The Commodores - "Nightshift"

(Debuted January 26, 1985, Peaked #3, 22 Weeks on the Chart)

Yesterday, this blog featured a Top 10 song that was a tribute to Marvin Gaye on his passing. Today, here's another song that was a Top 10 hit at the same time and recalled Gaye as well as Jackie Wilson, who also died in 1984. The two parts addressed the fallen singers by name and included the titles of some of their songs in its lyrics.

"Nightshift" was the biggest hit The Commodores enjoyed after the departure of Lionel Richie for a solo career and James Michael Carmichael (who co-produced "Missing You" for Diana Ross). Not only did it hit #3 on the pop chart, it was a four-week #1 on the R&B chart as well. Rather than a new beginning, it was nearing the end of the line for the group, as Thomas McClary would soon leave the group as well. They left Motown the next year.

A new version of the song was recorded in 2010 and dedicated to another fellow Motown artist: Michael Jackson.