 Along with her powerful backup group, the Vandellas, Martha Reeves created some of the most infectious and memorable dance records of the 1960s. In various combinations, Martha and the Vandellas spent their early years at Motown backing up lead singers like Marvin Gaye. They cut their first big solo chart hit, "Come and Get These Memories" in 1963. Martha and the Vandellas quickly established themselves as Motown's hard-edged, blues-based alternative to the sweetened soul sounds of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Their explosive pop and rhythm and blues chart busters included such perennial party favorites as "Heat Wave" (1961), "Nowhere To Run" (1965), "Jimmy Mack" (1967), and their unforgettable signature tune, "Dancing In The Street" (1964). "Her talents are among motown's longest-lasting," rock critic Dave Marsh once noted. "The approach is brassy and rocking." After several personnel changes in the late 60s and early 70s, Martha and the Vandellas gave their farewell performance in 1972. Martha Reeves then embarked on a solo career. She signed with MCA Records in 1973, producing a critically acclaimed album with producer Richard Perry. In 1977, she moved to Arista Records, where she released material consistent with the disco movement of the day. In the early 80s, Ms. Reeves joined package tours featuring former Motown artists before reuniting with the original Vandellas and signing with the Motor City Record label. In 1989 they released "Step Into My Shoes".
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