SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Universal
Music Enterprises) - On the eve of Motown Records' 50th anniversary comes a spectacular collection: a 10-CD box set containing every Motown No. 1 hit, from every U.S. and International chartand from every genre, adding up to a staggering 191 tracks that hit the top, plus 10 bonus tracks whose cover versions were No. 1. In an amazing coincidence, the number of Motown artists whose recordings have either hit No. 1 or inspired a No. 1 cover: 50.
MOTOWN: THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S (Motown/UMe), is released around the world December 8, 2008 and in the U.S., December 9, 2008.
"This is why Motown is what it is," writes Motown legend Smokey Robinson in his introductory liner notes. "Look at this list: Number 1's back to back to back to back. We bombarded the world with hit records."
Motown's No. 1 hits started flowing from Berry Gordy's neighborhood home on Detroit's West Grand Boulevard, and this box set - with tracks from 16 countries including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany and elsewhere - are housed in a jaw-dropping package: a replica of the original Motown headquarters, "Hitsville U.S.A.," where it all began. Inside the "house" are five digipaks, each containing two CDs, as well as a mini-photo book including rare and classic images, track annotations and the essay by Motown's first No. 1 hitmaker, Smokey Robinson.
The original Gordy "Hitsville U.S.A." house remains at its original location and is the home of the internationally renowned Motown Museum, 2648 West Brand Boulevard, Detroit, MI.
Arranged chronologically, MOTOWN: THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S spans generations of musical memories, beginning with 1961's R&B No. 1 "Shop Around" from The Miracles, and the label's first Pop No. 1, "Please Mr. Postman" from The Marvelettes. From The Supremes' unprecedented string of five consecutive No. 1's, starting with "Where Did Our Love Go," to The Temptations' immortal classic "My Girl," and its Nineties counterpart "Stay," MOTOWN: THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S provides the soundtrack to the Sixties, Seventies and beyond, concluding with 2000's "Bag Lady" from Erykah Badu.
Heard too with their No. 1 recordings are Motown stars Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas, Mary Wells, the Contours, Jr. Walker & the All-Stars, Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, David Ruffin, The Originals, Rare Earth, The Undisputed Truth, Edwin Starr, Eddie Kendricks, the Commodores, T.G. Sheppard (yes, Motown had two No. 1 Country hits), Thelma Houston, Rick James, High Inergy, Jermaine Jackson, Dazz Band, Charlene, Lionel Richie, DeBarge, El DeBarge, Rockwell, Mary Jane Girls, Val Young, Georgio, The Boys, Today, Johnny Gill, Stacey Lattisaw, Boyz II Men, Shanice, and Profyle. In addition, the collection features five artists - the Isley Brothers, Brenda Holloway, Jimmy Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, and the Guinn Family - with their Motown recordings that inspired No. 1 cover versions for other labels.
An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that became one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. Motown, of course, stands for more than just the historic music. The label and its remarkable legacy is a reflection of the hard work of dedicated individuals overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve great success. Nearly a half-century ago, on January 12, 1959, to be exact, a young African-American songwriter named Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records with a loan of $800 from his family, marking the birth of the "Motown Records Corporation." A man of vision, drive, talent and determination, Berry Gordy was also a producer, innovative entrepreneur, and teacher. The phenomenal success of Motown Records is a tribute to all that he embodies and all the talent that he brought out in others. Under his leadership, and through determination and support of the Motown family of artists, Gordy forged new grounds for minorities and made the "Motown Sound" a worldwide phenomenon beloved by millions.
Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). With Motown's influence still being felt, the greatest pop music hit factory ever heard celebrates its 50th anniversary with MOTOWN: THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S.
TRACK LIST
Disc 1
1. Shop Around - The Miracles (featuring Bill "Smokey" Robinson) / U.S. R&B
2. Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes / U.S. Pop
3. Do You Love Me - The Contours / U.S. R&B
4. Two Lovers - Mary Wells / U.S. R&B
5. You've Really Got A Hold On Me - The Miracles / U.S. R&B
6. Fingertips-Part 2 - Little Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
7. Heat Wave - Martha & the Vandellas / U.S. R&B
8. The Way You Do The Things You Do - The Temptations / U.S. R&B*
9. My Guy - Mary Wells / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Australia
10. Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B* - Canada
11. Baby Love - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B* - U.K.
12. Come See About Me - The Supremes / U.S. Pop-Canada
13. My Girl - The Temptations / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
14. Shotgun - Jr. Walker & the All-Stars / U.S. R&B
15. Stop! In The Name of Love - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B*
16. I'll Be Doggone - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
17. Back In My Arms Again - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada
18. I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
19. I Hear A Symphony - The Supremes / U.S. Pop
20. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
21. Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
22. Get Ready - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
Bonus Tracks
23. Dancing In The Street - Martha & the Vandellas / No 1 cover version by David Bowie and Mick Jagger: U.K. - Australia - Canada - Ireland - Netherlands
24. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye / No 1 cover version by James Taylor: U.S. Adult Contemporary - Canada
25. This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) - Isley Brothers / No 1 cover version by Rod Stewart with Ronald Isley: U.S. Adult Contemporary
26. Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home) - Marvin Gaye / No 1 cover version by Paul Young: U.K.
Disc 2
1. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
2. Blowin' In The Wind - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
3. You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
4. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
5. Reach Out, I'll Be There - Four Tops / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.K.
6. You Keep Me Hangin' On - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
7. (I Know) I'm Losing You - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
8. The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game - The Marvelettes / U.S. R&B*
9. Love Is Here And Now You're Gone - The Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada
10. Jimmy Mack - Martha & the Vandellas / U.S. R&B
11. The Happening - The Supremes / U.S. Pop
12. I Was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
13. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Gladys Knight & the Pips / U.S. R&B
14. I Second That Emotion - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles / U.S. R&B
15. I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
16. Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
17. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell / U.S. R&B
18. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
19. You're All I Need To Get By - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell / U.S. R&B
20. Love Child - Diana Ross & The Supremes / U.S. Pop - Canada
21. For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop*/**
22. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.K.
23. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Diana Ross & the Supremes & the Temptations / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B*
Bonus Tracks
24. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted - Jimmy Ruffin / No 1 cover versions by Paul Young: U.S. Adult Contemporary / and by Robson & Jerome (in medley): U.K.
25. You've Made Me So Very Happy - Brenda Holloway / No 1 cover version by Blood, Sweat & Tears: Canada
Disc 3
1. Runaway Child, Running Wild - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
2. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
3. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars / U.S. R&B
4. I Can't Get Next To You - The Temptations / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
5. Baby I'm For Real - The Originals / U.S. R&B
6. Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross & the Supremes / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
7. I Want You Back - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
8. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday - Stevie Wonder / Norway
9. ABC - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
10. Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand) - Diana Ross / U.S. R&B**
11. It's All In The Game - Four Tops / U.S. R&B*
12. The Love You Save - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
13. Get Ready - Rare Earth / Canada
14. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - The Temptations / U.S. Pop* - U.S. R&B*
15. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B
16. War - Edwin Starr / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B*/** - Canada
17. The Tears of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (U.K. version) / U.K.
18. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
19. I'll Be There - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
20. Heaven Help Us All - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B**
21. The Tears of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (U.S. version) / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
22. Stoned Love - The Supremes / U.S. R&B
23. If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight & the Pips / U.S. R&B
Disc 4
1. Mama's Pearl - The Jackson 5 / U.S. R&B*
2. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) - The Temptations / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
3. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye / U.S. Pop* - U.S. R&B
4. Never Can Say Goodbye - The Jackson 5 / U.S. R&B
5. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
6. I'm Still Waiting - Diana Ross / U.K. - Ireland
7. Smiling Faces Sometimes - The Undisputed Truth / U.S. R&B**
8. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
9. Got To Be There - Michael Jackson / U.S. Pop* - U.S. R&B*
10. Rockin' Robin - Michael Jackson / U.S. Pop*
11. I Wanna Be Where You Are - Michael Jackson / U.S. R&B*/**
12. Ben - Michael Jackson / U.S. Pop - Australia
13. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone - The Temptations / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B*/**
14. Superstition - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
15. Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) - Gladys Knight & the Pips / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B
16. Masterpiece - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
17. You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. Adult Contemporary
18. Touch Me In The Morning - Diana Ross / U.S. Pop - U.S. Adult Contemporary
19. Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
Disc 5
1. Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B
2. Keep On Truckin' (Part 1) - Eddie Kendricks / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
3. Living For The City - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
4. Let Your Hair Down - Temptations / U.S. R&B
5. Boogie Down - Eddie Kendricks / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B
6. Last Time I Saw Him - Diana Ross / U.S. Adult Contemporary
7. Dancing Machine - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Pop*/** - U.S. R&B
8. Do It Baby - The Miracles / U.S. R&B*/**
9. You Haven't Done Nothin' - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada
10. Boogie On Reggae Woman - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B
11. Happy People - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
12. Shoeshine Boy - Eddie Kendricks / U.S. R&B
13. Shakey Ground - The Temptations / U.S. R&B
14. Baby That's Backatcha - Smokey Robinson / U.S. R&B
15. Slippery When Wet - The Commodores / U.S. R&B
16. Forever Came Today - The Jackson 5 / U.S. Dance/Disco
17. Walk Away From Love - David Ruffin / U.S. R&B
18. Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) - Diana Ross / U.S. Pop
19. Devil In The Bottle - T.G. Sheppard / U.S. Country
20. Tryin' To Beat The Morning Home - T.G. Sheppard / U.S. Country
Disc 6
1. Love Machine (Part 1) - The Miracles / U.S. Pop
2. Love Hangover - Diana Ross / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Dance/Disco
3. I Want You - Marvin Gaye / U.S. R&B
4. Just To Be Close To You - The Commodores / U.S. R&B
5. Down To Love Town - The Originals / U.S. Dance/Disco
6. Don't Leave Me This Way - Thelma Houston / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Dance/Disco
7. I Wish - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada
8. Got To Give It Up - Marvin Gaye / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Dance/Disco
9. Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada
10. Easy - The Commodores / U.S. R&B
11. You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On) - High Inergy / U.S. R&B**
12. Too Hot Ta Trot - The Commodores / U.S. R&B
13. You And I - Rick James / U.S. R&B
14. Three Times A Lady - The Commodores / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.K. - Australia - Canada - Ireland
15. The Boss - Diana Ross / U.S. Dance/Disco
16. Sail On - The Commodores / U.S. Pop**
17. Still - The Commodores / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B
18. Send One Your Love - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Adult Contemporary
Bonus Track
19. Pastime Paradise - Stevie Wonder / No 1 cover/rap version by Coolio featuring L.V., as "Gangsta's Paradise": U.S., Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland
Disc 7
1. Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson / U.S. Pop*
2. Let's Get Serious - Jermaine Jackson / U.S. R&B
3. I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross / U.S. Dance/Disco
4. Upside Down - Diana Ross / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Dance/Disco - Australia - Norway - Switzerland
5. Master Blaster (Jammin') - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B - Austria - Switzerland
6. Being With You - Smokey Robinson / U.S. Pop** - U.S. R&B - U.K.
7. Give It To Me Baby - Rick James / U.S. R&B - U.S. Dance/Disco
8. Super Freak - Rick James / U.S. Dance/Disco
9. One Day In Your Life - Michael Jackson / U.K. - Ireland
10. Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Adult Contemporary - Australia - Canada
11. Lady (You Bring Me Up) - The Commodores / New Zealand
12. That Girl - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop* - U.S. R&B
13. Let It Whip - Dazz Band / U.S. R&B
14. I've Never Been To Me - Charlene / U.K. - Australia - Canada - Ireland
15. Do I Do - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Dance/Disco
Bonus Track
16. Lately - Stevie Wonder / No 1 cover version by Jodeci: U.S. R&B
Disc 8
1. Truly - Lionel Richie / U.S. Pop - U.S. Adult Contemporary - Canada
2. You Are - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
3. My Love - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
4. All This Love - DeBarge / U.S. Adult Contemporary
5. Cold Blooded - Rick James / U.S. R&B
6. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Adult Contemporary - Australia - Canada - Netherlands
7. Time Will Reveal - DeBarge / U.S. R&B
8. Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell / U.S. R&B
9. Hello - Lionel Richie / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.K. - Australia - Ireland - Netherlands - Switzerland
10. Stuck On You - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
11. I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Adult Contemporary - U.K. - Australia - Austria - Canada - France - Germany - Ireland - Netherlands - Norway - Switzerland
12. Penny Lover - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
13. Nightshift - The Commodores / U.S. R&B - Netherlands
14. In My House - Mary Jane Girls / U.S. Dance/Disco
15. Rhythm of The Night - DeBarge / U.S. R&B - U.S. Adult Contemporary
16. Glow - Rick James / U.S. Dance/Disco
17. You Wear It Well - El DeBarge with DeBarge / U.S. Dance/Disco
Bonus Track
18. Don't Look Any Further - Dennis Edwards featuring Seidah Garrett / No 1 cover version by Kane Gang: U.S. Dance/Disco
Disc 9
1. Part-Time Lover - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.S. Adult Contemporary - U.S. Dance/Disco - Canada - Ireland
2. Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Canada - Norway - Switzerland
3. Go Home - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Dance/Disco - U.S. Adult Contemporary
4. If You Should Ever Be Lonely - Val Young / U.S. Dance/Disco
5. Overjoyed - Stevie Wonder / U.S. Adult Contemporary
6. Who's Johnny - El DeBarge / U.S. R&B
7. Dancing On The Ceiling - Lionel Richie / Norway
8. Love Will Conquer All - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
9. Ballerina Girl - Lionel Richie / U.S. Adult Contemporary
10. Just To See Her - Smokey Robinson / U.S. Adult Contemporary
11. Tina Cherry - Georgio / U.S. Dance/Disco
12. Skeletons - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
13. You Will Know - Stevie Wonder / U.S. R&B
14. Dial My Heart - The Boys / U.S. R&B
15. Lucky Charm - The Boys / U.S. R&B
16. Girl I Got My Eyes On You - Today / U.S. R&B
17. Where Do We Go From Here - Stacey Lattisaw with special guest Johnny Gill / U.S. R&B
Bonus Track
18. Dreamin' - The Guinn Family / No 1 cover version by Vanessa Williams: U.S. R&B
Disc 10
1. Rub You The Right Way - Johnny Gill / U.S. R&B
2. My My My - Johnny Gill / U.S. R&B
3. Crazy - The Boys / U.S. R&B
4. Wrap My Body Tight - Johnny Gill / U.S. R&B
5. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - Boyz II Men / U.S. R&B
6. I Love Your Smile - Shanice / U.S. R&B
7. Uhh Ahh - Boyz II Men / U.S. R&B
8. Do It To Me - Lionel Richie / U.S. R&B
9. End of The Road - Boyz II Men / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - U.K. - Australia - Ireland
10. I'll Make Love To You - Boyz II Men / U.S. Pop - U.S. R&B - Australia - Canada
11. On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men / U.S. Pop
12. Take Me Higher - Diana Ross / U.S. Dance/Disco
13. 4 Seasons Of Loneliness - Boyz II Men / U.S. Pop
14. A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men / U.S. R&B
15. Stay - The Temptations / U.S. Urban Adult Contemporary
16. Liar - Profyle / U.S. R&B
17. Bag Lady - Erykah Badu / U.S. R&B
All U.S. No. 1 hits from Billboard magazine, except *Cash Box magazine and **Record World. All other territories' No. 1's taken from their respective national chart archives.
