The Contours: The Band that Defined the Sound of the 70s

 The Contours: The Band that Defined the Sound of the 70s

The Contours were an American R&B vocal group that found success in the early 1960s and went on to define the sound of the 1970s. They were the first Motown act to have a top-ten hit in the US and the first to have a number-one hit in the UK. The group was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, by lead singer Billy Gordon and his brother Joe Billingslea. The original members were also Joe Billingslea, Sylvester Potts, Hubert Johnson, and Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records.

The Contours first hit single, "Do You Love Me" was released in 1962 and was an instant success. It reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart and was the first Motown record to break into the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. The song went on to become a million-seller and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Contours were the first Motown act to have a top-ten hit in the US and the first to have a number-one hit in the UK.

The group continued to have success throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, releasing such hits as "Can You Jerk Like Me", "First I Look At The Purse", and "Shake Sherrie". They also released several albums, with the most successful being 1964's The Contours Sing Hits from The Movies. With each release, the Contours helped to define the sound of the decade, blending elements of R&B, Soul, and Doo-Wop to create their own unique sound.

The Contours were also one of the first Motown acts to tour extensively, playing shows throughout the US and even venturing into Europe. They were part of Motown's first tour, the 1964 "Motortown Revue" which featured other acts such as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. The tour was a success and helped to bring Motown music to a wider audience.

The Contours also had an influence on the larger music scene. Many of their songs have been covered by other artists, including The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, and The Temptations. They also influenced the development of funk music, as their infectious grooves and powerful vocal delivery helped to lay the groundwork for the genre.

The Contours were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and continue to be held in high regard as one of the most influential vocal groups of the 20th Century. They were pioneers in the early days of Motown and their influence can still be heard in today's music. From their early hit single "Do You Love Me" to their later recordings, The Contours helped to define the sound of the 70s and will forever be remembered as one of the great R&B vocal groups of all time.

The Contours were one of the most influential and successful soul and R&B groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, and consisted of five members: lead vocalist Billy Gordon, tenor Joe Billingslea, baritone Hubert Johnson, bass singer Sylvester Potts, and drummer Jerry Green. The Contours had several hits during their career, including the 1964 hit "Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)", which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later covered by The Jackson 5. The group also had other successful singles, including "First I Look at the Purse", "Can You Jerk Like Me", and "Shake Sherry".

The Contours had a unique and distinctive sound that was heavily influenced by Motown. The group was known for its tight harmonies, creative arrangements, and energetic performances. The band had a very successful career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and their music was featured in many films and television shows. The Contours were even featured in the 1975 film "The Wiz".

The Contours were also very influential in the development of the Motown sound. They are credited with helping to create the classic Motown sound and laying the groundwork for the success of many other Motown acts, including The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson. The Contours’ influence on the Motown sound is undeniable, and it is clear that the band had a major impact on the evolution of popular music.

The Contours were also hugely popular in the UK, where they had several top-ten singles, including "First I Look at the Purse", "Can You Jerk Like Me", and "Shake Sherry". Their popularity in the UK was helped by their close association with the popular British rock band The Who, who often shared the stage with the Contours.

The Contours were highly respected by other musicians, and their influence can be heard in the music of many other soul and R&B acts. They have been cited as an influence by artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Diana Ross, and the Four Tops.

The Contours were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. This was a great honor for the group, and it cemented their status as one of the most influential and successful soul and R&B groups of all time.

The Love they received

The Contours were one of the most beloved and influential bands of the 70s. Formed in Detroit in 1960, the group's original line-up included: Billy Gordon, Hubert Johnson, Joe Billingslea, Sylvester Potts, Billy Hoggs, and Gerald Gregory. The band quickly gained fame for its unique sound, which blended soul, R&B, and pop music. They were known for their energetic, danceable live performances and their hits like “Do You Love Me” and “First I Look at the Purse”.

The Contours were the first major group to emerge from the soul and R&B scene in Detroit. They had a string of hits in the early and mid-1960s, including “Do You Love Me”, which was their biggest hit. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962 and number one on the R&B chart. It was later covered by the Jackson 5 and was a major influence on the early Motown sound.

The Contours also had several other hits in the mid-60s, including “First I Look at the Purse” and “Can You Jerk Like Me”. These songs showcased their unique sound, which was a blend of soul, R&B, and pop. They were known for their high-energy performances and were often credited with creating the “dance craze” of the 60s.

The Contours achieved further success in the 70s with their album, “The Contours: Greatest Hits”, which was released in 1971. It featured their biggest hits from the 60s, as well as new tracks. The album was a commercial success, reaching number ten on the Billboard 200. It also spawned their biggest hit of the 70s, “Dancing in the Street”, which reached number two on the Hot 100 and number one on the R&B chart.

The Contours’ influence was felt throughout the 70s and beyond. Their sound was an influence on many other acts, including the Temptations and the Four Tops. They were also credited with inspiring the disco sound of the late 70s.

The Contours were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. They have been credited as one of the most influential bands of the 70s and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Their unique sound helped define the sound of the 70s and will be remembered for generations to come.

In conclusion, The Contours were undeniably one of the most influential and successful soul and R&B groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. They had a unique and distinctive sound that was heavily influenced by Motown, and their influence can be heard in the music of many other soul and R&B acts. The Contours were highly respected by other musicians and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 was a great honor for the group. The Contours were an important part of the development of the Motown sound, and they helped to define the sound of the 70s.