3 British Invasion Bands That Put Their Own Spin on Motown and Nailed It

When Two Music Worlds Collided

The 1960s gave rise to two musical forces that shaped modern pop and rock for decades — the British Invasion and Motown. On one side were bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, bringing their fresh sound from across the Atlantic. On the other were Motown legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, who helped define soul and R&B for generations.

These two styles seemed worlds apart — one British and guitar-driven, the other soulful and rooted in Detroit — but their influence often overlapped. Many British groups paid tribute to Motown’s powerful songwriting and rhythmic grooves by reimagining its hits. Here are three standout moments when British Invasion bands covered Motown classics and made them their own.

“Please Mister Postman” — The Beatles (1963)

Originally recorded by The Marvelettes in 1961, “Please Mister Postman” was Motown’s first single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s youthful energy and longing struck a chord with listeners, helping launch Motown into the national spotlight.

Two years later, The Beatles recorded their own version for their 1963 album With The Beatles. Their take kept the original’s charm while adding tight harmonies and the unmistakable Liverpool accent that made them famous. The Beatles’ admiration for early American rock and R&B was no secret — they often included covers of artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard in their early albums, and “Please Mister Postman” fit perfectly into that mix.

“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” — The Rolling Stones (1978)

The Temptations first released this soulful ballad in 1971, and it became one of Motown’s most timeless hits. Years later, The Rolling Stones revisited it for their 1978 album Some Girls. Their version brought a bluesy rock edge to the track, while still honoring the emotional core of the original.

Unlike The Beatles, who later experimented with pop and psychedelic sounds, The Stones stayed close to their blues influences. Covering a Motown classic wasn’t a surprise — it showed how much American rhythm and soul informed their sound. The Stones’ rendition blended grit and groove in a way that made it feel both familiar and new.

“Do You Love Me” — The Hollies (1964)

The Contours first released “Do You Love Me” in 1962 under Motown’s label, written by founder Berry Gordy himself. The song became a dance-floor favorite, thanks to its driving beat and spirited vocals.

In 1964, The Hollies included their version on their debut album Stay with The Hollies. Their take was louder, faster, and built around the energy of British rock. It turned the Motown original into a raucous anthem that matched the youthful excitement of the era. By fusing Detroit soul with Northern England’s electric rock style, The Hollies proved how easily great songs could cross oceans — and still get people dancing.