The release of the band’s debut album is preceded by its hard-driving title track, “Machine Gun,” which goes Top 10 R&B at home – and Top 20 pop in Britain. The Commodores toil with an assortment of Motown producers, including Jeffrey Bowen, Gloria Jones and Pam Sawyer.Benny makes a successful pitch: the Commodores hit the road with the brothers, and sign to the record company’s new California label, MoWest, in mid-1971. Meanwhile, an up-and-coming Motown executive of Ashburn’s acquaintance, Suzanne de Passe, needs an act to open for the Jackson 5 on tour.
They cut tracks with producer Swamp Dogg, but none disturbs the charts. and Canada for his funky young clients, and a deal with Atlantic Records, too.