Monday Music: Rest in Peace, Gladys Horton

Going mainstream was not to be the fate of The Marvelettes, although the women racked up quite a few hits for Motown. "Please Mr Postman" on Motown label Tamla was the first number one record released by Berry Gordy, written by Gladys Horton. It topped both Pop and R'n'B charts. The album released with it as the title song had a drawing of a mailbox, instead of the Marvelettes. Albums were not wont to depict black faces at the time.

Perhaps one of the reasons that the Marvelettes played third to both Supremes and Vandellas was that their crossover appeal was limited. Still they, along with the Shirelles, Chantels and Spector's ladies, are an integral part of what has been called the "Girl Group Sound."

The three women on this album are all original Marvellettes: Wanda, Gladys and Katherine. After this Gladys took leave and was soon followed by Katherine.



Gladys was 23 years old when she sang lead on "I Know Better" -- all grown up. She was something of a trail blazer as a 18 year old pop song composer. The song she wrote was covered by the Fab Four.