Biography of The Marvelettes

This quintet came to Motown in 1961 after placing as finalists in their Inkster, MI, school talent contest. They were 16 years old when their first record, "Please Mr. Postman," zoomed to the #1 spot. Their finest work came in the mid '60s under the production of Smokey Robinson. Although they were overshadowed by The Supremes, their vocal styling was representative of the classic girl-group phenomenon of the '60s. By 1967 they were reduced to a trio, finally disbanding in 1970. Members included Gladys Harton (who left in 1967, and was replaced by Ann Bogan), Wanda Young, Juanita Cowart (left in 1962), Georgeanne Gordon (left in 1963), and Katherine Anderson. ~ Rick A. Bueche