Alabama Runs Deep.

Motown Edition

Before Motown became the sound of Detroit, Alabama was already woven into the story.

Martha Reeves was born in Eufaula, Alabama, before her family moved to Detroit when she was still a baby. She would eventually become the unmistakable voice at the center of Martha and the Vandellas.

Eddie Kendricks was born in Union Springs and later grew up in Birmingham, where he met Paul Williams in their church choir. The two began singing together in Alabama before leaving the South, eventually landing in Detroit and becoming founding members of the Temptations.

Dennis Edwards was born in Fairfield, Alabama. His family also moved to Detroit, and years later he joined the Temptations in 1968, helping usher the group into its psychedelic-soul era.

And Florence Ballard? She was born in Detroit—but her father, Jesse Ballard, was born Jesse Lambert in Bessemer, Alabama. Florence would go on to become a founding member of the Supremes.

Then there’s a name you don’t see in the picture: Milton Jenkins. He managed the Primes—the group that included Kendricks and Williams—and that story would eventually intersect with the formation of the Primettes, who became the Supremes.

Different cities. Different families. Different paths north.

But when you trace some of the people who helped build the Motown story backward…

Alabama runs deep. 👀

Who surprised you most?