Nostalgia: When Mary Wells’ Song ‘My Guy’ Hit No.1 On The Pop Charts

Fifty-three years ago today, Mary Wells’ hit single “My Guy” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, Tamla Records owner Berry Gordy enjoyed plenty of success with hit songs like “Shop Around” and “Please Mr. Postman.”

But in 1962, Gordy saw something special in a aspiring songwriter Mary Wells. Instead of signing her to Tamla Records, he decided that Wells would be the first artist on his brand new and then-unknown label, Motown Records.

The gamble payed off—for both Gordy and Wells. On May 16, 1964, Wells’ song “My Guy” shot up to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, giving Motown Records its first-ever number one hit. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, the song is about a woman’s dedication to the good nature of her man.