Soon afterward, the audience stood to shake it to a classic dance song.
The Lions Roar / Melanie Mann
The Masters of Soul, a Motown cover band, brought to the stage a performance teeming with memories of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
The band, whose members were dressed in flamboyant costumes with sparkling sequins resembling classic Motown performers, hit the Columbia Theatre stage on Sunday, Oct. 19.
“All of us in the band grew up on these songs, so it was refreshing for us to go back to songs that remind you of your first girlfriend or of drive-in dates,” said John Hodges, lead singer of the Masters of Soul. “It reminds you of a time that was more simple, more carefree.”
Band members replicated the vocal, dance and fashion style of Motown legends such as Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner and Smokey Robinson. Singers engaged the audience by encouraging them to cheer as loudly as possible and serenaded individuals in the crowd. The result was an emotionally invested audience who were overcome with excitement when their favorite songs were played, sparking reminiscent discussions amongst attendants. Toward the end of the performance, audience members stood up and danced along to the music.
“It was very nostalgic,” said Jennifer Dunn of Hammond. “It took us back to a happier time and place.”
Though most of those in attendance were of an older age group, the Masters of Soul decided to perform Motown across the United States after requests from younger individuals.
“Young kids were asking for music from the Temptations and music from the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Hodges. “We wanted to bring back this music to the next generation, which is why we decided to put the act together. We got a lot of requests for the sounds of Motown. A lot of music today is people singing over tracks. People wanted live musicians in uniforms, people who put time into the show with choreography. We wanted to bring the good old days back.”
For older individuals, it was the memories brought back by familiar music that made the performance so appealing.
“I loved it when they played Smokey Robinson,” said Stephanie Compton of Hammond. “My favorite part was when they played ‘Tracks of My Tears.’ I love that song. It was popular when I was in high school.”
According to Hodges, because the show was such a success, Masters of Soul were asked to perform at the Columbia Theatre again in the future, to which band members happily agreed.
“People were coming back, shaking our hands, thanking us for the memories we brought up of things that happened back in the ‘70s,” said Hodges. “We brought back the good old days. People really wanted us to come back to the area again. We enjoyed the city of Hammond, and we look forward to playing for you guys again.”
Singers dressed in bedazzled garb to resemble classic Motown artists.
The Lion's Roar / Melanie Mann