|
Inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Michigan Connection
Annette Beard and Rosalind Ashford were both born in Detroit and the trio
formed in Detroit.
Band
Martha and the Vandellas were: Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford and Annette
Beard. Later members included Betty Kelly, Lois Reeves and Sandra Tilley.
Founded in 1960 as the Del-Phis consisting of school friends. Their big
break came in 1962 when Reeves, then working as a secretary at Motown,
landed them the chance to provide backing vocals for Marvin Gaye.
Notable
The group's name, Martha and the Vandellas, was derived form the names of
a Detroit Street (Van Dyke) and one of Reeve's favorite singers (Della
Reese).
Big Hits
In 1964 "Dancing in the Streets" reached #2 on the pop and
R&B charts. In 1963 "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave" hits #4 on
pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts.
Find out more about
Martha and the Vandellas and other musical Michiganians in
Makin'
Music: Michigan's Rock & Roll Legacy. |
