by Nick Somoski

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: September 02, 2009

Motown paved the way for an unprecedented amount of artists and singers. The number of successes Motown produced since the late 1950s is truly amazing. Motown became Hitsville USA as new artists began releasing #1 hits, one after another. As the '60s rolled along, Motown ruled the music charts as the soulful sound became an institution in homes all across the country.

After years of listening to my Motown records and religiously watching Murphy Brown, it isn't hard to find the great Motown artists who changed the music industry with their easy-going sounds and unmatched success. These are the music-producing talents that left their mark in Motown's history like no others could.

10. The Marvelettes - One of the first all-girl groups of the Motown era, The Marvelettes paved the way for groups like The Shirelles and The Supremes. Formed by Gladys Horton and Georgia Dobbins, they first gained success with the hit "Please, Mr. Postman," becoming their signature song and the label's first #1 Pop Hit. They later recorded over 30 Top 40 hits during the 1960s, before dissolving in 1970.

9. Mary Wells - Often called the "First Lady of Motown," Mary Wells helped to define the Motown brand into the sound of the 1960s. She was the first female vocalist of Motown to have a #1 single and paved the way for other female artists and groups to have equal success. As an advocate for women's rights, she spent most of her Motown career creating music that broke down the racial barriers, while pushing for radio stations to put black music on the airwaves. With hits in "You Beat Me to the Punch" and "My Guy," she gave us music that will always be treasured.

8. The Four Tops - As one of the many groups founded in Detroit, The Four Tops signed onto the Motown label, giving them shining success. Uniquely led by lead singer Levi Stubbs (a baritone), the group helped define the Motown era with their hits "Baby, I Need Your Loving," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out I'll Be There," among many others. Forming in 1954, they stayed with Motown until it's move to Los Angeles in 1972. They continued producing great music for more than 30 years after.

7. Smokey Robinson/The Miracles - Before beginning a hugely successful solo career, Smokey Robinson was the lead singer for The Miracles, one of the greatest Motown groups of the '60s and '70s. Signing with Motown in 1960, The Miracles put out one #1 hit after another - "Shop Around" and "Who's Lovin' You" came in 1960,

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