This show represents our first coverage of Motown for the year 1962. The label had come a very long way since its inception in 1959, but it had a lot further to go.

Under Berry Gordy’s leadership, the Motown imprint had become a recognizable symbol of quality, but only to those who happened to buy the few songs that had become hits. “Shop Around” and “Please Mr. Postman” put the label on the map (or ‘put the map on the label’ might be more appropriate in this case), and by 1962, Berry Gordy Jr. was more determined than ever to make a permanent impression on America.

Here is how the year started;

Mr. Sandman- Marvin Gaye

What Is a Man Without a Woman – Henry Lumpkin

The One Who Really Loves You – Mary Wells

Your Baby’s Back – The Downbeats

Big Joe Moe – Singin’ Sammy Ward

Everybody’s Talking About My Baby- Debbie Dean

I Out-Duked the Duke – Little Otis

You’re My Dream Come True – The Temptations

You Deserve What You Got – Eddie Holland

I’ll Try Something New – The Miracles

Playboy – The Marvelettes

Come into My Palace – Lee and the Leopards

If Cleopatra Took a Chance – Eddie Holland

Soldier’s Plea – Marvin Gaye