music
'I can out-dance Bowie and Jagger!' Martha Reeves on Motown, Dancing in the Street and smashing crockery with Dusty Springfield
Now 84, the voice of Heat Wave and Jimmy Mack is releasing a new album. She answers your questions on Marvin Gaye, popularising the roundabout and why she hates cover versions of her songs
TL;DR
- Martha Reeves was discovered by William Stevenson and began her career at Motown Records as a secretary.
- She describes Motown's assembly-line approach to music creation, inspired by Detroit's manufacturing industry.
- Reeves shares anecdotes about the immense talents of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
- 'Dancing in the Street' became an anthem during the civil rights movement, promoting unity and rejoicing.
- She had a close friendship with Dusty Springfield, with whom she shared experiences like smashing pottery and traveling.
- Reeves believes in connecting with lyrics personally, a lesson learned from her mother.
- She expresses a selfish desire to be the sole performer of her songs and recalls jealousy hearing Bowie and Jagger's version of 'Dancing in the Street'.
- Reeves also mentions introducing roundabouts to Michigan and her property dealings in Detroit.