Commodores Trivia: How Well Do You Know the Funk Legends?

The Commodores left Motown in 1986 likely due to a desire for more creative control, financial reasons, or a desire to explore different opportunities outside of the label. Motown, being a major record label, may have had certain restrictions or limitations that the band wanted to move away from in order to further their career or artistic vision.

Milan Williams was a key member of the Commodores who wrote the hit song "Machine Gun". As the keyboardist and one of the founding members of the band, Williams played a significant role in shaping their sound and contributing to their success. His talent and creativity were evident in his songwriting abilities, which helped the Commodores achieve widespread recognition and popularity in the music industry.

The members of The Commodores met at Tuskegee Institute in 1968. Tuskegee Institute was a historically black college where the band members came together and formed the group. This college provided the environment and opportunity for the members to connect and create music together, leading to the formation of The Commodores.

"Nightshift" by The Commodores is a Grammy-winning song that pays tribute to music legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The song mentions Marvin Gaye in the lyrics as a way to honor his legacy and influence on the music industry.

Berry Gordy discovered The Commodores. As the founder of Motown Records, Gordy played a significant role in shaping the careers of many successful artists, including The Commodores. His keen eye for talent and innovative approach to the music industry helped propel the group to stardom. Gordy's influence and guidance were instrumental in the success of The Commodores, making him a crucial figure in their discovery and rise to fame.

The Commodores were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003, recognizing their contributions and impact as a vocal group. This honor highlights their musical achievements and enduring popularity within the music industry, solidifying their place among the great vocal groups of all time.

Caught In The Act is the album by the Commodores that earned the Bronze Prize at the Tokyo Music Festival. This recognition likely indicates that the album was well-received and appreciated by audiences in Tokyo, showcasing the band's talent and musical prowess on an international stage.

In the 1977 movie "Thank God It's Friday", the Commodores appeared alongside Donna Summer. This disco-themed film featured performances by both musical acts, contributing to the overall soundtrack and atmosphere of the movie.

"Oh No" by the Commodores is featured in the movie "The Last American Virgin" because the melancholic tone and lyrics of the song perfectly capture the emotions and themes of the film. The song's soulful melody and heartfelt vocals enhance key scenes in the movie, adding depth and emotion to the story being told.

J.D. Nicholas assumed co-lead vocals for The Commodores after Lionel Richie left the band. This change in vocal duties allowed the band to continue performing and releasing music despite the departure of their former lead singer. J.D. Nicholas brought his own unique style and talent to the group, helping them maintain their success in the music industry.

The Commodores opened for The Jackson 5 early in their career, which provided them with valuable exposure and experience performing in front of large audiences. This opportunity likely helped The Commodores gain recognition and build a fan base, ultimately contributing to their own success in the music industry.

The Commodores' first chart-topping single was "Machine Gun." This song, released in 1974, showcased the band's unique blend of funk and soul music, and became a huge success, propelling them to the top of the charts. The instrumental track featured powerful brass and guitar work, solidifying The Commodores' reputation as a formidable force in the music industry.

Rob Zombie covered the Commodores song "Brick House" in 2003. This cover version brought a new, heavier rock sound to the funk classic, showcasing Rob Zombie's unique style and interpretation of the song. The fusion of rock and funk elements in this cover gave the song a fresh and modern feel, appealing to both Rob Zombie fans and fans of the original Commodores version.

The Commodores named their instrumental "Cebu" after the island in the Philippines. This suggests that the island of Cebu in the Philippines was the inspiration or subject of the song, possibly due to its significance or influence on the band members.

Thomas McClary made his musical debut with his high school band at the age of 13, showcasing his talent and passion for music at a young age. This early start in his musical journey likely played a significant role in shaping his future career as a musician.

Thomas McClary's high school band was named Matadors.

Milan B. Williams left the Commodores in 1989, marking the end of his time with the band. This departure may have been due to personal reasons, creative differences, or a desire to pursue other opportunities outside of the group. Whatever the specific reason, his exit in 1989 marked a significant change for both Williams and the Commodores.