Formed in the late '50's at Inkster High School in Michigan, USA, the Marvelettes originally featured Gladys Horton, Gerogeanna Marie Tillman, Wanda Young, Katherine Anderson and Juanita Grant. They were spotted at a school talent contest and introduced to Berry Gordy, founder of the legendary Motown label. An early success was achieved with 'Please Mr. Postman', which hit number 1 in the US in 1961, became Motowns biggest selling record at that point in time, and was later faithfully covered by the Beatles on their second album, 'With the Beatles'.
A blatant attempt to cash-in appeared as a follow-up, 'Twistin' Postman', but the Marvelettes hit the top 20 again with 'Playboy' in 1962. The group had already begun to lose members, and the comparative failure of successive singles saw the group reduced to a trio. Florence Ballard of the Supremes was brought in to help on the next batch of songs, and the group were paired with the producer and writer Smokey Robinson, whose pedigree is unquestionable. No major hits were forthcoming, however, and further line-up changes occurred.
They continued to achieve minor hits until 1970, when the band finally disintegrated. Wanda Young completed the groups recording commitments with an album titled 'Return of the Marvelettes', which was deceptively titled as it featured only Young alonside various session vocalists.
In 1989 a reformed version of the band released a single, 'Holding On With Both Hands', and an album 'Now', but Young was not involved in the project, and any subsequent releases have been merely re-issues of previous recordings.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE MARVELETTES: Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Shirelles, The Chiffons, The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Beatles.