In a performance filmed entirely at the Ford River Rouge Plant, here are Martha Reeves and the Vandellas with their 1965 hit, “Nowhere to Run.”
Detroit girl Martha Reeves had two responsibilities when she started at Motown Records. She was secretary for Mickey Stevenson, Berry Gordy’s right-hand man, and she sang demos for Mary Wells and other female artists in the Motown stable. After a year she was given a shot with her own act, Martha and the Vandellas.
The trio compiled an astonishing string of hit singles in the ’60s, including “Heat Wave, “Quicksand,” and Dancing in the Streets,” all driven by Reeves’ unique phrasing, emulated by everyone from Mick Jagger to Bob Dylan. This song, “Nowhere to Run,” was written by Motown’s Dozier-Holland-Dozier team and, like “Dancing,” employs tire chains in the precussion section—true story.
It was New York disc jockey Murray the K who came up with the idea of filming this bit, a music video before there were music videos. on an assembly line. Produced at the Dearborn Assembly Plant, DAP, Building B, the short was created for his 1965 CBS television special, Murray the K—It’s What’s Happening, Baby! And as you will see, production never stopped. The entire performance takes place on the moving assembly line as 1965 Mustangs are bolted together. Try that today. Is your car here?
Nobody sings like Martha Reeves. Just off the beat, like a drummer on the backbeat to make the words drill into your head. Dusty does a similar thing and Dylan talks about it in Chronicles. On this song and Dancing in the Streets, the Funk Bros. used snow chains and pipewrenches to lay down the beat. Thats what makes it sound so great.
If only real life was so sweet as this. No way would you ever be able to do this now; singing and dancing through a moving assembly line. Oh the liability! The roar of the lawyers! Negotiations amongst the UAW and IATSI! And the $$$!
Speaking of liability, no breathing apparatus or eye protection! We were so much tougher back then.
I’m pretty sure the little guy in the hat and sweater at the beginning and the end is Murray The K.
Yes sir, exactly right. That’s him.
Heh, too bad they didn’t apparently mark that particular Mustang – would have been a cool collector’s car. Also, I read that the factory workers weren’t even forewarned – some of them were apparently yelling angrily at the ladies. Me? I would’ve been like the guy at 1:50.