1965 - July: The Supremes “More Hits by The Supremes”

More Hits by the Supremes is the sixth studio album by Motown's all female group, The Supremes. The album is composed largely of songs already released as singles and their B-sides.

The group was composed of vocalists Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross.  The group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1967, but at this time they were still known as The Supremes. Originally formed in 1959 as The Primettes after being introduced to Berry Gordy by Smoky Robinson, the group began as a quartet including Betty McGlown.  McGlown was replaced with Barbara Martin in 1960, then became a trio when Martin left in 1962.

Success was slog in coming to The Supremes, and at one time they were known around Motown as "no-hit Supremes."  However, The Supremes became Motown's most commercially successful act, and achieved twelve number 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.  As part of their appeal the group deliberately embraced a distinctly glamorous feminine image, utilizing high fashion and makeup onstage.  They were also prepared by Maxine Powell, who ran Motown's in-house finishing school, to "perform before kings and queens" as they toured the world.  The result was an appeal to all audiences, domestically and internationally, and all races.  They made 17 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

John Lynch joins us for this podcast.

 

Nothing But Heartaches
This hit peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was a disappointment for Motown, as the previous five songs by The Supremes went to number 1.  

Back In My Arms Again
The single to this song appeared just before "Nothing But Heartaches," and was a number 1 hit.  

Whisper You Love Me Boy
This ballad was originally recorded by Mary Wells, but her recording was shelved when she abruptly left Motown.  The Supremes recorded it for this album, and it was used as the B-side to the single "Back In My Arms Again." 

Stop!  In the Name of Love
One of The Supremes' most recognized songs, this track was both a number 1 hit and a Grammy-nominee.  The Supremes would be known not just for the song, but for the choreography - one hand on the hip and the other raised in a "stop" gesture.  The lyrics are a plea from a girl to "think it over," before he goes with another girl.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

"A Horse Is a Horse" (from the television series "Mr. Ed")
The famous Mr. Ed,  a talking horse who starred in the sitcom bearing his name, was appearing on CBS during 1965.

 

STAFF PICKS:

Seventh Son by Johnny Rivers
Bruce's staff pick features Rivers performing an R&B song written by Willie Dixon, originally performed in 1955 by Willie Mabon.  Rivers recorded this as the lead track for his album, "Meanwhile Back at the Whisky a Go-Go."  It's supposed to be lucky to be the seventh son, or seventh sister, or seventh child, and this single went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) by Tony Bennett
Rob features crooner Tony Bennett's cover of the song originally entitled "In Other Words," and performed by Kay Ballard in 1954.  The most famous version would be Frank Sinatra's in 1964, which would get some boost in popularity from its association with NASA's Apollo program.  

Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal
John's staff pick is a story about a guy from the wrong side of town who falls for a girl from the "right" side of time.  Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and this would be his biggest hit.

I Like It Like That by The Dave Clark Five
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a "British Invasion" group who were competitors with The Beatles at the time.  While the Beatles would move into the stratosphere of popularity as the sixties moved on, The Dave Clark Five would decline.

 

COMEDY TRACK:

Wooly Bully by the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs 
This novelty song became a staple of college frat parties across the land and for decades since its inception.

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