The Rayber Voices

This early Motown backing vocal group originated from Detroit, Michigan, USA. The ensemble was founded in 1958 and directed by Berry Gordy’s second wife, Raynoma Gordy (b. Raynoma Mayberry, 8 March 1937, Detroit, Michigan, USA). There is no founded line-up, however the most regular individuals had been Robert Bateman (bass), Sonny Sanders (b. William Sanders, 6 August 1939, Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA; tenor), Brian Holland (b. 15 Feb 1941, Detroit, Michigan, USA; baritone) and Raynoma Gordy (soprano). The group produced their debut on Herman Griffin’s ‘I Want You’ (1958), and toured with Marv Johnson the next yr after his ‘Arrive To Me’ accomplished a modicum of achievement. Becoming a member of the voices at the moment was Gwendolyn Murray. As Gordy’s Motown empire grew the Rayber Voices ultimately included members from the Temptations, Martha AS WELL AS THE Vandellas, as well as the Wonders. However, the times of using random ensembles soon finished and by the first 60s the Rayber Voices was changed with a full-time back-up group, the Andantes.