Mickey Stevenson: Motown's First A&R Man - Part 5

In Part 5 of Mickey Stevenson’s incredible journey, we dive deeper into his crucial role in shaping the Motown sound and mentoring some of the most iconic artists in music history. Mickey recounts his pivotal work with Marvin Gaye, a jazz singer who was pushed by Motown founder Berry Gordy to transition into R&B. Mickey, with his sharp instincts, guided Marvin to embrace the soulful style that would make him a star, helping produce some of Marvin’s first major hits, including "Stubborn Kind of Fella."

We also hear about Mickey’s involvement in the creation of one of Motown's biggest anthems—"Dancing in the Street." Originally meant for Kim Weston, the song's demo was unexpectedly recorded by Martha Reeves, leading to a historic decision that would change the course of Motown’s legacy. Mickey’s ability to spot raw talent and his knack for knowing when to push artists out of their comfort zones helped transform the music industry.

These stories are just a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic Mickey Stevenson helped create at Motown. With his unique approach to mentoring, discovering talent, and navigating the tough decisions that come with building an empire, Mickey’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the sound of an era.

To hear more of Mickey’s firsthand account of Motown’s rise, make sure to grab a copy of his book, and dive deeper into the stories that helped define music history.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4eucN76

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more insights into the Motown legacy and Mickey Stevenson’s extraordinary story!