![]() ![]() (70’s) I think he was checking me out, because from time to time he would nod, or smile, or even signal that we had a tight groove. A big guy that everyone said was the best drummer in town would always stop by the club when my latest band “The Mean Machine was performing. Well, that day arrived when I least expected it. I started from the bottom, working my way up from the club gigs hoping for a “big break” one day. I did too Once in California, my band from Detroit broke up, and we were on our own to make it. Many folks decided to head out to LA to work. When Motown moved from Detroit to LA, that was it…the music scene was gone too. I suppose I was a “groupie then” haha I actually said to him that I was gonna play the bass like him, He looked at me and smiled. At one concert, I waited by the backstage gate to meet him which I did. And now, I get the chance to see my favorite bass player in person? I was overwhelmed. The other record companies didn’t have what Motown had. Everyday on the radio, the jams would be playing, and pumping out that bass. James Jameson was playing the bass on lots of hits, and he had become my idol. ![]() Events such as that were really good, and for those of us who couldn’t normally afford such a treat…like me. But at the fair, they always had the free concerts That was really a treat to have the chance to see and hear up close the stars. I remember as a kid, my mom would take me to the Michigan state fair to see The Motown Revue, and sometimes at the Fox Theater too. Some artists whose music I loved, later as an adult I actually met and worked with. Who were some of the Motown artists that you worked with? Motown shaped the Industry, and opened the doors for talent to blossom and bloom.ģ. All of Motown’s music has been a tremendous influence on me even until now. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the music scene. oh man…I had never seen so many famous people at one time. One of the bands I was playing with, performed at a sweet sixteen party at the Gordy Mansion. The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s really shaped my style and my direction in life. The radio stations were always playing nonstop Motown music. Some of the many Motown influences for me growing up, and continuing on as an adult include: Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Jackson 5, The Supremes, Edwin Starr, Eric and the Vikings, and much more. Who were some of your early Motown influences? However, I don’t recall the artist’s name, it was so very long ago.Ģ. This was the company where all the fantastic music that we were dancing and skating to came from, and the first thing someone asked us was… ” I hope you guys can play Motown songs, or you can leave right now”! They were serious!!Man, we were so nervous, but we pumped out a groove, bass, drums, and guitar, and pulled it off and got the job. We went to the Motown Building, downtown and we were all so happy and excited just to be able finally to step inside the building, the doors were always locked and secure. One of the drummers I was jamming with, had a producer friend who worked at Motown Records and he setup a time to audition us for a project. And, I began playing with different bands. ![]() ![]() In the beginning, it was mainly kids from church or school. So, I connected with some other folks who could play and sing. I was so happy because now I can join a band. My name is David Shields, and I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, I convinced my mom at age 8, to buy a bass guitar and amp. 1.David, can you tell us your first introduction to a Motown recording session? ![]()
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