Martha Reeves

She was Born Martha Rose Reeves, July 18, 1941 in Eufala Alabama. Just months later, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan for a brighter future. The Reeves family was a musical family. There was always music and singing in their home, consequently, Martha wanted to become a singer. Reeves first performace was in church singing the hymn, "Jesus met The Woman At The Well". She won a box of chocolate covered cherries. As a teen she sang with several local girl groups. She was also trained in opera. She met Motown executive Mickey Stevenson during one of her solo gigs. He invited her to audition for Motown records. Although she went to Motown as a singer, she became their first A&R secretary. She was "The Secretary that could sing her A--off". When singer Mary Wells missed a recording session, Martha Reeves filled in and was given a recording contract. Along with the Vandellas, Martha Reeves vibrant lead vocal can be heard on hits like: "Heat Wave", "Quicksand", "Jimmy Mack", "Nowhere to Run" and "Dancing In the Street". Martha Reeves became the first Motown artist to get a release from her contract in 1972. She became a solo artist and recorded tracks for MCA, Arista, Fantasy and later her own label, Itch records. "Power of Love", Wild Night" and Love Blind" are her most popular solo efforts. Her solo album "Martha Reeves", released in 1974 is still a cult favorite among many fans. Although her solo career failed to take off properly, Martha Reeves manged to remain an important entertainer gaining continous spots on national television and performing in concerts all over the world. Today she is still performs solo or with a line-up of Vandellas that consists of her Sisters, Lois and Delphine Reeves. S.T.