Starting a Motown band

With a roster of seminal artists like Stevie Wonder, Martha & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, the independent record label started by Berry Gordy in 1959, known as Motown, revolutionised popular music. To this day, Motown function bands are extremely popular with those booking entertainment for weddings, corporate events and all sorts of other parties.

For this reason, many musicians look to start a Motown tribute or specialist band. In this blog, we offer our top tips on starting a brand new Motown act, and building up a loyal client base of soul lovers!

Selecting material

For any musicians looking to start such a band, it is important for all musicians to be singing from the same song sheet, both in terms of musicality and the material to be performed.

Whilst it is generally accepted that a Motown function band will perform classic funk and soul hits, a band with the versatility to also pull off some contemporary covers in a Motown style will be even more sought after.

By doing this, a band will be able to cater for a wider variety of events and appeal to more potential clients.

Many function bands also learn a selection of festive songs suitable for events such as Christmas or New Years Eve parties.

Motown’s upbeat, bright and bouncy sound is guaranteed to get any audience tapping their feet, if not up on the dance floor moving to the beat.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, The Independent list these as the 20 best Motown songs:

1. Marvin Gaye – ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ (1968)
2. Stevie Wonder – ‘Superstition’ (1972)
3. The Miracles – ‘The Tracks of My Tears’ (1965)
4. Marvin Gaye – ‘What’s Going On’ (1971)
5. Martha and the Vandellas – ‘Dancing in the Street’ (1964)
6. The Temptations – ‘My Girl’ (1964)
7. The Supremes – ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’ (1965)
8. The Jackson 5 – ‘I Want You Back’ (1969)
9. The Four Tops – ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ (1966)
10. The Temptations – ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ (1972)
11. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – ‘The Tears of a Clown’ (1967)
12. Edwin Starr – ‘War’ (1970)
13. Stevie Wonder – ‘I Was Made to Love Her’ (1967)
14 Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ (1967)
15. Mary Wells – ‘My Guy’ (1964)
16. Jimmy Ruffin – ‘What Becomes of the Brokenhearted’ (1966)
17. The Isley Brothers – ‘This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You)’ (1966)
18. Brenda Holloway – ‘Every Little Bit Hurts’ (1964)
19. The Marvelettes – ‘Please Mr Postman’ (1961)
20. Barrett Strong – ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ (1959)

Offer different line ups 

Potential clients come in various shapes, sizes and budgets. Whilst it would be ideal for every client to be organising a huge scale event with the funding to pay each musician handsomely, this is not always the case.

Function bands should aim to offer various line ups to cater for the needs of a client.

From acoustic duos to 12 piece bands (complete with a brass section!) different line ups will increase the amount of gigs a band gets, as well as allowing clients with a smaller budget the opportunity to enjoy great Motown music at an affordable price. 

Don’t forget to explain your technical requirements 

When searching for a suitable band to perform at an event, clients will need to know in advance what the band will need to be able to perform.

Requirements for a band may include a large selection of power sockets, a suitable stage/performance area and a PA system suitable for the venue size.

Many bands also require a dressing room, hot meal and free refreshments throughout the duration of the event.

Sources

• https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/search/motown_bands.html
• http://classic.motown.com/history/

Do you play in a Motown band? What did you find helpful when you were setting it up? Leave your advice in the comment box below…