Mary Wells
Founder of the world famous "Motown Sound," Mary Wells is considered not only one of the best female singers in the music industry, but also a vital part of the success of the prestigious label. Wells' early years were not easy. As a small child, she suffered a bout of spinal meningitis, which left her temporarily paralyzed, with loss of hearing, and partial blindness in one eye. When she returned to good health, Wells suffered the hardship of learning to walk again. She was always grateful, however, to regain her hearing and sight.
As a talented teenager, Wells auditioned for Berry Gordy's Tamla Records as a songwriter, but instead she got a contract to be a performer. Bye Bye Baby, a song written by Wells, was recorded in Gordy's new label, Motown Records. In 1961, the song became a hit. Wells stayed with Motown for five years. During those years and with the help of producer and songwriter, Smokey Robinson, Wells made several recordings. Her intimate and assertive voice, mixed with a soulful urgency, gave Wells a distinctive sound.
Three major singles, The One Who Really Loves You (no. 8, 1962), You Beat Me to the Punch (no. 9, 1962) and Two Lovers (no. 7, 1962), as well as her tours of the U.S. and Europe, turned her into one of the most popular singers in the Motown label. In 1964, Wells' career reached a significant peak when her song, My Guy, made it to no. 1 on the pop chart and became one of the year's best recordings. She also sang duets with Marvin Gaye, such as Once Upon a Time, which made it to no. 17 in 1964.
Information courtesy of Classic Motown
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT...
- Thanks, "I LOVE IT! Makes my day! M.N.
- WOW WOW WOW AN OUTSTANDING REVIEW OF THE real STYLE OF MUSIC - Atlanta Cooking
- In my time, this is the most fascinating music I have ever heard. **86
- Keep up the great and extremely important work. We met I believe at Michael Guthrie's house a few weeks ago at the HVARII Reunion. I am a great lover of our R&B and it's great to see someone who truly cares about it. Ole!
T. Turgeon
- Again, the "It's Friday" series is great - I love it
every week and have sent it on to so many folks -
thanks again. Betsy K.
- Aretha is my personal favorite so far! Peggy M.
- LOVE THIS...I NEED SOMETHNG TO GET ME THROUGH THE DAY !!!! C. Lady
- Great! Perfect! Dance Music I Love It!!! Laine L.
- I think you missed your calling as a DJ! Nicki S.
- Keep 'em coming!! I really enjoy listening to "my kind of music". Thank you. Mary M.
- I like getting your email every Friday, keep it coming!
Carlas A.
- DON'T FORGET THE 'QUEEN OF SOUL'........ ARETHA!!!!! YOUR MAKING MY FRIDAYS. RONK
- MY FRIENDS REALLY LIKE FRIDAY IN ATHENS! ONE IS SENDING EVERYONE AT THE COURTHOUSE AN EMAIL. Ron H.
- THANKS SO MUCH EACH WEEK! Nancy W.
- This makes me smile! Ray C.
- Great job, keep up the good work. Terry T.
- I SAVE UNTIL FRI AFTERNOON, BY 5:00 P.M. I'M REVVVVED!!! RONK
- Thanks for this humanitarian service to get us crunk for district wide planning. Wilson Pickett reminds us to put a “spotlight on Otis Redding y’all”. Yeah,yeah, oh yeah. Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-Faaa! Karl S.
- Thanks. What a pleasant surprise to get to work and open this e-mail- glad I started with yours first. Melanie B.
- Thanks for the Friday emails Larry!! I really enjoy them.
Kim S.
- Thanks for the sound of good music. I really do love my oldies but goodies.
- Thanks!!! This is great! Jane B.
- Great site! How about some Sam Cooke???
- Thanks for the music! Steve P.
- I love this! Thanks. Dianne M.
- I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your
Friday emails. Thanks for including me! Betsy K.
- I appreciate the link – good stuff! Jon W.
- I LIKE IT!!!!!! Thanks and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Barbara S.
- THIS IS GREAT!!!!!! Susan R.
- So in your spare time you try to cheer up everyone? Thanks, Lori R.
- I love these songs. Thanks. Terri S.
- Awesome……Thanks for doing this, we all look forward to it every week. I’ve sent it to everyone I know! Debi D.
- I needed this today! Thanks. Susan S.
Good selection for this fabulous Friday!!!!!
- Thanks for the Music this morning. I think I could listen to this all day, if people didn't think I was crazy for MOVING in my chair. Have a great weekend. Joyce G.
- This is awesome! Thanks, Debi D.
