The Originals

Often called "Motown's best-kept secret," the Originals scored only a handful of chart hits during their lengthy career, most notably the powerful 1969 ballad "Baby I'm for Real," but their behind-the-scenes contributions as songwriters and backing vocalists cement their place in the label's enduring legacy. The Originals were led by singer Freddie Gorman, a Detroit native who in 1957 formed the Fideletones with longtime friend Brian Holland. After issuing "Pretty Girl" on Aladdin Records in 1959, the group splintered and Gorman resumed his day job as a postal carrier, eventually meeting fledgling record impresario Berry Gordy while on his route. In time Gordy hired Holland as a staff writer and producer, teaming him with fellow producer Robert Bateman to cut a single for the Motown girl group the Marvelettes. When Marvelette Georgia Dobbins suggested the title "Please Mr. Postman," Holland naturally conscripted Gorman for help with the lyrics, although his contributions to the song went unnoted for decades. "Please Mr. Postman" was nevertheless a huge hit, topping the Billboard pop chart in the fall of 1961, and Gordy returned the favor by releasing the Gorman solo single "The Day Will Come" on Motown's Miracle Records subsidiary. Holland and Gorman also continued their songwriting partnership, which expanded to a triumvirate with the addition of Lamont Dozier. After a series of Motown productions including Mary Wells' "Old Love" and the Supremes' "I Want a Guy," Gorman was edged out in favor of Holland's brother Eddie, and without any contractual leverage in his favor, he returned to his post office position, dropping from sight for several years. Gorman finally resurfaced in 1964 alongside songwriting partner Bob Hamilton on the Motown rival Golden World with the...