On this day in music history: March 6, 1976 - “Love Machine Pt. 1” by The Miracles hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also peaking at #5 on the R&B singles chart on the same date. Written by Warren “Pete” Moore and William Griffin, it is the second number one single for the veteran Motown vocal group. Having replaced co-founder Smokey Robinson as the lead singer of The Miracles in 1972, Billy Griffin’s first appearance as the new lead vocalist is on the album “Renaissance” in 1973. The group scores their first major “Post-Smokey” hit in 1974 with “Do It Baby” (#4 R&B, #13 Pop). In late 1975, the group release the album “City Of Angels”. “Angels” is a concept album about a man (named Michael) following his girlfriend (Charlotte) who is an aspiring actress to Hollywood. The track “Love Machine”, meant to be ironic, is the story’s male protagonist describing his “prowess” after becoming a celebrity himself. The track is recorded at Crystal Sound Studios in Hollywood, CA in early 1975. The track features a group of top studio players including James Gadson (drums), John Barnes ( keyboards synthesizer programming), Scott Edwards (bass), Jay Graydon, Greg Poree, Donald Griffin (guitars), Eddie “Bongo” Brown and Paulinho Da Costa (percussion). The nearly seven minute long LP cut creates an immediate sensation on the dance floor, making its way on to radio. The track is divided into two parts and released as a single in October 1975. Entering the Hot 100 at #90 on October 25, 1975, it makes a very slow and arduous climb up the charts, reaching the top nineteen weeks later. At the time “Love Machine” reaches number one, it is one of the slowest climbs to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 since it was first established in August of 1958. The full LP version of the song is one of the first promotional 12" singles released by Motown Records for club and radio DJ’s, becoming a valuable and highly sought after collector’s item over time. “Love Machine” is also covered by then Motown label mate Thelma Houston in 1979, and by Wham! in 1983 on their debut album “Fantastic”. The Miracles original recording has been featured in numerous films, television programs and commercials over the years, firmly cementing the status of “Love Machine” as one of the definitive songs of the Disco Era.
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