She was a SECRETARY for the Label…UNTIL They HEARD Her SING & Became a Legend! | Professor of Rock

Coming up legendary singer Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas tells us the definitive story of one of the most famous and beloved songs of all time: Dancing in the Street. First of all, Martha worked as a secretary for the label and one of her duties was singing the words to new songs on tapes that would be dispersed to recording artists so they could learn the words… This led to her getting a shot at singing backup and one day one of the most famous singers ever gave her the chance to record his new song that everyone knew would be a hit. When Martha recorded it, her first take was perfect, everyone was cheering and excited knowing that was the record. Only problem is the engineer forgot to turn on the tape… Martha was pretty pissed which led to the next take having some relish on it that made it even better. Up next the legendary Martha tells us the rest of the story and how the song became a true standard on professor of rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you’ve ver saved up your allowance to buy a 45 single, cassette single eight-track, or maxi-single you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so that you never miss an episode. And for more content and behind-the-scenes footage check out our Patreon.
It’s time for another edition of our show Revelations where featured artists share rare stories behind their greatest songs and albums. Insight you won’t find anywhere else. Today we have the story of a song that may be the most famous #2 of the 60s. A song that has been remade by everyone from Van Halen, to David Bowie and Mick Jagger. I’m talking about the classic hit co-written by none other than Marvin Gay… Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas.
the song was written by Marvin Gaye as I said, as well as Ivy Jo Hunter and William Mickey Stevenson, the idea came during the biggest impact of the Civil Rights Movement… Mickey and Marvin were riding around the home of Motown, Detroit city, and seeing open fire hydrants spraying water in the streets… so the kids would cool off during the hot summer and it looked as though everyone was dancing in the street. They mentioned many cities in the song from Chicago to New York, to Washington DC to Philadelphia to their own Detroit City…Many felt the song was a callout to people to demonstrate in the streets…as those were places where there at previously been unrest…
Martha Reeves who sang lead was a secretary at Motown and she was also an up-and-coming singer. One of her duties was to sing the lyrics for the backup singers onto tapes so they could learn the songs… This impressed executives and before she knew it she was singing backup to legendary artists including Marvin Gaye. Marvin knew when Dancing in the Street was finished that it would be a big hit and he also knew that Martha Reeves would be the perfect interpreter of the song! Actually, Marvin was the first to record the song and according to Martha he’d put a real smooth vocal on it. More of a jazzy feel but Martha wanted to sing it differently… She wanted to put some mustard on it. so when she did her first take… she nailed it. Everyone was cheering.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the GREATEST FEMALE SINGER of the Rock era?

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Annie Haslam

[@peterd.9978]

Karen Carpenter & Barbara Streisand

[@Code.Name.V]

Ella Fitzgerald

[@catherine6653]

I appreciate Kate Pierson of B52s.

[@surlechapeau]

Janis Joplin - Rock; Karen Carpenter - Soft Rock.

[@michaelrochester48]

I love Motown so much. I wrote a letter to her not long ago, during COVID-19 and she not only sent me a signed photo but sent me a business card doubling for a backstage pass when she plays In My Area I’m going to go because she seems like an awesome person to meet.

[@Chapps1941]

Great story man.

[@peterflynn2111]

One of lifes big mysteries is how Motown never really made it here in Australia

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's awesome. Doesn't surprise me. She's amazing.

[@Chapps1941]

@@peterflynn2111 it's the only music I've ever changed my mind on. I didn't like when l was a teen but I've loved for 40 years now. I got to hear it somehow it must've been played for me to know it. Northern Rivers.

[@Code.Name.V]

Wow! Enjoy!

[@christineml1476]

Such a legend! And she's 82, still beautiful and spirited. Love it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s drinking from the fountain of youth.

[@Music--ng8cd]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 like Gladys Knight

[@user-og1rv6sr8e]

Professor, I found your channel shortly after my big brother passed away in 2021. I lost my mom a few weeks ago. Music and dancing were just a fact of life in our house from Motown and Elvis, to Michael Jackson and Styx there was ALWAYS music. Your channel is like a balm for my broken heart. Thank you for what you do and thank you to the incredible artists like Martha for giving us this little taste of what it was like to be there. ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! That's a beautiful sentiment! I"m so sorry for you loss and wish you peace!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

This is what our little family is about on this channel. May GOD BLESS you and yours 😊aa

[@silverghostcat1924]

So sorry for your loss 💜

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So sorry for both of your losses. Wish you love and lots of music.

[@elioraimmanuel]

So very sorry for your loss and heartbreak.

[@iamseanfire]

The way she describes her vision for the song and how the people on her street helped each other and all partied and danced in the street on Saturday nights makes me wonder how society has gone so far in the wrong direction; and why.

[@karentrimmer]

I was about 10y/o, recovering from measles, feeling down, being quarantined in bed for 2 weeks. My little sister put on Martha Reeves "In My Lonely Room" on the record player, cranked the volume full blast, grabbed a rattail hairbrush for a microphone and started singing along to me. Soon we were both dancing and jumping up and down on the bed, singing to each other with our faux mics. Of course we got in trouble! That was 60 years ago and my sister has passed, but the song still brings wonderful memories and joy to my heart.

[@lynnestamey7272]

I grew up listening to Motown in the 1960s. Now in 2024 I am 70 years old. I never missed watching Soul Train, kinda weird for a little white girl. I also watched American Bandstand, but the soul music touched me and the dancing on Soul Train was better too. Martha Reeves is still a beautiful woman, glad she is still doing well. Don't you just love her outfit with all the fringes! She has got it all going on! Thank you PoR! I love your channel and one thing you always do is respect the artists. I've also got mad respect for your Dad, he sounds like a great father who inspired you to love of music. Love ALL the stories that you are able to draw out in the interviews!

[@billulman3254]

Thanks again for giving the human side of the people involved, the whole story of this song. To me this song has always brought out hope and celebration. In my mind It was all about everybody and people of all races getting together dancing and celebrating life!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song definitely unites us together.

[@glennstubbs8232]

This was the music of my youth. There was no way to feel down when Martha was singing.

[@Whisper_292]

I loved this interview! She talked about the emotion she put into her songs, but she puts just as mych feeling into her speech. Very classy lady!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed! Such a fun interview.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s super cool too.

[@tommyamoeba9220]

i had the honor of meeting martha a few years ago. i told her i was from one of the cities she mentioned in this song, pittsburgh, and she said, "oh, you're from pittsburgh. my ex husband is from pittsburgh..." i was taken aback and wasn't sure how to respond when after a beat she burst into laughter and told me not to worry about that... a great artist with an awesome sense of humor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a witty lady!

[@johnathandavis3693]

OMG -This woman is BEAUTIFUL...I'm 61, and I've love this song almost 60 years. Prof, You are the BEST...

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Thank God Martha Reeves was standing in the door that day!!! I don't care who rerecords this song Martha absolutely owes it! When I was a kid we would have semi block parties and this track was always played. One of all time feel good tracks ever. Fantastic interview love Martha, I hope you got the low down on Heatwave and No Where to Run too. Long live Motown!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

NO question. The song belongs to her... and Marvin Gaye!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@ProfessorofRock Marvin may have wrote it but Martha made it even better in my opinion. Great episode!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s a powerhouse of a vocalist.

[@Randy.E.R]

During his intro, the Professor of Rock asked if anyone has ever saved their money to buy a single; not exactly. When we were kids, Mom used to take us to Gemco every couple of weeks so she could go grocery shopping. Gemco, in my mind, is the original Walmart where a person could get just about everything under one roof. The music section of Gemco was near the exit. If we behaved ourselves in the store while Mom did our grocery shopping, she would let us pick out a single to buy. We didn't call them singles, we called them 45s because that was the speed of the turntable when playing a single. I amassed a nice collection of 45s which showed that I must have behaved well while Mom did her shopping. That couldn't be further from the truth. My brother and I ran all over the store wreaking havoc. During the summers, the school used to open the swimming pool because we lived on the desert. When temperatures climbed near 115F there was no better relief than hanging out at the swimming pool. The staff, who were mostly high school kids, used to have a turn table hooked up and let us bring our 45s and play them while we went swimming. So it is very true that we were the only generation that could bring a "45" to school that our parents bought for us. The early 1970s were truly the good ol' days

[@archivist17]

An absolute Queen of music! Such a voice!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@gregwasserman2635]

Motown, such a great part of music during my early years. It's almost a form of music on its own. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing a little Motown. Their studio musicians were some of the best ever. I have always loved James Jamerson's work on the bass (he played the bass on "Dancing in the Streets"). Barry Gordy certainly had an ear for music! Motown gave us some of the best artists ever. Very interesting interview with Martha Reeves; getting the background on such songs is always fun!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Jamerson was a legendary bassist.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Love Martha. Her version is the best! Really great voice. And really shows the genius of Marvin Gaye. Shout out to Van Halen for the rocking version . Thanks Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Roger! She is one of a kind!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

VH version is quite good!

[@kathleen8627]

she is simply charming!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Long live Martha Reeves, great interview. I've enjoyed all the Martha Reeves and the Vandellas albums I've bought; mostly on CD. Some have been back on vinyl, too. She did some great disco on her solo albums, too.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I have to listen to some of her disco tracks.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hi Lilly, I recommend Martha Reeves' songs “That’s What I Want,” “Love Don’t Come No Stronger,” “ Gotta Keep Moving,” “Skating In the Streets” and “Free Again.” They are not easy to find on vinyl anymore, but youtube has them. I found recent vinyl reissues of Martha & The Vandellas' "Dance Party" and "Watchout!" albums.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hi Lilly, I recommend her songs “That’s What I Want,” “Love Don’t Come No Stronger,” “ Gotta Keep Moving,” “Skating In the Streets” and “That’s What I Want.”

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love Martha & The Vandellas. The Motown sound is one of my favorite musical genres of the rock era. "Dancing In The Street" is one of the great feel-good, party songs of the 60's. Martha &The Vandellas are one of my favorite female Motown groups of the 60's along with the Marvellettes and, of course, the most successful female group, The Supremes (12 #1 hits). Professor, I hope you do more episodes on Motown.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's an all time classic for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It doesn’t get any better than 60s girl groups!

[@friguy4444]

Awe I get filled with JOY just listening to you guys even talk about it! Martha's so beautiful Outside AND Inside! She totally Glows when she thinking about singing let alone actually singing! So GREAT! Why can't we have Motown BACK AGAIN??!!

[@timmoser3526]

I am in Awe of her truthfulness and pride in America, her being upset at it being taken as a protest song! This interview itself still is a uniting influence. To bad so many can’t just enjoy the music singing or listening without it having a divisive influence! That you Martha, and Dr. For this interview!

[@betmo]

it's a community song ❤

[@tehfiredog]

I love when you manage to get interviews with some real classic legends like this. Of course, it helps that she is a hoot to listen to!

[@jennyjenny4501]

Professor, You have the best job ever!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I can't argue with that!

[@Tora-no-shi]

Wonderful woman and a beautiful singer. I could listen to her sing all day and never get tired of hearing her voice. There is a soul to it. That is a rare thing especially now.

[@ponderrosie4975]

LOVE that expression "put some mustard on it"' Motown gave us so many incredible artists and songs! And they stand the test of time so easily.

[@Nora-ov2pq]

I was 13 when this song came out. Great song! Everywhere! By the end of that summer I was ready to never hear it again! Now I look back and enjoy it with new ears. Thank you.

[@jessehayes486]

Who doesn't love this interview! What fun! These are the stories we need to archive.

[@Code.Name.V]

What a great interview Adam! I enjoyed all of the insight that Martha provided. What a gal! I find her speaking voice to be as dynamite as her singing voice. I was sad this interview had to end.

[@ProfessorofRock]

More to come. What song would you like to see next ?

[@Code.Name.V]

If in regards to Martha and the Vandellas, I would have to say either Heatwave or Jimmy Mack. With a slight lean towards the latter as my Mother used to play the hell out of it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s got a strong voice!

[@gulfgypsy]

This interview is wonderful! Martha is a legend and her classic - Dancing In The Street - is summertime set to music Such a wonderful lady and pure class!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Absolutely! This song is magic.

[@HeatherF512]

Summertime set to music ❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 What memories ❤

[@thetitleisours1]

Great song and legacy. This band reminds me of a scene from "Good Morning Vietnam", when he introduces their "Nowhere to Run" track. That soundtrack is one of my favorites

[@ProfessorofRock]

I have it on vinyl!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@ProfessorofRock 😎Oh wow! Does it include the movie clips? :)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great movie.

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I agree :)

[@joejackson6205]

Your interviews with these Motown artists are truly priceless.

[@SarahBarnes-cr8nr]

Legend. Thank you for spotlighting Motown. As a person of color Adam i so so appreciate it and you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

More to come!

[@wpl8275]

One thing they got right: "Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995."

[@matthewperlman3356]

Probably the most uplifting song ever. I love the way she brought this to life.

[@furburgle]

One of your best interviews, Adam. Kudos to you both.

[@philip_fletcher]

A legendary singer. Nowhere to Run is probably my favourite Martha Reeves song - primarily because of the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack - closely followed by The Game of Love for the same reasons (and the grooooove).

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I was a kid when this song hit the airwaves. I always thought it was a happy song. I never heard about the call to violence nonsense. My thanks to Ms. Reeves for bringing happy memories and music to my childhood.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't she great?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It can be interpreted in many different ways.

[@Niteowlette]

Same here! Too many people completely misinterpreted this song. Even as a kid when it first came out on the radio, I thought it was a happy song to bring people together, and it does make you want to dance.

[@gerrytinder3602]

Magical interview, Prof! This was such a joy!!! Shoulda been #1. Martha is so beautiful - inside and out.

[@thegrayshaws]

Wow! She remembers everything like it was yesterday.

[@investigator77]

Well to be fair, she's been telling the same stories all of her life, in interviews just like Adam's.

[@brucejones1867]

What a sweet, beautiful, and talented lady. Nothing but respect for Martha and all of the MoTown players. That was one helluva talented bunch.

[@revwillyg6450]

If anyone hears anything but joy and happiness in that song, I don't know what's wrong with 'em

[@apitheous194]

Martha Reeves is a treasure. I'm 68 and love her music.

[@jennifertarin4707]

Nothing today will EVER come close to being as great as Motown was back in the day. This song is so great and Martha seems like someone you want to go party in the streets with

[@paulriley4420]

We should be able to have more dancing in the street parties. Once a month would build communities again.

[@eire1965]

I never really appreciated Motown music until I married my wife. She was Motown and I was hard rock. But I have since come to realize that those Motown tunes are some of the best songs ever written.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree! 60s Motown is just magical.

[@marktait2371]

yeh those ghits cassettes cds are great i still have a few

[@Zippy-I-O]

Just love Martha's vocal...Joy Filled and Powerful. A song for the ages and one never failing to get all on the floor from the littlest to the biggest and oldest to the youngest. Just one TERRIFIC TUNE.

[@SarahBarnes-cr8nr]

Would like to see Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder. Too many to name but such few of those great artists are still with us.

[@mxfxdlg]

What an absolutely priceless interview! Great job, professor. Martha is definitely one of our most precious national treasures.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Always wanted to hear the background story to this song - I wasn't aware Marvin Gaye was one of the people that wrote it.

[@grahamnash9794]

Is it just me? Or does Martha come across as the kind of person that would be a very much loved . favourite aunt? One really precious person indeed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s a sweet soul.

[@chipdamutt108]

I cut my teeth on Motown. Because of the writing, instrumentation and vocal performances I consider it to be a genre in and of itself. Whenever someone asks me what my favorite music is I say classic rock, Motown, etc. It blows away anything that passes for music these days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Motown is a favorite.

[@JustaKubrickFan]

Truth!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s more than just a record label, it’s a musical icon!

[@benmoffitt7524]

Great interview! I know it was a real honor to meet her. Her version was way better than any other. It’s the only one that actually makes you want to dance in the street.

[@forakermm]

What a beautiful soul. ❤️ My mom loved Motown and she would pick me up and dance with me to this classic. (I still remember watching the map of Detroit on so many Motown 45’s spinning around..)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@nospam865]

What a great lady! The things she experienced when Motown was in its heyday. Just, wow!!

[@idcook]

My love for this song includes even my first love. Watching a girl from down the block dancing on the cement of a neighbors garage driveway during a rainy Saturday to this very tune. "Oooo ooo oooooooo; ooo ooo oooo oo ooooooo"

[@EssentialClassic]

Martha is great!! I love "Come and Get These Memories" and (Love Is Like A) Heatwave.

[@davidmurray2829]

A timeless classic and a beautiful song too❤❤❤❤

[@henrywilloughby2327]

Glad she finally got her long overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Great singer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@susanpumphrey354]

She is such a great storyteller! Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[@DownEastSaw]

She should be the role model of the American woman. This gal speaks with class and confidence and makes NO excuses or apologies. She is smart, articulate, and talented.

[@desertdweller4951]

I loved this song and Martha Reeves. As she said we did in the neighborhood, what a voice❤

[@mikep1085]

What a treasure she is!

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

Great story. Great song. Thank you, Martha. (Miss you every day, Marvin. 🤎)

[@relp78]

I love every version of this song! Nothing beats the original!

[@kirktingblad6667]

While I realize you do this as your job, you do a fantastic job and your enthusiasm is contagious!

[@randyhilton6629]

Had a big smile all the way through that interview, loved it and her!

[@pcno2832]

This record came out just before Diana Ross switched from the gritty style she used on "Let Me Go the Right Way" and "When the Love Light Shines", two hidden Supremes gems, to the smooth persona she adopted for much of her career. Martha Reeves did the world a favor by keeping that gritty vocal style alive and current throughout the 1960s. I can't imagine any cover of "Dancing In the Streets" coming close to her original.

[@vanessahenry7238]

Thank you Adam for bringing these stories to life. I remember these songs through my dad and aunts. I have too many favourite female singers - some even mentioned here. Martha Reeves looks AMAZING!!!! Thank you Lady for your stories!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!!!

[@larryk9966]

Loved this song since I was 10 or 11 (as the song was approaching 20 yrs.) Very inclusive and feel good song, no wonder VH covered it. Martha Reeves is truly an American treasure....loved this interview. Just recently found the video for "Nowhere to Run" filmed at the Ford Dearborn Mustang plant....talk about awesome sounds and visions of Motown!

[@BoomerSooner1966]

I was cool to see him give her her flowers and how it made her glow.

[@ProfessorofRock]

!

[@jimthompson9992]

People now can't possibly know or understand what the music was like then....and that is just so, so sad! I don't think there will ever be a time for music like those days, when so much came together in such a special way....so sad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I have to agree. At least we can re listen to the magic. That's the whole reason behind this channel!

[@jimthompson9992]

And YOU have done a great honor to that period of time! Thanks so much for that...brings back so many memories for me from those times!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re right.

[@bryede]

Reader and Beato are scooping all the great interviews. Time for a collab!

[@paulriley4420]

This is why I subscribe. Amazing legends being remembered. Thank you for your, always great, interviews.

[@lamaderarobles]

Great flipping show... Motown... what else us there to say. But you got an interview! Super cool 😮

[@arielm942]

A Big Casey Kasem fan here....In terms of telling a short story of songs and artists -nobody came close to him except you Prof. Thanks.

[@kathyamen7173]

Sometimes I don’t watch your videos (until later) because they make me hurt too much! I just know they’re going to rip me to shreds. That’s a compliment! Geez where we’re you when I discovered the Rose or the Chain. I know you’re way younger than me but you were born to do this! Thank you! ❤

[@jeffreysalomone6354]

Youre deep admiration for the music and interest in the stories behind the hits make your videos so enjoyable to watch!

[@dianewilliams1125]

As gorgeous as ever! All hail Martha! ❤❤❤ One of my all time favorite vocalist! Im 66 and remember hearing her voice on the 📻 radio,all her and Marvin's stuff!

[@jimmyburns4681]

This song will live forever!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

My mother gave me this record autographed by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Without Motown, we won't have classic songs that would have been the basis of todays musical artists...and she was among the best and a legend in her own right!

[@Rorschachqp]

If you watch the Temptations mini-series movie, they have a scene where front desk girl Martha greets the boys auditioning for Berry Gordy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I remember that!

[@Rorschachqp]

@@ProfessorofRock “Like the watch?!”

[@travismiles5885]

I've been to the Motown Museum in Detroit. It was magical to me that I just walked up the same stairs so many greats did and walk into the house where so much great music was made.

[@HungryH1951]

Probably my favorite Motown hit. It had that beat, powerful sound, great singer, good message, it was just one of the best sounds. You couldn't ignore it when it came on the radio, it got the feet tappin the head bobbin. Loved it.

[@IDontSuckAtLifeakaJanis3975]

"I could dance better than both of them" 🤣 That was so funny and so cute when she said that. HOWEVER!!!! Professor of Rock, now you've got the challenge of a lifetime! You have to get a petition going to have her and Mick get together to dance to 3ish songs: Moves Like Jagger, HER version of Dancing in the Streets, and one of his songs... Their choice! (I've never paid too much attention to Bowie on stage, i only thought of Jagger's chicken strut/dance when she commented)

[@velvetbees]

Oh, I am star struck. Love her voice. She still has that beautiful voice evident in her speaking voice. It too is beautiful.

[@areneesouder]

I took this song literally. From the time I could cruise our local cruising area, I would dance in the streets. I always felt comfortable dancing and would try to get others to dance with me. 💃💜😎

[@cbkitys]

I grew up with Motown! Grew up in Michigan about 2 hours from Detroit! CKLW from Ontario was the station to listen to and they played all the Motown songs! CKLW used to do a top 300 count down every 2 years. Loved that!

[@jonfargo7321]

What a treasure Martha is. Great interview.

[@325Bertie]

Martha's performance was awesome. Man, I wanted to sing like her and dress like the girls when I was a young teen.

[@tmklunk]

I love her spirit

[@michaelbillington8737]

What a great interview... I had such a crush on Martha back in the day because she was not only gorgeous, but she put so much into every song that you couldn't help but sing and dance along with her vocals, Thanks.

[@jaxstuff898]

What a legend, and great interview, she seemed funny and sweet, must have been a joy to chat with her.

[@garym81]

I have always loved Martha. I still do!

[@bufferkiller]

I love watching your interviews with legends and this one has to be one of the best. I could listen to her stories for hours upon hours.

[@ew4395]

Thank you for doing this interview. Great song, and told by the women who do it.

[@jackdolphy8965]

What a great gift this interview. Brings it all back! Thank You. 🙏🏼

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Anna-Rose-]

It would have been amazing to have her in the video with Bowie and Jagger 😂 Loved this interview ❤

[@RaymondMcAlees]

My girl Martha did it best! Sensational feel she brought to the song. I was born in Detroit in 1955. I grew up in Detroit and I still listen to Motown today. Still the best music out there.

[@tas6313]

I've always thought of Ms. Reeves as "The Mother of Motown"! Yeah, Mary Wells, Mable John and the Supremes might have come first, but it was Martha & the Vandellas that was pouring out the first hits all written by Holland-Dozier-Holland. I believe there were five in a row beginning with Come and Get These Memories and ending with In My Lonely Room. Dancing in the Street followed and we all just lost it! My best friend had the Dance Party album and every song could have been released on a 7-inch. But Doo Wah Diddy? Now, Manfred Mann had some wonderful album tracks, but the R&B covers, including the Shirelles' Sha-La-La left me cold for some reason. Not even the Beatles did the Shirelles justice. If you want to hear a Shirelles record, go to the original source! Kim Weston was a great singer as well. You have to remember--she cut the original recording of Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While). Go Ahead and Laugh was a great record, although a B-side. Twice for Weston with two different mixes (A Little More Love and I'm Still Loving You), and Martha's was on the other side of What Am I Going to do Without Your Love. I read that the jangling in the background of Nowhere to Run was made by hitting the floor with chains. It's amazing how many different stories you hear over the years! In the comments, you ask us to pick a favorite female singer of the rock & roll era. I'm afraid I can't do it, Professor. Is it Joplin, Grace, Darlene Love? I would have to say it's whoever I'm hearing at the time. If I'm listening to My Baby Loves Me, the last thing I can think about is another lady. By the way, I heard Ms. Reeves say her favorite cover of Dancing in the Street was the Mamas & the Papas! I saw a video recently of Michelle and Martha singing an impromptu performance of the song. Nice. As always, I am entertained and overwhelmed with happiness whenever I see your videos. Bless you, Professor and I wish you the best.

[@Out_of_My_Head]

She's still beautiful and still has a great voice❣️