Owd Codger

My opinion, which counts for little, is that Mr Godin was bitter with Motown following his 'removal/ quitting , depending on whose view you read, as UK Tamla Representative ( a another topic probably), . He was quite critical of Motown on several issues after previously being their flag bearer, so it doesn't surprise me that he would find fault on this issue.

Yes I guess that it is. But of course if Gordy or Gaye had painted it, the critiscism would have been more valid. I seriously doubt if Gordy had any input regarding this cover.

Thanks for digging this out. Not a lot of detail fromMr Godin, but , as I remembered, he didn't like it, on sensability grounds.

You could be right, although I think it was along the lines of the picture demeaning Black People. Maybe someone has the old B&S.

I regret that I can't recall the exact the details. I must have read it in Blues & Soul circa 1976.

The opening of a New York office may have more of a back story than simply that of Gordy deciding to open one up. Gordy, after divorcing his first wife ( Thelma) just before Motown was really established, established a relationship with Raynoma. Initially this was a working relationship, but it seems that romance intervened. (Especially on her part). She was extremely useful to Gordy , as she was very talented in the field of writing music, arranging , charts etc, vocal coaching etc....useful to Gordy as his new operation was expanding. However, it seems that Raynoma forced Gordy into a marriage that he clearly didn't want, coming off his previous divorce. To the extent that she virtually forced Gordy into a Shotgun Wedding, which saw Gordy running out on her minutes from the Marriage service. Days later he relented, and he agreed to the Marriage. Gordy was at this time heavily involved with a girl called Margaret Norton. He seems to have agreed to marrying Raynoma to keep the Motown operation running smoothly. It seemed a Marriage of convenience. Gordy spent his wedding night with Norton. Gordy continued his affair with Norton. In retaliation, Raynoma had an affair with Sonny Saunders ( Satintones)...maybe others. This situation caused great difficulties around Hitsville. Probably the final straw was when Raynoma followed Gordy and Norton to a bowling alley, producing a revolver from her handbag.. Apparently Smokey intervened and prevented a major incident. Raynoma was shipped out to New York...to all extent, banished from Motown's Detroit offices. The set up of a New York office was Gordy's way of offloading this potentially dangerous situation getting out of hand. The Bootlegging of My Guy of course made Raynoma position untenable . She has been unfairly overlooked in Motown's early history, her musical abilities helpig Motown to progress musically and operationally. However, it seems her plan to turn Gordy ( a serial womaniser) into a 9 to 5 faithful, loyal husband was her undoing.

Seem to recall Dave Godin being unhappy with the use of this picture for the LP. He found something objectionable about the painting.