At the very end of the 1950s, a songwriter and record producer called Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and set up the R&B label Tamla Records in his native Detroit. Incredibly, following only two relatively successful releases, he founded another label. Turns out he made a great decision. His new venture went on to become one of the most successful labels in recorded music history. (Our featured image is by DaveBleasdale)
In its early days the Motown label was Detroit through and through. From its name – a combination of the words “motor” and “town”, a recognition of the way the city revolved around its automobile industry – to the artists it released, the label was an expression of 1960s Detroit.
The Motown Sound was distinct. But more importantly than that, it was popular – transcendentally popular. In a time of great racial tension, this black-owned, black-oriented business produced a style of melodic soul music that white Americans just couldn’t get enough of.
If you want to learn more Motown’s artists, Berry Gordy and the influence the label had on America, the Motown Museum is a good place to start. Since 1985, the museum has occupied the suburban house turned recording studio that served as the label’s first headquarters. Soon after the label took up residence, Gordy put up a sign reading “Hitsville U.S.A.” At the time, it was an ambition – by 1971 it was a reality. A music factory in the shadows of its larger automobile cousins, 2648 West Grand Boulevard turned out 110 top 10 hits over the course of a decade.
We’ve put together a playlist of Motown’s greatest hits. Enjoy!
1. Heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
2. My Girl – Temptations
3. Reach Out I’ll Be There – Four Tops
4. Where Did Our Love Go – Supremes
5. Dancing in the Street – Martha & The Vandellas
6. I Want You Back – Jackson 5
7. Stevie Wonder – Superstition
8. The Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
9. Upside Down (Inside Out) – Diana Ross
10. All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
