One of the original great divas, Martha Reeves and her group the Vandellas were one of the most successful bands in Motown in the ’60s and ’70s. They charted more than 20 hits such as Jimmy Mack and Dancing In The Street, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2014. The group were inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995, just the second all-female group to be bestowed with the honour. She talks to Laura Enfield.

How did you get your big break?

I was discovered by Motown’s A&R director, Mickey Stevenson, while singing at Detroit’s 20 Grand nightclub. I was using the stage name Martha LaVaille, singing jazz and blues songs. He told me I had talent, gave me his card, and told me to come to Hitsville, USA for an audition. I showed up the next day, not knowing I was supposed to call in to schedule an audition. He told me to just answer some phones for a few minutes while he took care of some business. He was gone for about three hours. During that time, I answered phones, dealt with members of the Funk Brothers and basically set up the A&R department to run like an office. I had taken a commercial course in high school, so I knew what to do. That’s one thing I always tell young people: get your education. You will use everything you learn one day.

What is your favourite song or lyric and why?

My songs are like my children. I love all of them, and don’t really have a favourite.

Do you do anything special to keep your voice in shape?

I consider my talent a gift from God, so every morning, I get up and sing The Lord’s Prayer and from the Book of Psalms.

What keeps you performing now you’re in your 70s?

The people. I’m often asked what’s my favourite city or venue, but it’s not about the place, it’s always about the people. I love it when I sing a song like Jimmy Mack, and the audience knows every word. The Motown sound is forever.

What brings you joy?

So many things: Jesus definitely brings me joy. My family. I have one son, Eric, three grandchildren, and a new great-grandbaby, Sophia Rose.

Top moment of your career?

Bringing the Motown Review to the UK the first time in 1965 is definitely one. This tour is almost 49 years to the date.

What is the strangest thing a fan has ever done for you/given you?

A fan asked me to autograph his back. He went to a tattoo salon and had my signature tattooed into his skin. That was a first!

Was there ever any animosity between you and Diana Ross and The Supremes?

No. There was no personal animosity. During the first Motown tours, acts would room together. There was competition between all the Motown acts. Berry Gordy, being the genius he is, set it up that way because he knew that the competition would make all of us work harder and get better. During the Motown reviews, everyone would always try to make the stage hot for the next act. We opened doors for one another. The Marvelettes made the way for Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. We made the way for The Supremes. The Contours made the way for The Temptations. Marv Johnson made the way for Marvin Gaye, and so on.

Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

I received a doctorate in Humanities from a Baptist Seminary in Birmingham, Alabama in November 2012, so I am “Dr.“ Martha Rose Reeves.

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas play the Brooklyn Bowl at The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX on December 12 at 7pm. Details: theo2.co.uk