With their debut single, The Marvelettes gave Motown its first number one. Originally called the Casinyets and then the Marvels, they formed in Inkster, Michigan where they won an audition at Motown in a high school talent show. Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson asked them to come back with some original material; and Georgia Dobbins approached pianist William Garrett. He let her rework 'Please Mr. Postman', which at that point was a blues number with only a few lyrics, as long as he retained songwriting credit. She kept the title but completely changed the song, which led to a contract with Motown. Dobbins left the group and was replaced by Wanda Young, and the song was re-written yet again by Brian Holland and Robert Bateman with imput from Freddie Gorman. Holland and Bateman also produced the single. Gladys Horton sang lead, and Wanda Young, Georgeanna Tillman, Wyanetta Cowart, and Katherine Anderson sang background vocals. The Funk Brothers were the backup band featuring Marvin Gaye and Benny Benjamin on drums, James Jamerson on bass, Richard "Popcorn" Wylie on Piano, and Eddie "Bongo" Brown on Percussion. 'Please Mr. Postman' hit number one on the pop and R&B charts.
Wait, oh yes wait a minute mister postman
Wait, wait mister postman
Mister postman look and see
If there's a letter in your bag for me
I been waiting such a long time
Since I heard from that girl of mine
There must be some word today
From my girlfriend so far away
Please mister postman look and see
If there's a letter, a letter for me
I been standing here waiting mister postman
So patiently
For just a card or just a letter
Saying she's returning home to me
Please Mr. Postman, look and see
If there's a letter, oh yeh for me,
I've been waiting, a long long time
Since I've heard from that girlfriend of mine.
So many days you passed me by
See the tear standing in my eye
You didn't stop to make me feel better
By leaving me a card or a letter
You gotta wait a minute, wait a minute
You gotta wait a minute, wait a minute
You gotta wait a minute, wait a minute
You gotta check it and see, one more time for me
Wait
Wait
Wait
Deliver the letter, the sooner the better
Wait
The Beatles did a version two years later, one of three Motown songs on 'With the Beatles' ('The Beatles' Second Album'), including 'You've Really Got A Hold On Me' and 'Money (That's What I Want)'.
The song was a big hit for the Carpenters fourteen years later, hitting number one in Australia, Germany, Japan and the US.
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