The Commodores and The Spinners exemplify what came to be known as the Motown Sound, as bands and artists from Detroit took over the airwaves in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The original members of the Commodores first met at Tuskegee University in the late 1960s, and left Alabama for New York City, where they auditioned to open for a “high-profile act,” the Jackson 5. Their work caught the ear of Motown Records, which signed them and released “Machine Gun,” their first single. The record charted, and they were on their way. Their music has been heard in films such as “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” and “Boogie Nights.” A review of The Commodores says:
“The Commodores put on an amazing show. They were energetic, enthused, and it got the crowd involved.”
The Spinners really are a Motown group, as they formed in Detroit in 1954. They had a slow start, but caught fire in 1972 when they signed with Atlantic Records and became one of the R&B’s best-selling groups. Three of the tunes off their “Mighty Love” album hit the Top 20, including “Then Came You,” featuring Dionne Warwick. A review notes:
“It’s great to see such a renowned group maintaining their performing quality over the years.”
The concert is January 27, at the Hard Rock Cincinnati Ballroom. When concerts like this are planned, organizers can promote them using poster printing to create advertising.