Motown magic musicians Motown Records, also known as Hitsville USA, was a legendary record label that played a major role in shaping the sound of American popular music. Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, Motown quickly became a powerhouse in the music industry, producing countless hits and launching the careers of many talented musicians. The Motown sound was characterized by its catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, and infectious rhythms. It blended elements of pop, R&B, and soul, creating a unique and irresistible sound that appealed to a wide audience. Some of the most iconic Motown hits include "My Girl" by The Temptations, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, and "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas.
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Additionally, since the book is self-published by an author who only has two other books, buying a copy of the novel is a way to support a small creator who is following her passion to write, and the money goes directly to her. Having grown up poor, Billie is shocked to find out that Martha had a will with a bookstore and an apartment in a small town that she never heard of, Blackwick Falls.
Some of the most iconic Motown hits include "My Girl" by The Temptations, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, and "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas. One of the key figures in the Motown magic was the house band known as The Funk Brothers. Consisting of a rotating lineup of talented musicians, The Funk Brothers provided the instrumental backing for many of the label's biggest hits.
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With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends Ireland. County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…
I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts and love her tales involving a little paranormal woo-woo. Dark Witch is the first book in her new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy, and I was eager to read it. I preordered this puppy and devoured it in a single day. Set in Ireland, with witches, curses, and evil this paranormal romance offers the perfect read for a cold fall night by the fire. Mini review: Magical, suspenseful with interesting characters and lore that draw you in and make you scream, “More!”
The book begins in the middle ages where we meet the Dark Witch and her three children. We also face the evil sorcerer who pursues her. Spells are cast, fate is set and then we are brought to present day Ireland to the day Iona Sheehan arrives in County Mayo. A blonde haired American and horse lover she has sold all of her possessions to move to the place of her ancestors. As a young child, her Nan shared the family history and spoke of the lush country side. The tale that unfolds draws together those from the legend. Iona begins to feel happy and at home for the first time, but evil draws near, and battle will soon begin.
From the beginning, I liked Iona, and as we got to know her I began to adore this feisty, warm-hearted, smart and fierce woman. A horse lover and one who just says what she thinks, I loved her snark, honesty and got caught up in her enthusiasm for life. She meets her cousins Branna and Conner, and they are all descendants of the Dark Witch. Each possesses power and Iona begins to harness hers. I liked them both. Branna is sort of the leader/mother figure and is hard and demanding of herself. She is probably the most complex character, and I look forward to seeing her revealed. Conner is sweet, even tempered and loyal to his friends and family. He was cute, and I am anxious to see what he is made of. Iona meets Boyle McGarth, who manages a stable. He is tall, broad, true and strong. Words don’t come easy to him, and I enjoyed watching them interact. Every time she looks at him she gets butterflies in her stomach. Boyle’s world is turned upside down by this pixie of a woman, and I loved the banter that develops. While the romance was nice it wasn’t my favorite. Thankfully it is served as a side dish to the overall arc. We also meet Fin; he owns the stables Boyle manages and may I just say oh-la-la. He is a key player in the overall arc, and you will have to discover why for yourself. We also meet Branna’s best friend and fellow stable worker Meara. These folks quickly become an intricate part of Iona’s life and will all play a role in battling the evil. Roberts did a lovely job of introduces them all, and I find myself connected and eager to learn more about them.
In Dark Witch, Nora Roberts weaves legends and magic against the beautiful landscape of Ireland with a story that grabbed me from the onset. Each book will share a romance with one of the cousins and bring us closer to destroying evil. I loved all the supernatural elements, and the spells. Each witch is tied to an animal, and I loved this element. This is a romantic mystery, and has powerful friendships which drawn on each other, and enhanced the tale. Fans of the Sign of Seven Trilogy and Gallaghers of Ardmore will immediately feel at home. While this is a stronger tale then Signs of Seven, it still has a predictable feeling, and was my only complaint. The romance had a little insta-love feel, but Robert’s slowed things down and made it believable. She has a gift for taking magic, legends, and supernatural elements and making them feel very real and powerful.
Fans of paranormal romance, witches, mysteries and Irish settings will enjoy Dark Witch. This was an exciting start to the trilogy. Shadow Spell the second book is due out in May of 2014 and will feature Conner. Blood Magick,the third book,will be Branna’s story and is due out in the fall.
Three and half cups of Irish coffee out of five
It’s suspected throughout the story, but Billie herself doesn’t find out until relatively close to the end of the novel, which means that the parts about witchcraft feel somewhat rushed. Myers tries to fit in a story arc about the witchcraft in too short of a page count, which led to it not feeling fully fleshed out.
Their tight grooves and expert musicianship helped to define the Motown sound and set it apart from other popular music of the time. In addition to The Funk Brothers, Motown was home to a remarkable roster of artists who produced chart-topping hits and became household names. The Supremes, led by the charismatic Diana Ross, became one of the most successful female groups of all time, scoring 12 number-one hits. The Jackson 5, featuring a young Michael Jackson, burst onto the scene in the late 1960s and quickly became one of Motown's biggest acts. Other notable Motown musicians include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and The Four Tops. Each of these artists brought their own unique style and talent to the Motown sound, contributing to the label's incredible success and lasting impact on popular music. Today, the legacy of Motown continues to be celebrated and revered. Its music remains timeless and influential, inspiring generations of musicians and captivating audiences around the world. The Motown magic lives on, with its talented musicians and unforgettable hits continuing to bring joy and soulful vibes to listeners everywhere..
Reviews for "The Unsung Heroes of Motown: Celebrating the Secret Magic Musicians"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Motown Magic Musicians". The whole performance felt lackluster, with unenthusiastic musicians who seemed to be going through the motions. The sound quality was also terrible, making it difficult to enjoy the music. Overall, it was a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a quality live music experience.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Motown Magic Musicians", but unfortunately, it fell short. While the musicians were technically skilled, their performance lacked emotion and energy. The show felt impersonal and lacked the soulful vibe that I associate with Motown music. It was a forgettable experience for me, and I wouldn't attend another show by this group.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
I had mixed feelings about "Motown Magic Musicians". While the musicians were talented and played some classic Motown hits, the overall show lacked excitement. The stage production was minimal, and there was a lack of engagement with the audience. It felt more like a generic cover band performance rather than a tribute to Motown music. It was mediocre, but still enjoyable for a casual night out.
4. Chris - 2 stars
"Motown Magic Musicians" failed to capture the essence of Motown music. The performance felt flat and lacked the soulful energy that makes this genre so special. The singers were average at best, and I was left unimpressed by their lackluster vocal performances. The overall production felt amateurish, and I would not recommend this show to true Motown music lovers.