The Commodores’ long association with Motown began as a result of a tour opening for the Jackson 5. That opportunity occurred in 1971, when the group auditioned in New York City for an unknown yet high-profile gig. 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. It was followed by the Top 20 single ‘I Feel Sanctified,’ which led to their third single — and first number one record — in ‘Slippery When Wet.’
In September of 1976, they released ‘Just to Be Close to You,’ their second number one single and a number seven pop hit. The Top Ten hit ‘Fancy Dancer’ followed, and then came ‘Easy.’ Different from their other tunes, ‘Easy’ was very serene and not nearly as soulful or funky as the band’s other tunes. One exception to the ballad-heavy approach was ‘Brickhouse,’ the song that soon became the group’s anthem. The arrangement and candid vocal lead by Clyde Orange cracked the Top Ten at number four. Two consecutive number one singles would follow: the dance cut ‘Too Hot ta Trot’ and the placid number ‘Three Times a Lady.’ And then there was ‘Still,’ the last number one for the group with Richie as a member. In the absence of Richie, the group promptly courted tenor J.D. Nicholas (formerly of Heatwave) and ended up recording their biggest hit. Penned by Clyde Orange, ‘Nightshift’ paid tribute to the late soul singers Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. For four consecutive weeks it topped the charts, and it also won the group their only Grammy.
The Commodores finally left Motown in 1985. Consequently, the group signed with Polydor the same year and had another swing at the Top Ten with ‘Goin’ to the Bank.’ During the ’90s, the band was reduced to a core of three: Orange, King, and Nicholas. The threesome were nearly as active as they’d ever been, performing around the world and managing their own label, Commodore Records.
