Their excellent shows naturally led to a deal with Motown, and they debuted with the up-tempo instrumental dance cut "Machine Gun." Written by Milan Williams, its Top Ten outing gave the group immediate attention. Two weeks later, they made their first appearance in the prized support slot, and didn't give it up for more than two years. That opportunity occurred in 1971, when the group auditioned in New York City for an unknown yet high-profile gig. Unaware of the planned crowd, the owner booked the band for two more weeks.Ĭommodores' long association with Motown began as a result of a tour opening for the Jackson 5. That night the Tuskegee alumni performed before a standing-room-only crowd - most of which were friends and family of the band. Told, in so many words by the club owner, that their sound was not happening, the self-contained band was nevertheless called back to the club to fill in for a last-minute cancellation. With Clyde Orange the only learned musician in the group, Commodores began spreading their music throughout their base, which included Tuskegee, Montgomery, and Birmingham, AL.Īfter success securing dates in their own backyard, the band ventured to New York City for a gig at Smalls Paradise. As a last resort, Orange gave King a dictionary and told him to pick a name - that name was the Commodores. The members nearly went stir-crazy trying to pick a name for the group, but with no success. Initially formed to simply play music as a pastime and to meet girls, the lineup consisted of William King (trumpet), Thomas McClary (guitar), Ronald LaPread (bass), Walter "Clyde" Orange (drums), Lionel Richie (saxophone), and Milan Williams (keyboards). The members of Commodores, all of whom attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, came together as a result of two groups disbanding: the Mystics and the Jays. The group is credited with seven number one songs and a host of other Top Ten hits on the Billboard charts, and their vast catalog includes more than 50 albums.
Renowned for the R&B hits "Just to Be Close to You," "Easy," and "Brickhouse," to name but a few, Commodores were one of the top bands during their long tenure at Motown.
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