the Contours

American singing group

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July 22, 2026

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The Contours were an American singing group associated with Motown Records in the 1960s. They were part of the soul music movement, which evolved from rhythm and blues and gospel music. The Contours are known for their hit song "Do You Love Me".1

Soul music, as a genre, is characterized by its deep emotional delivery and roots in African American musical traditions. Artists like The Contours contributed to the diverse sound of soul music, which also encompassed the work of labels like Stax/Volt and producers like Holland-Dozier-Holland.21

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Motown
1960s roster of hitmakers and mainstream appeal
…such as the Four Tops, the Contours, and Junior Walker and the All-Stars. A number of acts that were not developed by Motown wound up enjoying hit records during a stint with the company, including the Isley Brothers and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
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…such as the Four Tops, the Contours, and Junior Walker and the All-Stars. A number of acts that were not developed by Motown wound up enjoying hit records during a stint with the company, including the Isley Brothers and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
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soul music
…artists with genuine gospel grit—the Contours (“Do You Love Me” [1962]), Marvin Gaye (“Can I Get a Witness” [1963]), and Stevie Wonder (“Uptight [Everything’s Alright]” [1966]). But Motown packaged its acts as clean-cut and acceptable, as it sought to sell to white teens. As the civil rights movement gained…
Read More
…artists with genuine gospel grit—the Contours (“Do You Love Me” [1962]), Marvin Gaye (“Can I Get a Witness” [1963]), and Stevie Wonder (“Uptight [Everything’s Alright]” [1966]). But Motown packaged its acts as clean-cut and acceptable, as it sought to sell to white teens. As the civil rights movement gained…
Read More