Conversation so far:
Who were the original members of Martha and the Vandellas?
Martha and the Vandellas formed in 1957 as The Del-Phis by friends Annette Beard, Rosalind Ashford, Gloria Williams, and eventually included Martha Reeves.
Did Annette Beard, Rosalind Ashford, Gloria Williams, and Martha Reeves stay with The Del-Phis?
Martha Reeves moved up to lead vocalist after Gloria Williams' departure in 1962.
What year was The Del-Phis formed?
The Del-Phis were formed in 1957
What else can you tell me about the formation of the band Martha and the Vandellas besides initial formation as the Del-Phis and departure of Gloria Williams?
When The Del-Phis briefly separated after two record flops, Martha Reeves return to a solo career under the name Martha LaVaille in hopes of getting a contract with Motown.
Did Martha Reeves get a contract with Motown?
After Motown staffer Mickey Stevenson noticed Martha Reeves singing at a prominent Detroit club, he offered her his business card for an audition.
How did Martha Reeves' audition for Motown go?
Martha Reeves showed up at Motown on a wrong date (Motown auditions were held at Thursdays, while Reeves showed up to Motown's Hitsville USA studios on a Tuesday).
Did Martha Reeves get the audition with Motown?
Mickey Stevenson, initially upset, told Martha Reeves to look out for clients and other matters. She became Stevenson's secretary and later was responsible for helping acts audition for the label.
Did becoming Mickey Stevenson's secretary help Martha Reeves career?
By 1961, Martha and the Vandellas, now known as The Vels (previously The Del-Phis), were recording background vocals for Motown acts.
Who did Martha and the Vandellas as the The Vels do background vocals for?
Martha and the Vandellas (then the Vels) were background vocals for Sandra Edwards, prior to her success as lead singer of The Elgins and emerging Motown star Marvin Gaye.

Question: Did the background vocals lead to a successful career?
Self-contained rewrite: Did the background vocals of Martha and the Vandellas lead to a successful career?