The group that would become Jr. Walker and the All Stars formed in South Bend, Indiana in the mid-1950s.  They were signed to Motown records in 1964 and almost immediately started to crank out hits.  Their music, driven by Junior’s incredible saxophone, provided one of Motown’s most distinctive signature sounds.  Let’s listen to (I’m a) Road Runner, one of their big hits from 1966, and you will see what I mean……

If you were listening closely you won’t be surprised to hear that Junior was one of Clarence Clemons’ biggest musical influences.  That influence becomes even clearer when you listen to What Does It Take (To Win Your Love), my favorite Jr. Walker and the All Stars song that was a huge hit in 1969…………..

I’ve heard stories that Motown initially rejected What Does It Take as a single.  As has happened with many other songs, radio DJ’s knew better and started to play the song even though it wasn’t a single.  The popularity of the song on the radio forced Motown’s hand.   Once they released it as a single it became a huge hit reaching number 4 on the charts.