In the fall of ’58, two women walked into Berry and Pops auditioning room on St Antoine. They were Raynoma Liles and her sister Alice Mayberry. Unfortunately they failed the audition as singers even though they had just won a singing contest at the Twenty Grand.

However Berry liked Raynoma’s other talents which were in song writing and lead sheets. The job would stretch to backing vocals too. And eventually, on a more personal level, romance.

The arrival of Raynoma may have helped trigger the formation of the Rayber Music Writing Company, especially since her name is included in the title. 

The couple set about a small advertising campaign for their new company. Rayber claimed that they were capable of adding melodies to lyrics, lyrics to melodies, finishing partially written songs, adding arrangements to songs, or writing music for wannabee singers. They were also bold enough to offer credit terms of $100 as they felt that some customers could struggle with their bills.

The Rayber Voices were to be their customers backing group and comprised of Raynoma, Robert Bateman, Brian Holland and Sonny Sanders. 

The advertising campaign was a success and future luminaries such as Louvain Demps of the Andantes and Mickey Stevenson walked through the door. 

Mickey was an ex-neighbour of Raynoma’s when she lived on Canfield. He brought a number of songs with him to add to what had already come in from Smokey Robinson.

Stevenson had gained experience through his own Stepp label and perhaps this was the reason that Berry appointed him to the position of A&R/Producer. He certainly didn’t like his voice.

Being a producer in this early stage of Motown’s life meant writing and arranging a song, finding a suitable artist, and finally cutting the song in a studio.

Berry would then probably take the acetate to a well established company. If the company liked the song they may provide some kind of an advance and with a bit of luck, a royalty and further remuneration if the song was a hit, and if you had it licensed.

Several promising singers also came to audition in the form of  Eugene Remus, Wade Jones and Little Willie John’s sister, Mable.

Berry and Raynoma decided to move out of Gwen’s flat on St Antoine, and into premises at 2040 Blaine which was owned by her brother Mike Ossman. They were able to hold rehearsals there, do the administration work and buy studio time from Bristoe Bryant’s at $10 an hour.

Gwen Gordy

By December, Roquel was romantically involved with Berry’s sister Gwen and they had recently opened their own publishing company called RO-GOR. 

This would herald the end of the Gordy/Davis song writing partnership and the beginning of the JOBETE Publishing Company which was named after Berry’s three kids. No mention of Raynoma in this handle.

music : "I Need You" - Herman Griffin & The Rayber Voices (Hob112a)

Continued