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Motown Comin' to Our Town
by DJ Erwin
Loni Clark and her group
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Picture it. It is 1968 on a hot summer night in Motown, and you have picked out the 'fro, shined up your favorite pair of platforms, and freshened up your number one shiny suit. The "Marvelettes" are in town, and honeychild, I wouldn't miss this for the world.
With hits such as Please Mr. Postman, Too Many Fish In The Sea, and When You're Young and In Love, the Marvelettes sang their way into the hearts of many Americans, true soul for the soul. The music of Motown and in particular the Marvelettes changed the way people carried themselves, interacted with others, and let loose. Whether it is that you were searching for love, lost in love, or lost love, the Marvelettes had an answer. The songs were simple with an upbeat tempo, smooth, tranquil, breezy choral lines that gave anyone who enjoyed the music a reason to come out and experience a night without chaos or confusion, because everyone was smooth and walked with a glide so sharp you would think the sidewalk was wet.
It is now 2003, and although there are still some 'fros, platforms, and shiny suits, times have changed. The Mars Hill College Lyceum series has scheduled a guest appearance of Loni Clark's Music of Motor City on Monday April 28th at 7:30 p.m., in Moore auditorium. According to the group's press release, lead singer Clark has worked with Motown greats, including Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and the Temptations, at the Apollo. She has appeared in: London, on the Continent, Caesar's Palace, The Tropicana in Las Vegas, Trump Plaza, Harrah's in Atlantic City as well as Disneyland and Universal Studios. She has also toured Japan and the Caribbean.
While at Mars Hill College, Clark and her group will feature music of not only the Marvelettes but also the Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin, the Crystals, and Tina Turner.
Although Loni Clark was not a member of the original Marvelettes group, her style and stage presence were heavily impacted by the "Marvelettes" and other Motown greats. She now has her own show that is every bit as Motown as Motown itself.
To arrive, see, and conquer was the mind frame of the original Marvelettes group.
Gladys Horton and cohorts formed the group, and at Inkster High School in Michigan, starting in the early 60's, its members called themselves the "Casinyets" which meant, "Can't sing yet."
The original members were Horton, Georgeanna Marie Tillman, Katherine Anderson, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins. A teacher introduced them to Berry Gordy who then signed them to a contract with Tamala. It was this group of Marvelettes that recorded the hit Please Mr. Postman. This number one single sold 3 million copies in 1961. Too Many Fish In The Sea (1965) came in at number 25, and When You're Young and In Love" (1967) came in at number nine on R&B stations as well as number 23 on pop stations. The Marvelettes had more than a dozen hits making the top ten list, as well as numerous hits that made the top forty.
By the 70's the group members changed to Katherine Anderson, Wanda Rogers, and Anne Bogan. Together they recorded "Return of the Marvelettes."
As of 2003 it is unknown whether there is a group performing as the Marvelettes, but this up and coming event will definitely give all in attendance something to marvel-at.
Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $10 for students and Free to Mars Hill College students with valid ID.
Reservations may be made by calling 828-689-1209, morning's from 9-12, or by calling 828-689-1114 and ordering on tape or by e-mail at bkramer@mhc.edu. Tickets will also be available at the door. In addition tickets may also be purchased in person at Mars Hill Florist on Main Street Mars Hill
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