Motown Minute #1 - The History of Motown

Summary

The video highlights the rise of Motown in Detroit, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, transforming American music with its iconic soul and pop sound. At the height of the civil rights movement, Motown became a Black-owned music empire that produced legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and the Jackson 5. Known for its hit factory approach, modeled after Detroit's auto assembly lines, Motown crafted timeless melodies. Despite its move to Los Angeles in 1972, Motown's legacy remains unparalleled, shaping music history with unforgettable classics.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Detroit in the 1950s was known as the Motor City, housing top automobile manufacturers.
• 🎵 On January 12, 1959, Motown was founded, becoming a factory for soul and pop classics.
• ✊ Motown was a Black-owned, Black-centered business that thrived during the Civil Rights Movement.
• 🥊 Barry Gordy, a former boxer and automobile worker, founded Motown Records after being encouraged by Smokey Robinson.
• 🎤 Smokey Robinson produced, wrote, and sang many of Motown's hits, including 'Shop Around' in 1960.
• 📮 The Marvelettes' 'Please Mr. Postman' was Motown's first #1 hit in 1961.
• 🎶 The Motown sound became famous through artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5, and Marvin Gaye.
• 🏭 Gordy modeled Motown’s hit-making process after Detroit's car assembly lines.
• 👨‍🎤 Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey Robinson, and other songwriters produced a string of chart-topping songs with simple, powerful stories.
• 🎬 In the 1970s, Motown moved from Detroit to Los Angeles, signaling the end of an era.

Q & A

What was the significance of Motown being established in Detroit in 1959?

Motown was founded in Detroit, already known as the Motor City due to its prominence in automobile manufacturing, but Motown became a 'music factory' producing soul and pop classics that changed American culture. Its foundation marked a major cultural milestone, especially during the civil rights movement.

How did Motown contribute to the civil rights movement?

Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that not only provided entertainment but also helped bridge racial divides in America. Its music resonated with both black and white audiences, symbolizing a shared cultural experience during a time of significant racial tension.

Who founded Motown, and what was his background?

Motown was founded by Berry Gordy, a former boxer and automobile worker who also had experience as a songwriter. Encouraged by Smokey Robinson, Gordy decided to establish Motown Records and began shaping the label’s legendary sound.

Who was Smokey Robinson, and what role did he play at Motown?

Smokey Robinson was a key figure at Motown, serving as a songwriter, producer, and singer. He was responsible for many of Motown's memorable hits, including the label's first smash hit 'Shop Around' in 1960.

What was Motown's first number one hit, and who performed it?

Motown's first number one hit was 'Please Mr. Postman' by The Marvelettes, released in 1961. It was the beginning of many chart-topping hits for the label.

What is the Motown sound, and what are some of its defining characteristics?

The Motown sound is characterized by catchy melodies, heavy use of tambourines, hand clapping, blaring horns, call-and-response between lead singers and backup vocalists, driving bass lines, and foot-stomping drum parts. These elements created an infectious and timeless sound.

Who were some of the iconic artists and groups produced by Motown during the 1960s?

Motown produced a legendary roster of artists and groups during the 1960s, including 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, and Marvin Gaye.

What role did the Funk Brothers play in Motown's success?

The Funk Brothers were a group of session musicians who played on many of Motown's hit songs. They were instrumental in creating the unique Motown sound, although they often worked behind the scenes without much public recognition.

How did the Detroit riots of 1967 affect Motown?

The Detroit riots of 1967 coincided with a period of change for Motown. Around this time, the songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland left the label, and many early 60s acts were on the decline, though the Jackson 5 was rising in prominence.

Why did Motown relocate to Los Angeles, and how did this move impact the company?

In 1972, Berry Gordy decided to move Motown to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in Hollywood. This shift led to the release of films like 'Lady Sings the Blues' starring Diana Ross. While it marked a creative burst for the label, it also marked the beginning of a decline in Motown's influence in the music industry.