Nightshift by the Commodores

Released in 1985, “Nightshift” was the first hit from the Commodores following the departure of Lionel Richie in 1982. It reached number 3 in the US charts. It was a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, both of whom had died in their forties. However, the band never again matched the success of this particular hit.

Subsequently, most of the original members began to leave the group: Thomas McClary also left in 1982; Ronald LaPlead then left in 1986 and the group parted company with Motown too. In 1987 Sheldon Reynolds (who had replaced McClary) left. Finally, Milan Williams left in 1989. This left only two of the original members: William King and Walter Orange. Nevertheless, the group were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.

Sample “Nightshift” on Motown 50 here:

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Brick House by the Commodores

In 1977, Brick House reached number 5 in the US, but only number 32 in the UK. It was the Commodores second single release.

They joined Motown after working as an opening act for the Jackson 5 whilst on tour. Following their 1972 gig at the Hollywood Bowl (only a short distance from Motown Headquarters), chance had it that Berry Gordy Jr’s children were present – and they convinced their father to sign them up.

It was to be another two years however, before they made their first recordings at Motown. Their very first chart hit being “Machine Gun” which made number 22 in July 1974. After another 3 records they hit the top 10 for the first time with “Sweet Love” (charting at number 5 in April 1976). Three more top 10 hits followed quickly: “Just to be close to you”, “Easy” and “Brick House”.

Sample “Brick House” on Motown 50 here:

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Easy by the Commodores

Prior to his hugely successful solo career, Lionel Richie was lead vocalist with the Commodores.

He wrote “Easy” as part of the fifth studio album for the group “Commodores”. It became a number 1 in the US charts in 1977 and hit number 3 in the UK.

Sample “Easy” on Motown 50 here:

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