Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Lipstick on the Mic: Martha and the Vandellas


 Calling out around the world, are you ready for these evening gowns?

I feel compelled to add this one in May since it is the anniversary of being a Vandella for 10 minutes at a First Ladies luncheon for the Betty Ford Foundation. 

The group formed in 1957 in Detroit and was part of Motown’s Hitsville USA powerhouse of the 60s. Their string of hits include Heatwave, Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack, Quicksand, and Dancing in the Streets. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

So how did I happen to make Ms Reeves' acquaintance? A vendor invited me to the above-mentioned luncheon. Reeves, now a political activist, was in attendance and said the prayer. 

No singing?

After wrapping up our meal, she returned to the stage and said she needed some backup singers and dancers. I was already halfway out of my chair as Jen and I quickly made our way up to the stage to do an extended version of Heatwave and Dancing in the Streets. She even taught us how to be proper backup singers and dancers - with a pump pump left, pump pump right, twirl with my hands in the air, wave-wave left, wave-wave right, and twirl. 

I earned the right to a disco ball cocktail dress. 

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