The record sold poorly, and in 1972, Young left the label, later recording in the 1980s for Motorcity Records, before reuniting with fellow Marvelette Gladys Horton, who sang lead on “Please Mr. Motown management, however, felt it would market better as a Marvelettes release and titled it “Return of the Marvelettes,” despite no participation from the other group members. Robinson produced a solo album for Young in 1970.
“Postman” holds a unique place in music history as Motown’s first chart topper. Young performed background vocals on that first hit, but would sing lead on many subsequent Marvelettes songs, including “The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game,” “You’re My Remedy,” “I’ll Keep Holding On,” “Locking Up My Heart,” “Too Many Fish in the Sea,” “My Baby Must Be a Magician” and the million-selling gold record “Don’t Mess With Bill,” written by Smokey Robinson. Two years later, the Beatles would cover “Postman,” and in 1975, The Carpenters would take the song to the top spot once again. More: Four Tops musical 'I'll Be There' will premiere in Detroit ahead of Broadway run Motown memories: The Four Tops almost boarded the plane bombed over Lockerbie in 1988
More: Four Tops musical 'I'll Be There' will premiere in Detroit ahead of Broadway run Young sang lead on the B-side, the ballad “So Long, Baby.”Ī grim anniversary: The Four Tops almost boarded the plane bombed over Lockerbie in 1988 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on December 11, 1961, and remaining atop the R&B chart for seven weeks. Postman,” penned by Dobbins, and it steadily climbed the charts, peaking at No. In August that year, the label released “Please Mr. With all the right elements in place, the troupe scored a deal with Motown in 1961. Young was a student at Inkster High School when she replaced original Marvelette Georgia Dobbins, whose parents refused to sign off on her singing career. “We did a lot of record hops together, the Marvelettes and the Velvelettes. “We were kids,” Motown singer Carolyn Crawford said, recalling her experiences with Young in the early 1960s. 15. She was 78.ĭaughter Meta Ventress told the New York Times the cause of death was complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.įellow Motown performers remembered Young for her distinctive voice, wit and stage presence. They put their own spin on it, infusing it with their unique sound and style, and the rest is history.Wanda Young, co-lead singer of popular Motown group The Marvelettes, died Dec. However, when The Marvelettes heard the song, they knew it was perfect for them. The song was first recorded by The Marvels, a male doo-wop group, in 1961. Postman” wasn’t originally written for The Marvelettes. They were a shining example of how hard work, talent, and perseverance could lead to success, regardless of your gender or background.Įven loyal fans may not know that “Please Mr. They were grateful for the opportunities that their music had given them, and they never lost sight of the importance of their fans. They were a testament to the power of individuality and authenticity, and their influence can still be felt in the music industry today.ĭespite their success, The Marvelettes remained humble and grounded. They were unapologetically themselves, refusing to conform to the industry’s expectations of how women should look and sound. The Marvelettes were trailblazers, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future female artists.
The song’s success wasn’t just due to its catchy tune. The song climbed the charts, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making The Marvelettes the first all-female group to achieve this feat. The lyrics were catchy, and the melody was infectious. Everyone could identify with the longing and anticipation of waiting for a letter from a loved one. Postman” so special was its relatability. It was a no-frills approach, but it allowed the group’s talent and charisma to shine through. The girls, dressed in matching outfits of red and white, stood in front of a plain white backdrop, swaying to the beat of the music as they sang. The video itself was simple but effective. They sang about love, heartbreak, and everything in between, but “Please Mr. The Marvelettes were a breath of fresh air, a group of five young women with powerful vocals and infectious energy. People were instantly hooked as the song’s opening chords filled the airwaves.
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