While people usually associate the ”Motown Sound” with groups like The Temptations and The Supremes, the artist that was really the progenitor was “Marvelous” Marv Johnson. This 2 disc, 52 song collection includes his big hits like the fun “You Got What It Takes” as well as “I Love The Wy You Love” along with the romantic “Come To Me” and gospel grooved “I’m Coming Home”.
But that was only part of Johnson’s musical equation, as he had an exceptionally flexible vocal range, and was able to sound comfortable with both gospel and The Great American Songbook as well. Besides the collection of 45 rpm singles on this set, there are a pair of his albums, Marvelous Marv Johnson and More Marvelous Marv Johnson. The former is produced by Don Costa, and has Johnson supported by The Rayber Voices for impressive reads of “September In The Rain,” “I Can’t Get Started” and “Love I Here To Stay”. The follow-up has Johnson sounding convincing in tunes that range from pop to soul and even gospel, with a fantastic take of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and “Everytime I Feel The Spirit.” This guy put the “soul” into soul music!