The Rayber Voices

This early Motown backing vocal group came from Detroit, Michigan, USA. The ensemble was established in 1958 and directed by Berry Gordy’s second wife, Raynoma Gordy (b. Raynoma Mayberry, 8 March 1937, Detroit, Michigan, USA). There was no established line-up, but the most regular participants were Robert Bateman (bass), Sonny Sanders (b. William Sanders, 6 August 1939, Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA; tenor), Brian Holland (b. 15 February 1941, Detroit, Michigan, USA; baritone) and Raynoma Gordy (soprano). The group made their debut on Herman Griffin’s ‘I Need You’ (1958), and toured with Marv Johnson the following year after his ‘Come To Me’ achieved a modicum of success. Joining the voices at this time was Gwendolyn Murray. As Gordy’s Motown empire grew the Rayber Voices eventually included members of the Temptations, Martha And The Vandellas, and the Miracles. However, the days of using ad hoc ensembles soon ended and by the early 60s the Rayber Voices was replaced by a full-time back-up group, the Andantes.