Formed by a bunch of funk-loving friends at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute, the Commodores became one of the major crossover acts of the 70s and launched the career of the biggest male solo star of the 80s. At the early end of the trend for self-contained funk bands, the group, consisting of Lionel Richie on saxophone, Walter Orange on drums, William King on trumpet, Ronald LaPread on bass, Milan Williams (who died in July 2006) on keyboards and Thomas McClary on guitar, found success principally playing local gigs in Alabama before scoring a major coup by successfully auditioning to serve as the warm-up band for the Jackson Five’s 1971 tour. (more…)

So what happens when your song is covered not once but twice, in the same year by two of your labelmates? Well, that was actually par for the course for numerous Motown writers during the label’s heyday. (more…)

Update: Funeral Arrangements have been released
*Funeral services have been announced for Jheryl Busby, the longtime music industry veteran and former President/CEO Motown Records who died Nov. 4 at the age of 59.

A funeral will be held in Los Angeles on Thursday (Nov. 13) at 11 a.m. at “The Tabernacle” of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood (321 N. Eucalyptus Ave.).

A repass will follow the services at a location and time to be determined at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent t Jheryl Busby Foundation, c/o New Beginnings; 6767 Regal Park Drive; Fontana, CA 92336. (909) 355-3533

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Sad to report the death of yet another industry icon. Former Motown Records CEO, Jheryl Busby has passed away at the age of 59. Best known for finding, signing and establishing artists such as Patti Labelle, Bobby Brown, Queen Latifah, Jody Watley, Boys II Men and New Edition, he sold the company in 1988 to MCA Records & Boston Ventures for $61 million. The official story can be found here.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Busby family as well as his extended musical family.

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