Hit & Run! More Motown Guys – A Hidden Treasure of Soul and R&B from Motown’s Golden Age

Motown collectors and soul aficionados, take note: Hit & Run! More Motown Guys is officially back in stock on April 15, 2025. This brilliant compilation CD shines a spotlight on the lesser-known male artists of Motown’s golden era—alongside familiar names like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and Four Tops. What makes this release truly special? Fifteen of the album’s 25 tracks are previously unreleased, offering a rare and captivating look into the label’s vast archives.

A Deeper Dive into Detroit’s Legendary Sound

Recorded between 1961 and 1968 at Motown’s original studio on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, these tracks capture the soulful energy of a label that changed the face of American music. Some recordings were inexplicably shelved, never making it past the infamous Motown "Quality Control" meetings—where each new song had to earn approval before being released.

While it’s easy to recognize the star power of artists like Marv Johnson, Jimmy Ruffin, and Shorty Long, Hit & Run! also introduces listeners to talented but often overlooked acts like Michael Thomas, Johnny Earl, The Serenaders, The Hit Pack, and Gino Parks. These artists may not have become household names, but their contributions to the Motown sound are no less vital.

A Legacy Preserved by Keith Hughes

This compilation is the final project of the late Keith Hughes, a respected Motown historian whose passion for preserving the label’s lesser-known recordings was unmatched. Over the years, Hughes compiled and annotated more than 20 Motown-related albums for Ace Records, working closely with Universal Music's Motown division. His dedication to detail, scholarship, and storytelling helped bring countless "lost" recordings to life, and his influence is felt throughout this release.

Keith’s work included contributions to the acclaimed Complete Motown Singles box set series, as well as his exhaustive online database, Don’t Forget the Motor City, which remains an invaluable resource for soul collectors and historians worldwide.

Track Highlights & Hidden Gems

Among the standout moments on this CD:

• The never-before-heard “Baby Hit And Run (Version 1)” by The Contours

• A smoldering rendition of “Sad Souvenirs” by Marv Johnson

• “Stop And Think About Love” by Johnny Earl, one of the finest examples of forgotten Motown soul

• And the album’s namesake, “We Call It Fun” by The Hit Pack—a track as playful as it is rare

This compilation is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a time capsule, an essential addition to any Motown collector’s library, and a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of the Motor City sound.