Under Danceland Records (later Lovelane Music), Sammy Kaplan worked with local artists to become an essential part of the Detroit music scene. So when “The Martiniques” came to play, Sammy knew the sound was magic from the first moment. The guys in The Martinques included Bobby Martin, Andy Alonzo, Hershel Hunter, Robert Walker, Buford (Fab) Glanton. The Martiniques’ first single, “Broken Hearted Me” and “Unknown Love” recorded the two 45s for Sammy Kaplan’s Danceland label at 18956 Wyoming Ave in Detroit in 1962, hits from the get-go featuring the group’s signature harmonies and soulful vocals, which set them apart from other vocal groups of the time.
The Martiniques released several more singles on Danceland Records, including “Tonight Is Just Another Night” and “I Can’t Forget About You.” The group’s music continued to be popular with local audiences, and they performed at many of the city’s top venues, including the famed 20 Grand nightclubs. The Martiniques helped to pave the way for other vocal groups and soul artists from Detroit, such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Aretha Franklin. Today, The Martiniques were essential to Detroit’s musical heritage. Their music continues to be appreciated by doo-wop, R&B, and soul music fans, and their legacy lives on through the artists they inspired.
