Get Ready-Rare Earth (1970) 3/2/21

Berry Gordy Jr., the legendary creator/owner/president of Motown records, was a genius.

Sometimes.

Other times, he made some very odd decisions. Today, we have a case in point.

In the mid-'60s, Smokey Robinson was the the main composer and producer for The Temptations. This was in addition to his duties as composer, producer and lead singer of The Miracles.

Starting with "My Girl," he took The Temptations into the Top 20 several times in a row. Then came the original 1966 version of today's "Great Song of the '70s:" "Get Ready." Although it went to #1 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, it only reached #29 on the Hot 100.

Imagine Smokey's surprise when he learned his old friend Berry made a secret deal with songwriter Norman Whitfield that if Smokey ever missed the Top 20 with the Temptations, Norman would replace Smokey as producer. Why? Who knows?

To be fair, Norman was a darn good writer and producer himself, and his first outing with the Temptations was "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," which later in '66, also went to #1 on the R&B Chart, as well as #13 on the Hot 100.

There's no reason to feel sorry for Smokey, though... because in 1970, Rare Earth, Motown's only rock group, took "Get Ready" to #1 in Canada, and #4 in the US! For the record, Berry didn't think it was good enough to be released, but luckily, smarter heads prevailed.

This would be the first of a handful of 'Great Songs" for Rare Earth...and just another in a VERY LONG line of "Great Songs" for Smokey Robinson!

"Get Ready" (Rare Earth/1970):

The Temptations (1966):