Mary Wells was Motowns first big seller, with nine of her ten first '45 issues high on US Hot 100 or the R&B list. Her name was also on more than half of the labels first fifteen album releases. Today she has a legendary status as one of those who helped create the Motown sound and putting black music in the homes of mainstream Americans. She was crowned "The Queen of Motown" and became a superstar during her four years with the label. This compilation was first released on US Motown 1964 in mono only (M 616), a year later in stereo (MS 616), reaching #18 on the US list. It's a collection of single tracks and a few album ones. The music is early sixties and far from the Holland-Dozier-Holland machinery that would own the label later on. It's mostly pop-ballads with rather light backing and the voice in focus. Still it's easy to hear the great impact she had on most of the labels coming stars. Listening to early Supremes or the companys other female combos it's clear she was a big inspiration. As a teen I was hit by the H-D-H sound and didn't really go for the more "grown-up" style this was. Getting older I appreciate it a lot more, especially her voice and the mix of natural and professional that is so rare. First UK issue 1966 in mono only with label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover with different design from US. (TÖMÖ*)(FÄV*) (MÄWY*)
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