When thinking of summertime in Detroit, do you have any classic Detroit songs that remind you of the summer season?

For Detroit singer Apropos, there are five Motown classics that remind him of summertime in the D. In fact, Motown has had a great impact on Apropos’ music career.

“Ever since I was a kid, I looked up to The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye,” the singer said in an October 2017 interview with Good Life Detroit. “All these great legends, who even if they weren’t from the city [Detroit], they started their music career in the city [of Detroit].”

“Motown has definitely had a tremendous impact on what I do to this day. I really like what Barry Gordy (founder of Motown) has done and what he did. He kind of started a conglomerate, and you know, it goes on to this day. A lot of musicians from this city stick together and that’s what’s important.”

Last year, the singer launched his solo music career. Formerly the lead singer for the Michigan-based band Soul Divide, Apropos has been busy making great music such as his latest two songs “Talk Like That” featuring Isaiah Dreads and “She Makes Me”.

 

Check out Apropos’ top five Detroit summer classics! Are there any songs you would add to his list?

 

1.  “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.

 

I love this song because I think it’s Stevie’s most Gospel sounding hit.  I can picture him standing in front of a church congregation with a full band and choir backing him up singing this song while people jump out of their seats and dance/sing along.

 

2.  “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Marvin and Tammi make it so real the way they sing to each other.  You can hear the longing and gratitude in both of their voices as they sing.  One of the reasons I believe in love is because of this record.

Apropos
Detroit’s Motown Music was a strong musical influence for Detroit singer Apropos’ music career.

 

3.  “Inner City Blues” by Marvin Gaye.

This song was recorded in 1971 and almost everything negative Marvin brings to light we still deal with today.  This man was truly ahead of his time and that’s one of the reasons he is my favorite vocalist of all time.  The “trigger happy policeman” line gives me chills every time.

4. “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye.

If you were born 1973-1975 you might have been conceived to this song.  This is the sexiest hit single of all time in my opinion.  As soon as that guitar comes in hips start swinging and people smile from ear to ear.  Marvin ruled the 70s.

 

5. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by The Temptations.

One of the best drum intros ever!

 

 

Thanks, Apropos! You can check out Apropos’ new music video “She Makes Me” by clicking here. The new song is also featured on Soundcloud. Follow Apropos on his Instagram, too! 

 

 

Also, check out: Love Is __ Actor Will Catlett is the Friend Who Gives You the Best Life Advice and Aretha, the Queen of Soul.

All photographs are courtesy of Apropos.

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].