At WIKIPEDIA

"Do You Love Me" is a 1962 (see 1962 in music) hit single recorded by The Contours for Motown's Gordy Records label. Written and produced by Motown CEO Berry Gordy, Jr., "Do You Love Me" was the Contours' only Top 40 single on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in the United States. Notably, the record achieved this feat twice, once in 1962 and again in 1987 (see 1987 in music).

Original release
Berry Gordy wrote "Do You Love Me" with the intention that The Temptations, who at this time had no Top 40 hits to their name, would record it. However, when Gordy wanted to locate the group and record the song, they were nowhere to be found (the Temptations hadn't been made aware of Gordy's intentions, and had departed Motown's Hitsville USA studio for a local Detroit gospel music showcase). After spending some time looking for the Temptations, Gordy ran into the Contours (Billy Gordon, Hubert Johnson, Billy Hoggs, Joe Billingslea, Sylvester Potts, and guitarist Hugh Davis) in the hallway. Wanting to record and release "Do You Love Me" as soon as possible, Gordy decided to let them record his "sure-fire hit" instead of the Temptations. The Contours, who were in danger of being dropped from the label after their first two singles ("Whole Lotta' Woman" and "The Stretch") failed to chart, were so elated at Gordy's offer that they immediately began hugging and thanking him.

"Do You Love Me", the fifth release on Gordy Records, became a notably successful dance record, built around lead singer Billy Gordon's screaming vocals. Selling over a million copies, "Do You Love Me" peaked at number-three on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, and was a number-one hit on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. An album featuring the single, Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance), was also released. None of the Contours' future singles lived up to the success of "Do You Love Me", although its success won the group a headlining position on Motown's very first Motor Town Revue tour.

 

 

 

The Contours

"Do You Love Me"

Single by The Contours
from the album Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)
Released June 29, 1962
Format 7" single
Recorded Hitsville USA (Studio A); 1962
Genre Soul
Length 2:54
Label Gordy
G 7005
Writer(s) Berry Gordy, Jr.
Producer(s) Berry Gordy, Jr.
Chart positions

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