*As we come to the close of the year, we have lost yet another Motown alum – Bertha Barbee-McNeal (“Barbee Doll”) of The Velvelettes passed away December 15th at age 82. You may recall the group’s breakout hit “Needle In A Haystack” released in 1964 on one of Motown’s several labels, VIP records. It was followed by another release “He Was Really Saying Something” both produced by the late, great Norman Whitfield. Two other songs “There He Goes” and “That’s The Reason Why” featured Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
To put things in historical perspective, The Velvelettes would out-perform The Supremes at Motown’s Battle of the Stars competitions before The Supremes became a global phenomenon alongside The Beatles.
The original group was founded by Bertha and friend Mildred Gill who both were students at Western Michigan University (WMU). Bertha recruited her cousin Norma Barbee, and Mildred recruited her younger sister Caldin (“Cal” or “Carolyn” as she is known) Gill who became the lead singer. The group was completed by Cal’s friend Betty Kelley who later became a member of Martha & The Vandellas.
In addition to being the group’s historian, Bertha, who was also an accomplished pianist, supported and taught music at the Helen L. Fox Gospel Music Center in her hometown Kalamazoo. In an interview at WMU for Black History Month, Bertha said “music is my life…” and she stayed the course to the very end. The Velvelettes continue to travel and perform throughout the United States and abroad.
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As condolences continue to pour in from Motown cohorts and others around the globe, The Velvelette’s lead singer Cal said, “I’m so deeply grateful and honored to have known my Bertie. She was my dearest friend and I love her very much. She was such a sweet inspiration to me and so many others who knew her. We traveled and sang all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. Our travels have allowed us to cultivate several friendships and have numerous fans all over the world. Particularly in England, we have several loyal fans. I will cherish Bertha’s love and friendship forever.”
Former Entertainment Editor for the Michigan Chronicle, Steve Holsey, said, “Sorry to hear about [Bertha]. She seemed so nice. Until now, the Velvelettes were the only Motown group with no passings.”
Priscilla Massie of Allegan, Michigan said “Bertha taught with my mother at Milwood Junior High, and the kids just loved her so much. My mother put on a lot of parties, and Bertha came, played my mother’s grand piano, sang, just a wonderful person to talk to.” She added, “Bertha will always live on in her Motown music, and her students who learned that ‘music is as important to a good life as good nutrition.”
McNeal is survived by son Marty McNeal, and daughter Melva Payton, as well as a granddaughter, Cydni Payton, and grandson, Spencer Payton.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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