A Rare Voice at Motown: The Story of Chris Clark’s Bold Beginning
In the mid-1960s, when Motown was shaping the sound of a generation, one unexpected voice stepped into the spotlight. Chris Clark, a California native with a deep, bluesy tone far beyond her years, joined the legendary label in 1963/1964 after auditioning for producer Hal Davis. At first, she worked behind the scenes in the Motown office. But by 1965, she was ready to step forward, releasing her debut single, “Do Right Baby, Do Right.” It marked the arrival of one of the most unique and overlooked figures in the label’s history.
Background
Clark’s journey was anything but typical. At a time when Motown was primarily known for its powerhouse Black artists, she stood out as one of the rare white female performers signed to the company. Yet what made her remarkable was not her background—it was her sound. With a voice rooted in soul and blues, Clark delivered performances that felt raw, heartfelt, and deeply authentic. Many listeners who heard her on the radio assumed they were hearing a seasoned R&B singer raised in the heart of Detroit’s musical scene. Few realized she had come from Santa Cruz, California, bringing with her a smoky, emotionally rich vocal style that blended seamlessly with Motown’s polished production.
“Do Right Baby, Do Right” introduced audiences to a singer who could command attention without overpowering a song. The single carried the unmistakable Motown groove, yet Clark’s vocal phrasing gave it a blues-infused edge. Behind the scenes, she quickly earned respect not only as a performer but also as a creative mind. Over time, she transitioned into songwriting within the company—an achievement that speaks volumes about her talent and the trust Motown placed in her artistry.
Introduction
What makes Chris Clark’s story especially compelling is how it reflects the broader spirit of Motown itself—a label built on breaking barriers and redefining expectations. In an era of social change and musical innovation, her presence quietly challenged assumptions about genre and identity. While she may not always be the first name mentioned in Motown retrospectives, her contributions remain part of the label’s rich tapestry.
For longtime fans of classic soul and those who remember the magic of 1960s radio, Chris Clark’s early recordings offer something special: a reminder that great music transcends categories. ❤️ Her voice carried both strength and vulnerability, and her career stands as proof that sometimes the most fascinating stories in music history belong to the artists who dared to be different. 🎵
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
You don’t treat me gentle
Like you used to do
Forgetting you baby
It’s hard to do, it’s hard to doGuided me to the rainbows and
You took me to a place I’d never been
And then you turned away and you closed the door
Leaving me alone like I was before
Memories that I can’t erase
As I sit and think about that special place[Chorus]
I want to go back there again
I want to go back there again[Verse 2]
And you say it’s over
And I know it’s true
If it’s really over
Why did you, oh, why did you?Why’d you take my hand and lead me on?
Why’d you make me feel that I was grown?
For I thought that I could really play the game
But it’s me that’s left here with all the pain
Riding high like never before
You built me up and you slammed the door