60s

Martha and the Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the Motown roster during the 1960s and fully active from 1960 to 1972, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, rock and roll and soul. The label's second most-successful girl group after The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas were known for a churchier, more southern-styled soul than the Supremes, as typified in Motown hits such as "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave", "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", "Nowhere to Run", and, their signature song, "Dancing in the Street".

The group Hunger was an extremely talented group from Portland, Oregon. The album "Strictly From Hunger" was released in 1968. It was to be the only release from the group, as a streak of bad luck broke the band apart. Unfortunately on two separate occasions their equipment was stolen. The group featured long organ driven instrumental breaks with piercing guitar lines between some strong songwriting in a majority of their songs.

Originally called The Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1945, in Anfield, Liverpool) and Billy Kinsley (born William Ellis Kinsley, 28 November 1946, at The Mill Road Hospital, Mill Road, Anfield, Liverpool) formed their first band in late 1960 and became The Pacifics in September 1961. They were re-named The Mersey Beats in February 1962 by Bob Wooler, MC of the famous Cavern Club. Later in April 1962 they became The Merseybeats. By now Crane and Kinsley had joined up with guitarist Aaron Williams (born 23 June 1942, in Liverpool) and drummer John Banks.

Although The Rebels weren't around long, they were not short on talent. The group consisted of John Mathews (bariton), "Big" Jim Hamill (later went on to fame with the Kingsmen), Horace Parrish (tenor), and London Parris (bass). Other members included Jay Berry and Jimmy Taylor.