Ep 15. The Marvelettes
- July 23, 2012
The Marvelettes were a trailblazing Motown girl group whose music influenced a generation. They were the first major success of Berry Gordy's Motown label, and despite a string of hits, they never got the recognition they deserved.
This episode of Unsung explores the rise and fall of The Marvelettes. Beginning with the group's formation in the late 1950s, the episode tells the story of how Wanda Young, Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson and Georgia Dobbins came together to form a singing group in their hometown of Inkster, Michigan.
The Marvelettes' big break came in 1961 when they recorded "Please Mr. Postman," which became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The success of "Please Mr. Postman" paved the way for other hits like "Playboy," "Beechwood 4-5789," and "Don't Mess With Bill."
But despite their success, The Marvelettes struggled with the same challenges faced by many girl groups of the era. The pressure to perform led to internal strife and tensions within the group, and they struggled to hold on to their place in the increasingly competitive Motown world.
The episode reveals how The Marvelettes were ultimately undone by a combination of factors. First, the rise of the Supremes, a group with similar musical styling, drew attention away from The Marvelettes. Second, the group's label, Motown, became increasingly focused on male acts like The Temptations and The Four Tops, and the group was neglected as a result.
Finally, the departure of Gladys Horton, one of the group's founding members, proved to be the final straw. The episode explores the major impact Horton's departure had on the group and how it ultimately led to their downfall.
Despite their challenges, The Marvelettes' legacy continues to live on, and this episode of Unsung pays tribute to their pioneering music and their place in Motown history. From their trailblazing early hits to their struggles to stay relevant, this episode offers a fascinating and in-depth look at the rise and fall of a truly iconic group.
