Hip-Hop Media TrainingThe Marvelettes: Best Soul Girl Groups Countdown
Though The Marvelettes only came in fourth place in their high school talent show, they were good enough to impress the executives at Motown Records. When they were asked to return with an original song, they delivered "Please Mr. Postman." The song secured their recording deal.
Original members: Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart and Georgia Dobbins
Founded: 1960
Hometown: Inkster, Michigan
Biggest Hits: "Please Mr. Postman," "Don't Mess With Bill," "Beechwood 4-5789,"
"Too Many Fish In The Sea"
Style: Soul, doo wop
Label: Tamla Motown
Bragging Rights: The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" was Motown's first No. 1 hit. Marvin Gaye played drums on many of their early records. Wanda Young, who replaced Georgia Dobbins, co-wrote Gladys Knight And The Pips' "I Don't Wanna Do Wrong."
Trivia: The Supremes' first No. 1 hit "Where Did Our Love Go" was first offered to The Marvelettes, but they turned it down.
The Latest: The Marvelettes will be featured on TV One's "Unsung" on July 23.
