I co-wrote this wonderful song with both Ronnie McNeir and the wonderful charismatic Obie (Renaldo) Benson, of the Four Tops, who sadly passed away a few years ago. Obie had also written "What's Going On" with Marvin Gaye of course, and had co-written with me and Ronnie that wonderful tribute to Marvin, by his brother Frankie Gaye, called "My Brother". This song, "Wholeheartedly", was first recorded in 1990, then years later went on to become one of the first of these Motorcity recordings to be wholeheartedly welcomed and adored by the London Soul scene. Ronnie McNeir made a record as a teenager called "Sitting In My Class", which became a huge Northern Soul favourite. He became close friends with Kim Weston and moved to Los Angeles. Ronnie then returned to his home town of Detroit, and built up his recording career. After recording for many more labels, he signed to Prodigal, which became a part of Motown, and then recorded for Motown itself. He was a major part of our Motorcity project, writing for many other artists, along with his lifetime friend, "Four Top" Obie Benson, as well as singing for us as an artist. He is now a permanent member of the Four Tops, since only one original member is now left, Duke Fakir. My friend Ralph Tee flew to Las Vegas, where Ronnie now lives, especially to shoot the video for our big Motorcity classic, "Lucky Number".
