Motown Concert At the White House

Seems to be going around… But inspired by the Motown Concert at the White House tonight, everyone is picking their Top All Time List of Motown Songs.

President Obama to host Motown concert at White House

President Barack Obama is celebrating rhythm and blues with a Motown White House concert Thursday night.

Smokey Robinson is set to headline PBS’ “The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House,” with guests, including singers Sheryl Crow and John Legend, who will perform Motown hits.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden will also attend the event.

Other performers for the night include Natasha Bedingfield, Jamie Foxx, Gloriana, Nick Jonas, Ledisi, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Seal and Jordin Sparks.

Now unfortunately, other than Smokey Robinson, I’m not sure how many actual Motown Stars are going to be there. But without further ado – He’s BTx3′s Top 30 All Time Motown Song List!

1. My Girl – Temptations
2. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) – Four Tops
3. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – Temptations
4. The Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
5. Where Did Our Love Go? – Supremes
6. (Love Is Like a) Heat Wave – Martha & The Vandellas
7. What’s Goin’ On? – Marvin Gaye
8. Dancing in the Street – Martha & The Vandellas
9. I Want You Back – Jackson 5
10. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
11. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted? – Jimmy Ruffin
12. Please Mr. Postman – Marvelettes
13. My Guy – Mary Wells
14. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) – Temptations
15. Shotgun – Jr. Walker & The All Stars
16. Shop Around – Miracles
17. War – Edwin Starr
18. You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Supremes
19. Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – Temptations
20. Super Freak Part I – Rick James
21. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye
22. Jimmy Mack – Martha & The Vandellas
23. Don’t Mess With Bill – Marvelettes
24. Since I Lost My Baby – Temptations
25. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston
26. All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
27. Let It Whip – Dazz Band
28. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love?) – Jr. Walker
29. Function At The Junction – Shorty Long
30. Does Your Mama Know About Me? – Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers

Now This is the Lead Vocal Track off of the 4 Tops “Just Ask The Lonely” Song performed by Levi Stubbs. I suspect someone re-created this because the background singers are flat. I would guess when this was originally recorded they still only used 8 tracks, and may not have moved up to 16. In any event it illustrates the shear power and artistry of Levi’s voice, on what I think is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and performed.

Here is the full mix, apparently from an analog source -