Special Edition - Summer 2023 Luxury x Entertainment: Celebrating Black Music Month | Page 70

As a young man , in 1960 , Otis put together a group of five singers called Otis Williams and the Distance . The group consisted of Otis Williams , Melvin Franklin , Elbridge Bryant , James Crawford , and Richard Street . They had a regional hit called “ Come On ”. One night at a record op , Williams and his group of five were about to be discovered by a young burgeoning music “ hit maker ” who would change the trajectory of their lives forever . The one and only Mr . Berry Gordy was at the Saint Stephens Community Center as well , with his Motown group The Miracles and lead singer Smokey Robinson .

As positive fate then 19 year ol that night he f next to Mr . Go Gordy told Oti record that his proceeded to in group to come was starting hi timing could n opportune as O Distance group disenchanted w management .