Real Martha Reeves

Tomorrow on the Jennifer Hudson Show Jennifer and I talk about my new album SEARCHING, as well as the old Motown days. We even create a “Heat Wave” during our time together. Check it out tomorrow, Friday, September 25. Check your local listings.

More spottings of SEARCHING at local record shops. This is from “New Music Friday” last week. Thank you for the love and for sharing.

My new dance single “I Got it Bad”, featuring Fred Schneider of the B-52s and remixed by Eric Kupper is OUT NOW and available on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming platforms. CHECK IT OUT!

https://marthareeves.hearnow.com/searching

SEARCHING

I’m so excited for you to see my appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. It was such an incredible experience and she is truly one of the finest people and entertainers I have ever sat down with. She is a true QUEEN! Tune in this upcoming Friday, September 25, 2026.

SEARCHING is available on all streaming platforms as well as on vinyl and CD. Check your local record stores or order at www.marthareeves.net.

Happy Motown Monday! This is a very special photo of Annette, Rosalind, Myself, Betty and Lois right after receiving our Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame statues in 1995. At that time we were the second all girl group to receive this honor and still one of only 5 all girl groups inducted to this day. It was a lovely evening filled full of love and memories. ♥️🎶

Happy Birthday to my sister in song, Freda Payne. Love & God Bless, Martha Rose 🌹 ❤️

♥️♥️♥️

🕊️ TODAY, WE REMEMBER OUR BELOVED ROZ

Yesterday was Betty Kelley’s 82nd birthday—a day we had already set aside to celebrate Betty and give her the flowers she deserves.

When we learned of Rosalind Ashford-Holmes’ passing, we could not bring ourselves to place such heartbreaking news in the middle of Betty’s celebration. We wanted Betty to have her day.

So today, we are dedicating the entire day to our beloved Roz.

REMEMBERING ROSALIND “ROZ” ASHFORD-HOLMES
September 2, 1943 – September 15, 2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rosalind “Roz” Ashford-Holmes, an original Vandella and one of the voices woven forever into the sound of Motown.

Before the world knew “Heat Wave,” “Dancing in the Street,” “Nowhere to Run,” “I’m Ready for Love” or “Jimmy Mack,” there was a group of young women in Detroit with a dream.

And Rosalind Ashford was there from the beginning.

Many people do not realize that Rosalind was in the group before Martha Reeves. She was not recruited to join a group that had been created around Martha. Rosalind, Annette Beard and Gloria Williams were already singing together in the Del-Phis when Martha entered the picture, replacing a member of their existing group.

That makes Rosalind Ashford-Holmes more than an original member of Martha and the Vandellas.

She was a true founding member of the group’s entire story.

The young women traveled the uncertain road from local performances and early recordings to the beginnings of what would become Motown history. For one of their earliest Motown recordings, they recorded as the Vels. While providing backing vocals during Motown’s early years, the women were even credited on record under another name—the Fayettes.

They also became the first girl group at Motown to sing behind Marvin Gaye—a distinction I have heard each of the original women, at one time or another, proudly proclaim as one of their crowning achievements.

The names may have changed, but Rosalind’s voice was already there.

Then came the session that changed everything.

The recording session had been intended for Mary Wells, but Mary was not there—or had not yet arrived. Union requirements meant that a vocalist had to be at the microphone while the musicians recorded, so Martha was called in to sing.

With her group members beside her, Martha recorded “I Have to Let Him Go.” What began as a practical solution during someone else’s session was ultimately released as a single—and Martha and the Vandellas were born.

Martha’s powerful lead voice naturally commanded attention, but behind and around that voice was a vocal blend every bit as essential to the group’s identity. Rosalind supplied its soaring high soprano—a bright, beautiful and distinctive sound that helped give the Vandellas’ records their urgency, excitement and unmistakable lift.

Betty Kelley has always spoken with great affection about Rosalind’s beautiful soprano voice. But Betty also remembers the person behind that voice—a genuinely sweet soul who helped make her transition into the Vandellas much easier.

Joining an already successful group could not have been simple. Betty has repeatedly credited Roz, along with Roz’s mother, with helping her adjust and find her place within the Vandellas. That kindness may never have appeared in the record credits, but it was another important part of who Rosalind Ashford-Holmes was.

She was not simply standing in the background.

She was part of the sound—and part of the heart of the group.

Listen closely to those records we have loved for more than sixty years. Rosalind is there—in the responses, the harmonies, the cries and the rhythmic excitement that made a Vandellas recording recognizable almost from its opening moments.

She was there when “Come and Get These Memories” helped establish Holland–Dozier–Holland as a major creative force. She was there through “Quicksand,” “Heat Wave,” “Dancing in the Street,” “Nowhere to Run,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “I’m Ready for Love,” “Jimmy Mack” and so many more.

She toured the world, appeared on television, stood on some of the most celebrated stages in music and helped create recordings that became part of the soundtrack of American life.

In 1995, Rosalind was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Martha and the Vandellas. But her true monument had already been built—in every record, every harmony and every generation that found joy, strength and freedom in the music she helped create.

Rosalind celebrated her 83rd birthday on September 2. Just thirteen days later, the Motown family lost another irreplaceable part of its history.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Rosalind’s family and loved ones; to Martha Reeves, Annette Beard-Helton, Betty Kelley and every member of the Vandellas family; and to all those whose lives were touched by her voice, her kindness and her legacy.

Rosalind Ashford-Holmes may have sung behind the lead—but her contribution can never be placed in the background.

She was there before the hits.

She was there before the name.

The voice was always there.

And as long as those records continue to play, it always will be.

Today belongs to Roz.

Rest peacefully, our beloved Rosalind. Thank you for the memories. 💙

What is your favorite Rosalind-era recording by Martha and the Vandellas?