“But he had to take a position and not think in that assembly-line manner anymore. Gordy would talk about how he felt afraid before Marvin put that record out, because he didn’t want to cause controversy,” Habtemariam says. With that came releases like Marvin Gaye’s game-changing 1971 album What’s Going On. The music had become a significant representation of youth culture, but as Motown matured through the ’60s, so did its social impact and influence. He became the bridge to bring people of all backgrounds and ages together.” What he was able to do then was really phenomenal. But then he had bigger goals and dreams, like to make it on television, which had been unheard of when it came to black artists. He was strategic in not wanting to allow radio to know that they were black artists, but to just get the songs played. “At those times in the ’60s, the country was still separated by race. “Berry had a vision, and he had a fearless kind of mentality,” Habtemariam says. Motown President Ethiopia Habtemariam, Courtesy of Stephanie MeiLing Soon after, he officially started Motown Records and had his first million-selling record with cowriter Smokey Robinson with The Miracles’ “ Shop Around.” At that point, Gordy kicked everything into full gear. So he founded Tamla Records out of a small house in Detroit that held a studio, rehearsal hall, and offices where all the business, promo, and distribution of the records were handled. Gordy already had some success as a songwriter for Jackie Wilson and the Matadors, and was ready to strike out on his own. ![]() Songwriters, producers, and musicians would go from writing and making records straight into artist development, which would include learning dance moves, coordinating live performances, and even taking etiquette classes. He had worked on the assembly line at the Ford Motor plant in Detroit and imagined a record label running in a similar way. Here, she shares the inspiring story of Motown Records and how it’s managed to capture the zeitgeist of any given decade since its humble days in Detroit, Michigan, operating out of a two-story house lovingly nicknamed Hitsville U.S.A.īack in 1959, songwriter Berry Gordy had a dream, a vision, and an $800 loan from his family. This year, Motown Records, with president Ethiopia Habtemariam at the helm, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The classic Motown sound has unquestionably made a massive imprint on music, culture, and society as a whole, but it often overshadows the iconic label’s continuing relevance. Just look to Michelle Obama: “Every story needs a soundtrack, and Motown has provided so much rhythm to my life,” she wrote for her Becoming Motown playlist. ![]() ![]() For many, the sounds of Motown stir up sweet memories of childhood-of moments swaying to the smooth strains of classic soul and discovering the power of a timeless song. The label has been home to more than a few legends, like Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes… the list goes on and on. The name Motown, all on its own, contains multitudes.
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