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Allen Rawls, the museum's acting chief executive, said Motown Records founder Berry Gordy understood the role everyone played in creating and maintaining Motown's sound. "The Andantes ... were so instrumental to the foundation of the Motown sound," Rawls said. "Imagine if a song like 'Standing in the Shadows of Love' was out there (without them). The harmonies behind it may not be the same thing. That's why they were established in that particular role, helping to create the foundation." Gordy called the Andantes "wonderful people" in a recent interview and fondly remembered their contributions: "I recall so many of the sounds from The Four Tops." So does Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the group's lone surviving original member. He recalls the trio's work on "Baby I Need Your Loving," The Four Tops' first hit. "They were just as important in their background (part) as The Four Tops," he said. "Their voices on that song made that song." The Andantes lovingly recall their work with The Four Tops and Gaye, who was fatally shot by his father in 1984 after a violent argument. Demps said the Tops "always gave us a bonus of every hit they had" and "were always fair." They all spoke of Gaye's intensity, with Hicks in particular recalling the sessions for "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." "I loved Marvin, loved recording with Marvin," she said. "He was a perfectionist, and we enjoyed that with him. Everything just had to be just right for Marvin, and for that we are grateful." As a tour group gathered in Motown's original Studio A, a guide led them in a spirited take of The Temptations' "My Girl." Sitting alongside were the Andantes, smiling and singing every word. It's the closest the "girls" get these days to a musical reunion, though Demps doesn't give up hope. "My dream hasn't ended yet," she said. "It still goes on for me." ___ Online:
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