MAA NEWS ONLINE BI-WEEKLY FREE MAGAZINE
VOLUME 1
October/ 2012
ARE VEGAS PROMOTERS BLOCKING MOTOWN ARTISTS FROM PERFORMING THERE?
Where are Motown artists performing today?
BERRY GORDY
Double Duty Neyo
MOTOWN ON BROADWAY
What Motown artist is on Facebook! Retro to the Primettes
Motown History Did You Know...?
and Executives
BERRY GORDY TAKES MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL TO BROADWAY MAA NEWS - Producers Kevin McCollum, Sony Music Entertainment chairman and CEO Doug Morris and Gordy confirmed plans on the broadway musical on Motown. The production will have a wide aura of songs made famous by the former alumni of the label; the play will also address the long awaited love story of Berry Gordy, and lead singer of the Supremes Diana Ross. Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and written by Gordy, The production is scheduled to open on Broadway at a Nederlander theater in 2013 (dates and time to be announced soon). The story will also trace the beginning of Gordy's path from the legendary $800 loan Gordy borrowed from his family and the trails and tribulation of being a minority trying to break the color barrier during the most torrid times in segregated history. The company has generated more than 180 No. 1 hits worldwide, and have given the world more superstar artist than the like of no other. "Broadway is the pinnacle of live theater and provides a challenging and exciting opportunity to tell my story and share the magic of Motown," said Gordy.
WHAT IS AND WHAT'S NOT ON THE VEGAS STRIP Reported by MAA Here are some of the popular acts in Vegas: Jersey Boys, LE RÊVE - The Dream,VEGAS! The Show, Absinthe, KÀ™ by Cirque du Soleil®, The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil®, CRISS ANGEL® Believe™ - Cirque du Soleil®, Zumanity™ The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil®, Divas Las Vegas, Human Nature, V-The Ultimate Variety Show, BeatleShow!, ILLUSIONS starring Jan Rouven, Donny and Marie Osmond, George Wallace, Chippendales, X Burlesque, PEEPSHOW, Stripper 101, and Terry Fator. Notice something strange about these shows (with the exception of George Wallace). No Black artists! Intereting that Vegas has paid attention to popular demand and promoted the nature of prejudice all at the same time... or have they? For example, they have certainly not promoted minority acts for a long time. Yeah George Wallace is a big act that has been on the Vegas scene for a few years (he's the only token negro on the scene), but in all, minorities are shut out of the Vegas landscape almost totally. Artists such as Mary Wilson, The Four Tops and even the Temptations barely get to see the strip now days, they are alocated to a casino that is miles away from Vegas outside of the main area. So, the question is why is this so? Could it be because they just don't like Black acts in the Vegas strip? Are they affraid to many Black people in the audience can cause less White customers to attend? We asked this direct question to on of the largest promoters in Vegas, and the answer was interesting. They told us that Black artists are not bringing in the income as even they thought should be. Apparently Black people do not support their artists as much as White people support Black artists on the nostalgic music scene. Statistics have shown that White people support older Black artist 10 to 1, over the ratio of Black customers and their support. "We don't know why that is" said the promoter, but we have to look at the dollars not the race. So does racism still play a part in the Vegas entertainment community? "Yes, to a degree," said the promoter. "We have to look at what draws, and if White artists draw better that's where the dollars ill head; We have tried dozens of varied combinations of African-American artists on the strip through out the years, and they might do well for 1 day as they are touring, but none have lasted the test of time with the exeption of Gladys Knight at one time. So, what can be done to fix this problem? The promoter said that even though minority artists are popular they may not be the group or artists that White supporters want to see, and even though a majority of White customers come to see Black artists in comparison, there has to be a gimmick or production that allows the excitement for the money people to get excited about. Theamed ventures seem to work well, even with the acts that are in Vegas today. Everyone has a Theme or story to tell in their show; most Black artists don't have that common thread in their show, they usually just come as they are and feel that everyone will jump on the band wagon because they are who they are, and that's not the case in Vegas. So, you are saying that a theamed type of show is all they need? No, not just any old theme... one that tells an interesting story or has an interesting out come both mentally and visually; something more vegas style. I asked about how I noticed the less and less use of the fake groups in Vegas. The promoter said that the fake groups were getting as expensive as the real acts, so its cheaper to get tribute acts that want less and do just as good of a show if not better. We have to look at our finances now days because of the recession, and this was the best route. People want to be entertained, they don't know the difference in who the individuals are unless they were fans, and since the fans are getting older and not spending as they use to, we have to follow the trend. If the older group join together, develop a production, and come in at a reasonable price for our buget, we could probably work things out. But groups such as the Four Tops, and Temptations want the big dollars and they can't promise packed houses all the time. With the cheaper acts, we don't have to count on a packed house all the time, and the cheaper tribute acts get paid once a week.Also, there is the Truth In Music Bill that we have to look at, where acts proclaim to be original or have original acts in them, and in fact they lie, so instead of taking the risk of their lies and getting fined, we decided to leave many of those groups alone. That's why you don't see many on the strip now days; we are not as willing to hire them... we only do tribute acts and specialty acts now days.
A few years ago the Motown Alumni Association created MAA Did You Know... We asked the question about things that were rarely known about Motown artists and executives. The original concept was based on its predicessor “Ask Ruth,” where Motown fans would ask Ruth Robinson, award winning writer and then employee for former Motown executive Suzanne dePasse, questions about Motown history. We are opening up the vaults on DID YOU KNOW... and hope to tingle your Motown sensors. So sit back and let us ask the question DID YOU KNOW...?
DID YOU KNOW... that Agatha Nathalia Weston was the first Motown artist to tour in the UK? In 1964 a little known hit song titled “A little More Love” sprung on the UK Charts. Motown was becoming popular in the UK, but never had an artists to perform there. Agatha was ready and waitin. Along with a hand full of musician’s and Motown’s finishing coach Maxine Powell. The band of entertainment personalities embarked on the historic journey to the UK performing with a mariott of personalities. The artist didn’t perform under her real name Agatha, she is better known as Kim Weston. DID YOU KNOW... that there is still one Motown group that is still performing and working together today? The Velvelettes have been together for 50 years. The only other Motown group that can claim togetherness (when they want) is Martha & The Vandellas. All other Motown groups with 3 or more members with hit recording status have mostly died and or are disable.
DID YOU KNOW... that before there was a Motown or Tamla label, there was and official company titled the Berry Gordy Jr. Enterprise? Diana Ross told of the organization/ label in her book “Eye’s Of A Sparrow,” and others have mentioned the company too; but Gordy had his eye on corporate affairs a bit before Motown. The business address was housed at the home of Esther Gordy Edwards, Berry’s eldest sister. Even though Esther gave Berry the hardest time getting the $800 loan needed to start his company, Esther was one of the most valuable supports for Gordy during Motown’s hey day. DID YOU KNOW... That the song “Some Day We’ll Be Together” was originally sung and written by Johnny Bristol? Johnny and Jackie Beaver co-wrote the song in the late 50’s. Bristol sung the song on the Harvey Fuqua and Gwen Gordy Tri Phi label prior to the label merging with Motown. Johnny became a producer for Junior Walker and the All Stars writting songs like “What Does It Take.” Years later Johnny decided to re-write the song for himself. So he produced it using the Jones Girls for background. Berry heard Johnny’s version and suggested that Diana take a try at singing it. Johnny agreed, and the rest is history. DID YOU KNOW... that Motown had a hard rock band? Motown wanted to get into various genre of music and the band Power of Zeus was about as different a band they could have gotten. The hard rock band had a difficult time at Motown because the company was not familiar with heavy metal music. Formed in 1968 by vocalist/guitarist Joe Periano the group was the first hard rock progressive band on the Rare Earth label. Joe went on to become the CEO of Detroit’s biggest booking agency Lorio & Ross.
SMOKEY ROBINSON http://www.facebook.com/thesmokeyrobinson http://www.smokeyrobinson.com/ Inquiries, please contact: Brian French Tempo Entertainment brian@temporocks.com www.temporocks.com
MARY WILSON http://www.facebook.com/mary.wilson.142892 http://MaryWilson.com
MARTHA REEVES http://www.facebook.com/martha.reeves.566 http://www.missmarthareeves.com Inquire, please contact: Bryan Dundee Holt http://www.gititdun.com http://www.idealent.com
OTIS WILLIAMS of the TEMPTATIONS http://www.facebook.com/otis.williams.35 Email: still.here99@yahoo.com Inquire, please contact: http://www.temptationssing.com http://WWW.OTISWILLIAMS.NET
The true story began nearly 50 years ago when Ms. Wilson started singing as a teenager while living in Detroit’s Brewster-Douglass Projects. Performing at an elementary school talent showcase, she befriended Florence Ballard. They made a pledge to remember each other if they joined a singing group. The opportunity came in 1959 when Milton Jenkins, the manager of a male singing group, the Primes, decided to organize a spin-off girls’ group. A friend of the Primes, Betty McGlown, was the first person asked, and then Florence Ballard, who invited Ms. Wilson. One of the Primes, Paul Williams, recruited Diane Ross, who just happened to be a neighbor of Ms. Wilson’s, to round out the quartet ‘The Primettes’. After doing many rock and roll DJ shows around the Detroit area, performing songs by popular artists, such as Ray Charles and the drifters, at sock hops, social clubs and talent shows, the Primettes decided to audition for the up and coming Motown record company. Unfortunately Mr. Gordy told them to come back and see him after they all graduated from high school. Determined to leave an impression on Motown President, Berry Gordy, Jr., and join the stable of rising Motown stars, the Primettes frequented his Hitsville, USA recording studio every day after school. Eventually, they convinced Mr. Gordy to sign them to his label. Much to their surprise Paul Williams and another ’Prime’ member Eddie Kendricks, had joined Otis William & the ’Distants’ to become members of the ‘Temptations’. Although Gordy signed the girls to his label- it was under one condition, that they changed their name of the group. At this time Betty had left the group and was replaced with Barbara Martin. On January 15th 1961 the Primettes officially became The Supremes. On the day of the signing when Gordy asked them for their new name Florence was the only one who had collected a list of names from her family and friends and chose the ‘Supremes’. In the spring of 1962, after regarding a few songs for their first album, Barbara Martin left the group to start a family. Thus the newly named Supremes continued as a trio; which to this day remains one of their trademark signatures.
The video documentary of a lifetime...
COMING SOON IN 2013
In January 2012, Ne-Yo along with his label imprint Compound Entertainment moved from Def Jam Recordings to Motown Records. He was also appointed Senior Vice President of A&R of Motown, where he will be "serving as a producer, artist, and mentor to the label's artists, as well as seeking out and signing new talent to the label. Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1982),better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam's label head, and the signing of a recording contract. In 2006, he released his debut album, In My Own Words, which contained the number one hit "So Sick", as well as the top 10 hit "Sexy Love". In 2007, he released his second album, Because of You, which contained the US top 3 hit, "Because of You". In 2008, he released his third album, Year of the Gentleman, which contained the top 10 hits "Closer", "Mad" and "Miss Independent". His fourth studio album, Libra Scale, was released on November 22, 2010. In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade. In addition to a successful recording career, Ne-Yo has amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.
There are Motown artists that are working and performing all over the world. This listing will give you a heads-up on who is doing what, and where.
MARY WILSON (Info from MaryWilson.com)
Fri 10/26/12
Cerritos, CA
Cerritos Center For The Perf. Arts
Sat 10/27/12
Fontana, CA
Center Stage Theatre
Sun 10/28/12
San Francisco, CA
Fri 01/18/13
Fort Myers, FL Siesta Bay RV Resort
Sat 01/19/13
Lula, MS
Sat 01/26/13
Saint Charles, MO
Fairmont Hotel
Isle Of Capri Casino
Bezemes Family Theatre
Mary Wilson Continues ‌
Sat 02/09/13
Jackson, MI
Potter Center
Fri 02/15/13
Duluth, MN
Reif Center
Appearing with Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone Sat 03/23/13
Schenectady, NY
Proctors
Sat 04/20/13
New Brunswick, NJ
State Theatre
Appearing at "Fleetwood Country Cruize-In Car Show" Fri 06/07/13
London, ON
Plunkett Estate
Appearing at "Where The Action Is Tour" Fri 07/19/13
Lancaster, PA
American Music Theatre
Fri 03/07/14
Boca Raton, FL Stonebridge Golf and Country Club
Sat 03/08/14
Boynton Beach, FL
Valencia Isles Club
Sun 03/09/14
Delray Beach, FL
Kings Point
Continue‌
THE TEMPTATIONS (Info from RonTyson.com)
OCTOBER 2012
Friday Oct 26
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino Chandler, AZ
Saturday Oct 27
Orleans Hotel and casino
Sunday Oct 28 Orleans Hotel and casino
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
NOVEMBER 2012
Thursday Nov 8 Centrepointe Theatre Ottawa, ON (Canada)
Friday Nov 9
The Empire Theatre and Centre for the Performing Arts Belleville, ON (Canada)
The Temptations Continues‌
Saturday Nov 10
Markham Theatre
Markham, ON (Canada)
Sunday Nov 11 Hamilton Place Theatre Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)
Thursday Nov 29
Friday Nov 30
Colonial Theatre
Keene, NH
Lebanon Opera House Lebanon, NH
JANUARY 2013
Friday Jan 25
Turlock Community theatre
Turlock, CA
Saturday Jan 26 Peppermill Hotel Casino West Wendover, NV
FEBRUARY 2013
Saturday Feb 6 Stamford Center for The Arts
Saturday Feb 7
Friday Feb 8
Count Basie Theatre
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Red Bank, NJ
Morristown, NJ
The Temptations Continue‌
Saturday Feb 9 NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Westbury, NY
Sunday Feb 10 Worcester Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 15 Quechan Casino Resort Yuma, AZ
Saturday Feb 16
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Cerritos, CA
MARCH 2013
Friday Mar 22 The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall West Palm Beach, FL
Saturday Mar 23
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota, FL
Sunday Mar 24 Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
APRIL 2013 Saturday Apr 13
French Lick Resort
French Lick, IN
Melbourne, FL
SMOKEY ROBINSON (Info from Pollstar.com)
Fri 10/26/12
Palm Desert, CAMcCallum Theatre
Wed 11/14/12
Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Ctr.
Fri 11/16/12
Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center
Tue 11/20/12
Wilmington, DE Grand Opera House
THE TEMPTATIONS REVIEW Featuring DENNIS EDWARDS (Info from Pollstar.com)
Mon 12/31/12
Las Vegas, NV Casablanca Event Center
Fri 05/17/13
Sarasota, FL
Ritz Carlton
BETTYE LAVETTE (Info from Pollstar.com)
Wed 10/24/12
Fairfield, CT
StageOne
Thu 10/25/12
Boston, MA
Wilbur Theatre
Sat 10/27/12
Washington, DCThe Howard Theatre
Sun 10/28/12
Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Thu 11/01/12
Toronto, ON
Wed 11/07/12
Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
Fri 11/09/12
Chicago, IL
City Winery Chicago
Sat 11/10/12
Chicago, IL
City Winery Chicago
Mon 11/12/12
Minneapolis, MN
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
Tue 11/13/12
Minneapolis, MN
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
Wed 11/28/12
The Woodlands, TX
Dosey Doe
Thu 11/29/12
Dallas, TX
Fri 11/30/12
San Antonio, TX Jo Long Theatre
Wed 12/05/12
Paris, France
Fri 12/07/12
Bordeaux, France
Winter Garden Theatre
The Kessler Theater
Alhambra Theatre Music Hall
Casino De Bordeaux
Sat 12/08/12
Conflans Ste Honorin, France
Sun 12/09/12
Lille, France
Tue 12/11/12
London, United Kingdom
Fri 12/14/12
Leuven, Belgium
Sun 12/16/12
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mon 12/17/12
Utrecht, Netherlands
Fri 01/11/13
New York, NY
City Winery
Sat 01/12/13
New York, NY
Joe's Pub
Theatre Simone Signoret
Hotel Casino Barriere Lille
Jazz Cafe
Het Depot
MC Theater
Tivoli Oudegracht
MEATLOAF (Info from Pollstar.com)
Fri 10/19/12
Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino
Sun 10/21/12
Cedar Falls, IA McLeod Center
Wed 10/24/12
Cleveland, OH State Theatre
Sat 10/27/12
Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Mon 10/29/12
London, ON
Budweiser Gardens
Thu 11/01/12
New York, NY
Beacon Theatre
Sat 11/03/12
Albany, NY
Palace Theatre
Mon 11/05/12
Ithaca, NY
State Theatre
Wed 11/07/12
Port Chester, NY
The Capitol Theatre
THE COMMODORES (Info from Pollstar.com)
Appearing at "State Fair Of Texas" Sat 10/20/12
Dallas, TX
Fair Park
Tue 10/23/12
Seattle, WA
Private Function
BOYZ II MEN Sun 11/18/12
Geelong, Australia
Costa Hall
Mon 11/19/12
Melbourne, Australia
Billboard The Venue
Wed 11/21/12
Newcastle, Australia
Panthers
Thu 11/22/12
Brisbane, Australia
The Tivoli
Sat 11/24/12
Gold Coast, Australia
Conrad Jupiters Casino
Sun 11/25/12
Canberra, Australia
Royal Theatre
Wed 11/28/12
Penrith, Australia
Evan Theatre
Sat 12/01/12
Sydney, Australia
State Theatre
Mon 12/03/12
Wellington, New Zealand
Tue 12/04/12
Hastings, New Zealand Pettigrew.Green Arena
Wed 12/05/12
Auckland, New Zealand Logan Campbell Centre
Thu 12/06/12
Hamilton, New Zealand Claudelands Arena
Thu 02/14/13
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
Sat 02/16/13
Anaheim, CA
City National Grove Of Anaheim
Tue 02/19/13
Columbia, MO Jesse Auditorium
Fri 04/05/13
New Brunswick, NJ
Sat 04/06/13
Montreal, QC
The Opera House
State Theatre
Olympia de Montreal
Tue 04/09/13
Ottawa, ON
Centrepointe Theatre
Wed 04/10/13
Kingston, ON
Grand Theatre
Thu 04/11/13
Richmond Hill, ON
Fri 04/12/13
Oakville, ON
Sat 04/13/13
Saint Catharines, ON
Sun 04/14/13
Brampton, ON Rose Theatre Brampton
Richmond Hill Centre For the Performing Arts
The Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts
Brock Centre For The Arts
THE JACKSONS (Info from Pollstar.com)
Appearing at "South Carolina State Fair" Thu 10/18/12
Columbia, SC
State Fairgrounds
Fri 10/19/12
Virginia Beach, VA
Sat 10/20/12
Bethlehem, PA Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Sun 10/21/12
Boston, MA
Wed 10/24/12
Winnipeg, MB McPhillips Street Station Casino
Thu 10/25/12
Winnipeg, MB McPhillips Street Station Casino
Sandler Center For The Perf. Arts
Wilbur Theatre
Fri 10/26/12
Regina, SK
Casino Regina Show Lounge
Sat 11/03/12
Atlantic City, NJ Resorts Atlantic City / Superstar Theater
Fri 11/09/12
Grant, OK
Choctaw Event Center
Sat 11/10/12
Durant, OK
Choctaw Casino Resort
Fri 11/16/12
Hindmarsh, Australia
Fri 10/19/12
Washington, DCThe Howard Theatre
Sat 10/20/12
Biloxi, MS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Appearing at "Night Of The Proms" Thu 11/08/12
Merksem, Belgium
Sportpaleis Antwerpen
Thu 11/22/12
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ahoy Rotterdam
Fri 11/23/12
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ahoy Rotterdam
Sat 11/24/12
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ahoy Rotterdam
Thu 12/06/12
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo International Forum
Fri 12/07/12
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo International Forum
Sun 12/09/12
Osaka, Japan
Grand Cube
Wed 12/12/12
Selangor, Malaysia
Thu 12/13/12
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Stadium Negara
Sat 12/15/12
Singapore, Singapore
Singapore Indoor Stadium
Fri 10/26/12
Hagerstown, MD
Maryland Theatre
Fri 01/18/13
Cabazon, CA
Palace Of The Golden Horses
RAY PARKER JR. (Info from Pollstar.com)
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa