Rosalind Ashford-Holmes Collection on Martha and the Vandellas
Date
1954-1970, 1992, undated
Size
0.21 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Rosalind Ashford-Holmes Collection on Martha and the Vandellas includes materials from 1954 to 1992, with the bulk dated from 1963 to 1968. The files are organized into two series that contain materials on Martha and the Vandellas and the personal papers of Rosalind Ashford-Holmes. Series I: Martha and the Vandellas consists of contracts, clippings, postcards, photographs and slides, an audiotape, and documents for the Motortown Revue, including European tour information. Series II: Personal Papers consists of the personal documents and photographs of Rosalind Ashford-Holmes and include education documents, photographs, a passport, and Motown identification card. The collection provides insight into Ashford-Holmes' childhood and Motown's business and marketing for a popular 1960s female vocal group.
Biography / Administrative History
Rosalind Ashford Holmes, born September 2, 1943, is an American soul and R&B singer, best known for her work as an original member of the Motown group, Martha and the Vandellas. A high soprano, Ashford-Holmes continued as a member of the group during its most successful years; leaving in the group in 1968. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 1995 as a member of Martha and the Vandellas. Martha and the Vandellas were an American soul-pop vocal group formed in 1957. The group achieved success in the 1960s as one of Motown's premier all-female groups. The original members were Martha Reeves, Annette Beard Sterling-Helton, and Rosalind Ashford. Later members included Betty Kelly, Lois Reeves, and Sandra Tilley. The group was originally founded as the Del-Phis, but had two record flops with Checker Records and Checkmate Records in the early 1960s. The group's big break came in 1962, when Motown Berry Gordy, Jr. signed them after providing background vocals for Marvin Gaye. The group's new name, Martha and the Vandellas, was derived from combining the names of Detroit street Van Dyke, and one of Reeves's favorite singers, Della Reese. Martha and the Vandellas recorded a classic run of singles in the mid-1960s, most of them composed by the songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland. The Vandellas' hit streak included "Dancing in the Street," as well as "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave," "Nowhere to Run," and "Jimmy Mack." Martha and the Vandellas recorded throughout the 1960s for Motown's Gordy label, charting 24 R&B hits, and became one of the company's most successful touring acts. Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Rosalind Ashford-Homes Collection on Martha and the Vandellas was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as a gift from Ashford-Holmes on May 21, 1995.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Rosalind Ashford-Holmes Collection on Martha and the Vandellas, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Crystal Matjasic, Project Archivist. Completed December 21, 2018. Revised by Lyndsey Godwin-Kresge, Audiovisual Archivist. Completed December 15, 2023. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through an Access to Historical Records grant from the NHPRC.
Language Note: Collection is primarily in English; materials in French are indicated at the file level.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
