From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1964
REMINDER IS ISSUED BY MOTOWN; MARY WELLS STILL UNDER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION TO MOTOWN
NEW YORK — Barney Ales, vice-president of Motown Record Corporation, last week announced that Mary Wells is still under contract to Motown. The label’s legal department has sent telegrams to record companies with the disclaimer who are believed to be negotiating with the artist, advising them of her contractual obligations to Motown, and with Motown only.
Ales stated that Berry Gordy, Jr., president of Motown was “surprised and hurt” when he learned that Miss Wells was “apparently receptive” to offers. Ales noted that Miss Wells had the top record of the country, “My Guy,” and has had the benefit of three-year promotional and sales campaign by the organization, all of which are reflective in her present status as an artist.
Ales, stating he is aware that many offers are proffered an artist who has had a top record, added that he would like to alert the industry to a group of young ladies called the Supremes, “who will have the next No. 1 record in the U.S., “Where Did Our Love Go?,” exclusively on Motown Records. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; July 18, 1964)
