, Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters, The Five Stairsteps, Percy Sledge, Dee Dee
Sharp, Peaches & Herb, Eddie Floyd, Dinah Washington, Inez and Charlie Foxx, Ruby and the Romantics,
Justine Washington, The Ronettes, Ramsey Lewis, and Maxine Brown. Many of these artists had gospel
influences, as gospel is the cousin to R&B music. Also, many of these artists came from the South or their
ancestors originated from the South. Many people of the Midwest and the North including the West had their
ancestors from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and other places of
the South. The 2 Great Migrations of African American improved the cultural strength of America completely.
The Southern African American experience gave a lot of soul to R&B culture. I want that to be known too.

By Timothy

Some sad news is the legendary

singer Pamela Hutchinson (of
the great R&B, soul group of the
Emotions) passed away recently
on September 18, 2020. The
Emotions was a group that was
a large part of legendary talent.
Pamela Hutchinson was raised in
a time where great artists were
widespread in American culture.
Her sisters Wanda and Sheila
are part of the Emotions too
based in Chicago. The Emotions
was a very influential group who
started in the 1960's. The
Emotions influenced artists like
En Vogue, Anita Baker, Shanice,
Regina Bella, Lalah Hathaway,
Jade, Fantasia, Erykah Badu, and
I can further go down the list.
The Emotions' songs like Best of
My Love, Shouting Out Love,
Smile, Boogie Wonderland (with
Earth, Wind, and Fire) are
always timeless classic. Chicago
is certainly home to a lot of
black excellence. Pamela
Hutchinson was 61 years. Rest in Power Sister Pamela Hutchinson.
Some sad news is that Chadwick
Boseman passed away recently at the
age of 43 years old on August 28, 2020.
His career has been outstanding. As a
graduate of a HBCU, an actor, an activist,
and a husband, he loved his life. He was
one of the greatest young actors of this
generation. His role in Black Panther
inspired black people globally about
appreciating their humanity. Tons of
people saying Wakanda forever surely
make us aware about the strength of
black culture. Also, Chadwick Boseman
were in movies like 42 (which was about
the life of Jackie Robinson. I saw the
movie before, and it was a great movie),
Marshall, 21 Bridges, Da 5 Bloods, The
James Brown story (of Get On Up), and
other films. For many years, he fought
colon cancer that many people didn't
know about except his family, his wife,
and close friends.
South Carolina was the place of
his birth, and he loved Howard
University (his mentor was
Phylicia Rashad). Courage was a
part of his life, because he never
gave up in desiring the best in his
life. Spreading the truth about
being against police brutality and
for social justice, Boseman's
social consciousness always
existed on an enormous level. He
was a legend while he was here,
and his legend will continue
while he experiences his afterlife.
Rest in Power
Brother Chadwick
Boseman.
 The iPhone 12 is below.

The Generations of Our Times

The Lost Generation 1883-1900

The Greatest Generation 1901-1928
(The World War II
Generation)
Silent Generation 1928-1945
Baby Boomers 1946-1964
Generation X 1965-1980
Generation Y (Millennials) 1981-1996
Generation Z 1997-2010
Generation Alpha 2010-2024

Bob Dylan Jimi Hendrix Fontella Bass Miriam Makeba

Odetta Tina Turner Mary Wells Betty Everett

 The upcoming Part 3 of the History of R&B series will describe R&B music of the
1970's filled with music from classic bands and disco. The next decade of the 1970's saw
not only the end of the Vietnam War, but new movements of social change
flourishing. From funk to the growth of contemporary R&B, the 1970's had the
greatness of some of the greatest musicians of all time.