The Anatomy Of A Hit:  Skeletons and Dark-N-Lovely

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Skeletons and Dark-N-Lovely

Author: Various Artists August 27, 2009 Duration: 6:50
Stevie Wonder talks about the inspiration behind, and the making of, the #1 hit "Skeletons" and the ballad "Dark-N-Lovely."

Marking a major milestone, Motown 50 captures the spirit of the legendary label's half-century. This podcast isn't just a retrospective; it's a collection of voices that built the sound itself. You'll hear directly from the founders, hitmakers, and iconic artists who defined an era, with conversations that feel more like private recollections than formal interviews. The series pulls from a rare archive, offering intimate discussions with figures like Berry Gordy, who envisioned it all, and songwriters like Smokey Robinson, who crafted its poetry. The stories of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the groups like The Temptations and The Four Tops provide the personal backdrop to the timeless music. Even the raw energy of The Jackson 5 and the smooth funk of The Commodores find their place here. Notably, the reach of Motown's influence is highlighted by a conversation with hip-hop pioneer Q-Tip, connecting the dots between generations. Each episode of this podcast feels like uncovering a lost session tape or a backstage conversation, focusing on the people and the moments that turned a Detroit record company into a global heartbeat. It's a celebration told from the inside, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the humanity behind the hits. Listening to Motown 50, you get the sense of being in the room where history was made, one song at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 31

Motown 50
Podcast Episodes
That Motown Swing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:20
Saxophonist David Sanborn talks Junior Walker, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more.
Funky jazz and the Motor City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
Medeski, Martin and Wood, the funky acid-jazz trio with deep Motown influences, reflect on their personal Motor City music memories.
The Anatomy Of A Hit:  Love Hangover (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:12
In a rare collaborative interview, longtime Motown composers Pam Sawyer and Marilyn McLeod discuss the creation of their mega-hit "Love Hangover."
Motown built to last! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:53
Modern Soul sensation Raphael Saadiq reflects on his earliest Motown memories, favorites and working with the legendary Stevie Wonder.
Brotherly Fun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:55
Listen to a rare and fun radio session from the early 70's featuring the original Jackson 5 - Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.
Listening with Garth Trinidad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:10
We put KCRW DJ, programmer, music guru and Motown fan Garth Trinidad to the test in this special Motown "blindfold listening" episode.
The Anatomy Of A Hit:  I Want You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:11
Marvin Gaye collaborator, the award-winning singer/songwriter Leon Ware, shares his stories and thoughts on the classic album and single, "I Want You."
The Anatomy Of A Hit:  Stubborn Kind Of Fellow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
On this exclusive episode, we dial back to 1966 as Marvin Gaye sits down with Detroit radio DJ Scott Regan and breaks down his first big Motown hit, "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow." It's the first time this intimate, relaxed i…
An intimate conversation with Marvin Gaye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:07
During the 1960's, all of the stars of Motown talked to popular Detroit radio DJ Scott Regan, but none was more open than Marvin Gaye. On this exclusive episode, listen to a rare and intimate conversation between Scott a…