Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the fascinating history behind the Motown classic "Do You Love Me." Discover how legendary songwriter Berry Gordy originally intended the track for The Temptations, only to record it with The Contours when the former group couldn't be found. We discuss how the song became a massive R&B hit in 1962 by capitalizing on dance crazes like the Mashed Potato and the Twist.

We also dive into the song’s second life during the British Invasion, analyzing the chart battle between Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, who scored a UK number one, and The Dave Clark Five. Finally, we look at how the 1987 film Dirty Dancing introduced the song to a new generation, sending The Contours back up the Billboard Hot 100 more than twenty years after the original release.