Martha Reeves And The Vandellas

Martha Reeves And The Vandellas

Martha Reeves And The Vandellas are a Motown vocal group from Detroit, United States, active from 1962 to 1972. Their sound sits within Motown, pop soul, R&B and soul, and they are also associated with 1960s pop and northern soul. The group develops from an earlier Detroit act called The Del-Phis, then performs as The Vells before taking the name Martha and the Vandellas in 1962.

Formation and early line-up

The group begins in Detroit in 1960 as a quartet made up of Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard and lead singer Gloria Williamson. After a failed single on the Checkmate label, Williamson leaves and the act continues as a trio. It then changes name to The Vells and records for Motown’s Mel-o-dy label, while also singing backing vocals for Motown artists including Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye.

Motown years

After signing to Motown’s Gordy label, the group becomes Martha and the Vandellas in 1962. They become one of the label’s most successful acts during the 1960s and the second most successful all-female Motown group after The Supremes. Their style is described as more church-influenced and more southern-leaning than The Supremes’ approach.

The group’s best-known songs include “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”, “Jimmy Mack”, “I’m Ready For Love”, “My Baby Loves Me”, “Nowhere to Run” and “Dancing in the Street”, which becomes their signature song.

Line-up changes

Betty Kelly replaces Sterling in 1964. In 1967, Kelly is dismissed and Martha Reeves’s younger sister, Sandra “Lois” Reeves, joins. In 1969, Rosalind Ashford is also dismissed and Sandra Tilley replaces her. The final line-up of the Reeves sisters and Tilley continues after Martha Reeves returns from an institution following a nervous breakdown.

Later period

The group gives its final performance at Detroit’s Cobo Hall in 1972, ending a twelve-year run.