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When did Motown start and end?
as Tamla Records on June 7, 1958, and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. Its name, a portmanteau of motor and town, has become a nickname for Detroit, where the label was originally headquartered....Motown.Motown RecordsParent companyUniversal Music GroupFoundedJune 7, 1958FounderBerry Gordy6 more rows
What was the very first Motown song?
“Come to Me” by American singer Marv Johnson was the first ever single to be released by the Tamla Records label which would eventually become known as Motown. Johnson was discovered by Berry Gordy while Johnson performed at a carnival.
When did Motown start?
Motown, in full Motown Record Corporation, also called Hitsville, recording company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., in January 1959 that became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history.
Who started Motown music?
To Be LovedThat's WhyI'll Be ThereYou Got What It TakesHey JoeDo You Love MeBerry Gordy/Songs
What is the biggest Motown hit of all time?
Marvin Gaye - 'Let's Get It On' The song became the biggest selling Motown hit in the US at the time, selling over two-million copies within the first six weeks.
Who is the biggest selling Motown artist of all time?
Diana Ross and The Supremes were the most successful group or artist in Motown's history by at least one measure — their 12 Billboard No. 1 singles. The trio's run of hits started with 1964's "Where Did Our Love Go" and stretched into the early 1970s.
Who won the first Motown Grammy?
This week in 1969, The Temptations became the first Motown recording act to win a Grammy Award - for 'Cloud Nine' for the Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance.
Who wrote most Motown songs?
In total, Gordy wrote or co-wrote 240 of the approximately 15,000 songs in the catalog of Motown's Jobete Music music publishing affiliate. Among the other artists who recorded his compositions are LaVern Baker, the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, the Temptations and Martha Reeves & the Vandellas.
How many #1 hit songs did Motown produce?
Motown 1s is a collection of 25 #1 songs originally released by Motown Records, plus a newly recorded bonus track, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," performed by Michael McDonald.
Who was Motown's most successful act?
The SupremesThe Supremes were the most commercially successful Motown act and are still America's most successful vocal group with 12 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Was Motown all Black?
Arriving at the height of the civil rights movement, Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that gave white America something they just could not get enough of — joyous, sad, romantic, mad, groovin', movin' music. (See an audio slideshow of five of Motown's best tunes.)
Why was Motown so popular?
Its musical themes were instantly relatable (Gordy would also describe the Motown sound as “rats, roaches, soul, guts and love”), and its songs demanded universal audiences.
Who wrote most Motown songs?
In total, Gordy wrote or co-wrote 240 of the approximately 15,000 songs in the catalog of Motown's Jobete Music music publishing affiliate. Among the other artists who recorded his compositions are LaVern Baker, the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, the Temptations and Martha Reeves & the Vandellas.
What led to the decline of Motown?
Another reason behind Motown's decline, McClain suggested, was the 1971 move from Detroit to Los Angeles. “Something happened when it left Detroit and came here,” he said. “They quit being innovators and started following trends. Before, Berry had a much more hands-on approach.
Which Motown song was covered by both the Beatles and rolling stones?
"I Wanna Be Your Man" is a Lennon–McCartney-penned song first recorded and released as a single by the Rolling Stones, and then recorded by the Beatles.
Does Motown still exist?
Motown, as we've come to know it, does not exist anymore. It appears to not be a label, but more of a "label group," now paired with Universal.
When was Motown a success?
Motown enjoyed its greatest success between 1965 and 1968, when it dominated the Billboard charts. Although the company was never quite the force in the 1970s that it was in the ’60s (having lost several key performers), it was still a formidable enterprise with the Jackson 5, the Commodores, Wonder, and Ross.
What was the name of the group that recorded Motown?
In 1959, not long after recording Robinson’s group, the Miracles, for New York-based End Records and establishing Jobete Publishing Company, Gordy began Motown Records (its name derived from Detroit’s nickname, “Motor City”). A number of factors came together to make Motown’s success possible at this time. First, after World War II, big-band swing, the dominant popular dance music in the United States during the Great Depression, became passé. Big musical units were no longer economically feasible. Jazz had been taken over by a new group of Young Turk stylists; calling themselves beboppers, they were inclined to play music for listening rather than dancing.
What was the role of Motown in the 1960s?
During the 1960s Motown became one of the reigning presences in American popular music, along with the Beatles.
What is the name of the Motown record company?
See Article History. Alternative Titles: Hitsville, Motown Record Corporation. Motown, in full Motown Record Corporation, also called Hitsville, recording company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., in January 1959 that became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record ...
What were the factors that made Motown so successful?
First, after World War II, big-band swing, the dominant popular dance music in the United States during the Great Depression, became passé. Big musical units were no longer economically feasible.
Where is the Motown studios?
Motown studios, identified by the “Hitsville U.S.A.” banner, West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan.
Who was the first African American to make Odds Against Tomorrow?
In 1959, the year Gordy founded Motown, Harry Belafonte became the first African American to produce a Hollywood film, Odds Against Tomorrow, through his own company. The social change promised by the 1954 Brown v.
When was Motown founded?
Founded on Jan. 12, 1959 , Motown quickly became another Detroit factory; where the Big Three produced automobiles, Motown assembled the soul and pop classics that changed America. There's no hyperbole in that statement. Arriving at the height of the civil rights movement, Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that gave white America something they just could not get enough of — joyous, sad, romantic, mad, groovin', movin' music. ( See an audio slideshow of five of Motown's best tunes .)
What was the Motown movement?
Arriving at the height of the civil rights movement, Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that gave white America something they just could not get enough of — joyous, sad, romantic, mad, groovin', movin' music.
What was Motown's pride?
And all the while Motown was the pride of Detroit and the pride of black America (though Gordy tried, with his usual bluster, to make it the "Sound of Young America," a label he began to stamp on all of the company's vinyl). Around the time of the '67 Detroit riots, however, things changed, as they eventually had to.
Where is the Motown sign?
Motown. Above the front windows of Motown Records' Detroit headquarters was a sign that read "Hitsville U.S.A." Placed there by Motown founder Berry Gordy soon after his company moved into the modest home at 2648 W. Grand Blvd, the sign demonstrated Gordy's blazing — and at the time, unearned — arrogance. Then the slogan came true.
Who were the artists that were in Motown?
Over the next decade, the sheer number of chart-topping artists, musicians, and groups produced by Motown defied comprehension: Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye.
When was Motown founded?
Motown Record Company, the first large Black owned music company in America, was founded on this date in 1959 . It was also the source of a variant of Black popular music that earned world wide acclaim in the 1960s.
Who was the founder of Motown?
Motown was founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy, Jr ., a successful rhythm-and-blues songwriter. The company enjoyed local success and scored its first nationwide hits with singles by two of its earliest musical groups, the Miracles’ "Shop Around" (1960) and the Marvelette’s "Please Mr. Postman" (1961).
Who is the artist that created Motown?
Motown: The music that changed America. (Image credit: EMI Archive Trust and Universal Music Group) By Arwa Haider 9th January 2019. Sixty years ago, Berry Gordy set up the hit factory of Motown. Arwa Haider looks at how an independent record label created one of the most influential sounds of the 20th Century. O.
When did Gordy sell Motown?
Gordy sold his ownership in Motown in 1988, to major label MCA and an investment banking firm for $61million – noting that this was less than its full worth; indeed, five years later, Polygram would purchase Motown for $301million.
When did Motown release the Freedom Rally?
On the Gordy label, Motown released an album of Martin Luther King’s address to the Freedom Rally held in Detroit on 23 June 1963 (EMI Archive Trust and Universal Music Group) Motown would deliver more explicitly political anthems, too: notably Edwin Starr’s fiery 1970 classic War; its songwriters, Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, ...
Who signed with Gordy before Motown?
Before Motown, Gordy had signed deals for two singles by rising R&B stars The Miracles, featuring a young Smokey Robinson – only to receive a royalty cheque for just $3.19. Robinson reportedly told Gordy: “You might as well start your own record label; I don’t think you could do any worse than this.”.
Who founded Tamla Records?
Detroit-born 29-year-old Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records with an $800 loan from his family’s collective savings. By the following year, he’d merge this into the Motown Record Corporation: an independent empire that would seal its genuinely iconic status, introducing legends including The Jackson 5; Diana Ross and The Supremes; Stevie Wonder;
Is Motown still independent?
The ‘Motown Sound’ is unmistakeable for its glorious melodies and killer hooks; the Motown spirit – as embodied by the vivacious, tenacious Gordy himself (now 89) – is exceptional, even if the label is no longer independent (it’s currently part of Universal Records).
When was Motown Records established?
Despite the passage of time since Motown Records’ establishment in 1959 by Berry Gordy, tens of thousands of visitors pass through Hitsville U.S.A., home to the Motown Museum, each year. Their presence is a testimony to Motown’s legacy and to the charisma, talent and staying power of the music and those who made it.
What is Motown Museum?
Motown Museum is the ongoing heartbeat of the Motown legacy—a global tourist destination for music and history fans that celebrates the authentic story of Motown from its humble beginnings, to its emergence as the “Sound of Young America” and beyond. The Museum brings together fans, people and ideas from different generations and it captures ...
How much is the Motown Museum expansion?
The culmination of years of planning, hard work and generous contributions from dedicated donors, the highly anticipated, $50 million Motown Museum expansion project will grow the museum campus to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination.
How often does Motown Museum change its exhibits?
To ensure our vast collection maintains public visibility, and to keep things fresh for our guests, Motown Museum changes its main gallery exhibit 1-2 times per year. Here is what’s currently showing at our museum.
What is the Motown legacy?
Motown Legacy. As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, the legendary Motown portfolio made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a signature Motown Sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century.
Is Motown Museum a 501c3?
When you contribute to the Motown Museum, you become part of a rich musical and cultural legacy. We are a 501 (c) (3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit.
Where was Motown Records founded?
Founded in 1959 by former auto-worker and songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr. in Detroit, Michigan, Motown Records would become the most successful black-owned record label in history. After co-writing hits for Smokey Robinson and Jackie Wilson, Gordy purchased a house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard and began operating Tamla Records (later Motown). The home served not only as a recording studio but also as label headquarters. “Hitsville USA,” as it was called, would serve as Motown’s headquarters until 1968.
Where did Motown move to?
In 1972 Motown moved its offices to Los Angeles, California where it tried to compete with larger record labels that dominated the industry. Motown continued to release hit records by a new generation of artists including The Jackson 5 and Lionel Richie.
What was the first hit of Motown?
“Hitsville USA,” as it was called, would serve as Motown’s headquarters until 1968. The first hit for Motown was Money (That’s What I Want), by Barrett Strong, co-written by Gordy.
Who was the choreographer of Motown?
The label was home to choreographer Cholly Atkins as well as Maxine Powell who ran Motown Finishing School which taught young acts social graces. Motown was also home to many talented musicians such as backing band The Funk Brothers and songwriting team Holland/Dozier/Holland.
Who was the most successful female singer in Motown?
From there Motown signed many up and coming artists including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder. The Supremes, led by Diana Ross, was the most successful Motown group, and in fact was the most successful female singing group in the history of the recording industry.
Is Motown still in the Hall of Fame?
Motown continues under its own name to release albums by artists such as Erykah Badu and Brian McKnight although it is part of MCA. In 1988 Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and would be joined two years later by the songwriting team Holland/Dozier/Holland.
Who was the first lady of Motown?
Mary Wells (1943–1992) Wells was one of the early superstars of Motown Records. In fact, she was so important to the development of the label’s sound, and such a bright light in the label’s early catalog, that she was known as “The First Lady of Motown.”.
Who scored the first million selling hit in Motown?
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles scored Motown’s first million-selling hit with “Shop Around.” They soon became one of Motown’s top acts. Pictured from left: Bobby Rogers (1940–2013), Pete Moore (1938–2017), Smokey Robinson, and Ronnie White (1939–1995).
Who were the original members of the Temptations?
The original lineup included, from left, Melvin Franklin (1942–1995), David Ruffin (1941–1991), Otis Williams, Paul Williams (1939–1973), and Eddie Kendricks (1939–1992).
Who is the founder of Motown Museum?
Paul McCartney, The Beatles. Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards —former Motown Records executive and sister to Motown founder, Berry Gordy—Motown Museum is home to iconic Hitsville U.S.A., Studio A, and an extensive array of Motown artifacts, photographs, apparel and memorabilia.
What is Motown Museum?
Motown Museum is the beating heart of the extraordinary Motown legacy—a destination that brings together people and ideas from different generations, and celebrates the past while simultaneously building a bridge to the future. About Motown Museum.
How much is the Motown Museum expansion?
The culmination of years of planning, hard work, and generous contributions from dedicated donors, the highly anticipated, multi-phase, $50 million Motown Museum expansion project-the heart of which is called Hitsville NEXT-will grow the museum campus to a nearly 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination.
What is the Motown legacy?
Motown Legacy. As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, the legendary Motown portfolio made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a signature Motown Sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century.
Where is the Motown Museum in Detroit?
Motown Museum is located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit—east of Rosa Parks Boulevard and west of Woodward Ave. and the John C. Lodge Expressway (M-10).
Who was the photographer of the Motown label?
'Capturing A Culture Change' was co-curated by Motown photographer Jim Hendin, and visually traces the transformation of the label's image during the cultural revolution of the late 1960s & early 1970s.
Is Motown Museum a non profit?
As a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit cultural institution, Motown Museum would not exist without the support of our generous patrons like you. Whether you’re down the street or across the globe, you can make an impact on the important work we do here in Detroit. Make a donation today and help us preserve the Motown legacy for decades to come—even the smallest amount can make a big difference.
How many No. 1 hits did Motown have?
Twenty-one No. 1 hits on the Billboard R&B charts, including Motown’s first, “Shop Around” by the Miracles.
How many songs are in the Motown Story?
The Motown Story contains eighteen tracks which reached the British Top 10, including two-time smash “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” by Jimmy Ruffin.
What is the rarest Motown song?
The rarest Motown single ever: Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do).”
