Compiled by LG Nilsson, Seabear Studios, Stockholm, Sweden Previous Before Motown (3) Next Before Motown (5) Back to Front Page


Jackie Wilson "Reet Petite"



This record was Berry Gordy's first hit in 1957. He continued to write songs for Jackie Wilson in the late 50's. "Lonely Teardrops", "To Be Loved" and "That's Why I Love You So" were all hits on Brunswick.



Eileen Barton "The Joke"



United Artists was frequently used for national distribution by Berry Gordy before he started Motown.



Eddie Holland "Because I Love Her"



Eddie Holland recorded six singles during 1958 - 1960, including "Merry-Go-Round", before "Jamie" was released on Motown. One on Mercury, one on Kudo and four on United Artists.



Wade Jones "Insane"



This single was released in January 1959 just before Tamla 101.



Marv Johnson "I Love The Way You Love"



Marv Johnson recorded 19 singles before he returned to Motown 1965. Most of them were written or produced by Berry Gordy. His first single, Kudo 663 "My Baby-O" / "Once Upon A Time" was released 1958.



Wyatt Shepherd "You Don't Want Me No More"



Another rare Berry Gordy production.