BBC Radio 2 Reveals The UK's Top 100 Motown Tracks Of The Millennium

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BBC Radio 2

To celebrate 60 years of Motown Records, BBC Radio 2 will present special programming across the weekend from Friday 23 August - Monday 26 August.

As part of this celebration, Radio 2 presenters Craig Charles and Trevor Nelson will present the Motown Top 100 Countdown in a two-part programme, playing the Top 100 Motown tracks compiled by The Official Chart Company based on all-time downloads and streams.

Stevie Wonder’s single Superstition is Number One on the chart. With 20 tracks in total, he has the most songs on the list including hit song Signed Sealed Delivered (I’m Yours) which made Number Five. Other artists featured on the Top Ten list include the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Ne-Yo, Temptations and Lionel Richie.

Stevie Wonder says, “Motown is one of the all-time great labels, and I’ve been associated with it all my life. Many of the artists have been my friends and family. I am proud to have been chosen at the top of such an incredibly talented group of artists.”

Jeff Smith, Head of Music, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music, says, "Motown is a legendary record label, which produced so many timeless records that the Radio 2 audience love. I am delighted that we are celebrating the music of Motown, which ranges from the legendary Stevie Wonder, who has topped the chart, to more recent artists such as Ne-Yo."

On Monday 26 August, Craig Charles will present part one (12pm - 3pm) playing highlights from the Top 100-40 tracks. In this show, listeners can expect tracks from the likes of Diana Ross, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye as well as more recent Motown successes such as Rockwell, Shanice, and Boyz II Men.

Craig Charles says, "I’m so proud to be hosting the Motown countdown of the hottest 100 tracks ever released on the world’s most iconic label. They are songs that have inspired, informed and entertained me for the whole of my life. From bubble gum pop to political protest and social agitation. The music from the motor city is cross generational, timeless and guaranteed to put a wiggle in your walk."

Trevor Nelson will present part two (3pm - 6pm) and count down the Top 40 tracks accompanied by interviews with some of the writers, producers and artists featured in the chart.

Trevor Nelson says, "The Top Three are three of the most timeless songs of all time, true classics which appeal to music lovers of all ages. Stevie is my favourite artist of all time so for me, the right song is at Number One - Superstition is perfection! I'm pleased that this chart features streams and downloads as it proves that the music of Motown is as popular as ever."

The list of the Top 10 Motown tracks is as follows:

  1. Superstition - Stevie Wonder
  2. I Want You Back - Jackson 5
  3. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  4. Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love) - Ne-Yo
  5. Signed Sealed Delivered (I’m Yours) - Stevie Wonder
  6. My Girl - Temptations
  7. ABC - Jackson 5
  8. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
  9. Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye
  10. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

Further artists featured in the Top 100 include Boyz II Men, Diana Ross, Commodores, DeBarge, Edwin Starr, Frank Wilson, Frankie Valli, Four Tops, Isley Brothers, Jimmy Ruffin, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, R. Dean Taylor, Rick James, Rockwell, Shanice, Smokey Robinson, The Contours, The Elgins, The Four Seasons, Thelma Houston, The Marvelettes, The Miracles, The Supremes, The Vandellas and The Vavelettes.

Further highlights across the weekend include a classic Stevie Wonder Radio 2 concert from 2005 (25 August, 2am-3am) which will also be available to listen to on BBC Sounds.

Plus, Trevor Nelson will present Friday Night Is Motown Night featuring guest singers Tommy Blaize, Tony Momrelle and Heather Small (23 August, 8pm - 10pm). Tony Blackburn celebrates Motown at the BBC with archive performances from the likes of Gladys Knight and The Pips (24 and 25 August, 9pm - 10pm). Elaine Paige will play Motown music from musical theatre productions such as Dream Girls (25 August, 1pm - 3pm).

Richard Searling from BBC Radio Manchester will present a Northern Soul and Motown special (26 August, 8pm - 9pm). Ken Bruce will also host a special Radio 2 Piano Room, Motown Covered with artists such as James Morrison, Emeli Sandé and Grace Carter playing exclusive Motown covers (26 August, 6pm - 8pm). The session will also be filmed to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.

Motown Top 100 Countdown parts one and two are both produced by Mark Simpson for BBC Radio 2.

Source BBC Radio 2

August 23, 2019 5:00am ET by BBC Radio 2  

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