Martha Reeves And The Vandellas – My Favourite Track

Like several other Motown groups, there was a name change during their time with the record label.

However, in this case, it was very subtle. Known previously as Martha And The Vandellas, the Reeves was added in 1967.

The songs that would be the most recognisable to many would be the likes of Dancing In The Street, (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave and Jimmy Mack.

From 1962 through to 1973, although they made the US charts on numerous occasions, they only enjoyed that privilege in the UK seven times.

The highest ranking song this side of the pond was Dancing In The Street, which made number four. To give you an idea of perspective, the next two peaks were eleven and twenty-one.

It was the latter (Jimmy Mack) that – courtesy of the B-side – provides my favourite tune. For me, Third Finger Left Hand, is the one that stands head and shoulders above the competition.

It’s a strong field though, with the likes of Come And Get These Memories, I’m Ready For Love and My Baby Loves Me – along with several others – all great songs.

Talking of memories, I can remember buying a Martha Reeves And The Vandellas greatest hits album from Gould’s, when they were on Sedgley High Street.

Then they moved to bigger premises in Bilston Street but now, sadly, they are no more. I bought many of my records from there when I was a teenager – and beyond.