Rare Earth was the first all-white rock band signed by Motown Records. It wasn’t so much an integration decision as it was a was an effort to get more airplay on FM Rock stations and sell more records. .

In other words: it was a financial decision.
In fact, to incorporate Rare Earth’s  music under the Motown banner, without actually mentioning Motown,  they  created a record label specifically for the group: Rare Earth Records.  All of this worked perfectly….and everyone benefitted.

Motown got airplay on rock stations, which helped bring in more money…and Rare Earth had 5 Top 20 hits—including this week’s highlighted song: 1971’s “I Just Want to Celebrate,” a Rock & Roll jam that reached #7 on The Hot 100.

Fun Fact: Rare Earth changed personnel so often, it was hard to keep up. Over the years, more than 30 people were part of the band at one time or another–with many members returning and leaving several times.

“I Just “Want to Celebrate” was a rousing success for Motown and Rare Earth…and a  Great Song of 1971!

–Mike Cook