16 Comments

Not at all. But after their hit run, Martha Reeves got herself elected to city council in Detroit- long after Motown had decamped. So who had the last laugh?

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[Insert satisfied Bond villain laugh here]

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I love this. And didn’t know! I’m a bad metro Detroit citizen. Research time!!

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Undoubtedly one of Motown's signature tunes- an exuberant call to action that doesn't discriminate against anybody, for we all can dance.

It's rather unfortunate, though, that Martha & The Vandellas themselves were entirely treated as a second-tier act by Motown for most of their stint with the label. They deserved better.

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Right??? They are so incredibly underrated it should legit be a crime. I almost picked "Nowhere to Run" as the Fun Song Friday for Motown Week, it's easily one of my favorite songs of the decade as well. No losers with that coin flip choice, amirite?

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I have a soft spot for the Van Halen version. Diamond Dave’s unique exuberance brings out the joy like no other.

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I think it's the sequined pants that gave him that charge ;)

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That was another amazing version. Dave always brings a showmanship that’s 100% unique and rock and roll.

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Apr 15·edited Apr 15Liked by Matt Fish

Love this song, but if I had to choose one Martha & the Vandellas track it would be "Nowhere to Run." Especially after it was included in "The Warriors" (albeit not Martha's version). I just can't separate the song from the movie in the best way possible.

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Great minds, CJ, great minds. "Nowhere to Run" was almost the song pick instead. In the end, "Dancing in the Streets" had more chart success and therefore won out.

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Martha Reeves & the Vandellas were great. Good song. Although my favorite is Heat Wave. I believe it is one of the most exciting songs ever recorded. It just generates energy and gets something moving inside. It was written by Holland–Dozier–Holland. They wrote some outstanding tunes for Motown. Nice article! Thanks

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Holland–Dozier–Holland were a staple of this Motown Hits week and I'm certain they'll make their way into the newsletter again soon. Thanks for reading Richard! :)

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I never saw Martha play the song live, but the first time I heard the Dead play it, I almost fell out of my shoes! 👠

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Omg that must've been amazing!!

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Can't go wrong with either option.

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