‘I can out-dance Bowie and Jagger!’ Martha Reeves on Motown, Dancing in the Street and smashing crockery with Dusty Springfield

Martha Reeves released a new album this week, reflecting on her career at Motown Records and the era of music that produced hits like "Heat Wave" and "Jimmy Mack." Reeves, now 84, described her discovery by William Stevenson and her subsequent role as a secretary at Motown, calling the experience "magical" and a "glorious ride." She drew parallels between the Motown production system and the automotive industry in Detroit, noting that founder Berry Gordy, who previously worked at Ford, applied manufacturing principles to music production. Reeves stated that "Motown and Ford are synonymous," with Gordy's experience at Ford influencing his management style and the assembly-line approach to making music. She also mentioned her father's employment at Ford, further connecting the two industries. Reeves expressed her enjoyment of dancing, humorously claiming she could "out-dance Bowie and Jagger." The interview also touched upon her dislike for cover versions of her songs and her interactions with other artists, including Dusty Springfield.