“Motown Record Corporation”
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Motown forever changed the music industry and the perception and popularity of African American artists.
In 1959, 30 year old Berry Gordy Jr. borrowed $800 to establish a record label in Detroit named Tamla Records, which would soon evolve into the iconic Motown Record Corporation. This move laid the foundation for a music revolution that would transform the industry.
Gordy didn't stop at just creating a label. He bought a house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, calling it "Hitsville U.S.A." This became the heart and soul of Motown. Gordy himself resided upstairs while the rest of the house operated as the label's hub. The in-house songwriters and producers collaborated seamlessly within its walls, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. The recording studio downstairs operated 24 hours a day, with all the necessary equipment readily available, letting artists bring their visions to life at any hour.
A big part of Motown's success came from the mandatory in-house "Charm School," overseen by Maxine Powell. Powell taught artists how to carry themselves, engage with fans, handle the media, and master stage techniques. Her guidance instilled discipline and nurtured confidence in some of the biggest music stars of the era.
The impact of Motown's approach was wild. From 1961 to 1971, the label achieved 110 top 10 hits on the charts. Some of the most iconic artists in history were part of the Motown family, including Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Diana Ross (solo), Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Commodores, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson (solo), the Four Tops, and the Isley Brothers.
HELLA INSPIRED.
In 1959, 30 year old Berry Gordy Jr. borrowed $800 to establish a record label in Detroit named Tamla Records, which would soon evolve into the iconic Motown Record Corporation. This move laid the foundation for a music revolution that would transform the industry.
Gordy didn't stop at just creating a label. He bought a house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, calling it "Hitsville U.S.A." This became the heart and soul of Motown. Gordy himself resided upstairs while the rest of the house operated as the label's hub. The in-house songwriters and producers collaborated seamlessly within its walls, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. The recording studio downstairs operated 24 hours a day, with all the necessary equipment readily available, letting artists bring their visions to life at any hour.
A big part of Motown's success came from the mandatory in-house "Charm School," overseen by Maxine Powell. Powell taught artists how to carry themselves, engage with fans, handle the media, and master stage techniques. Her guidance instilled discipline and nurtured confidence in some of the biggest music stars of the era.
The impact of Motown's approach was wild. From 1961 to 1971, the label achieved 110 top 10 hits on the charts. Some of the most iconic artists in history were part of the Motown family, including Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Diana Ross (solo), Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Commodores, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson (solo), the Four Tops, and the Isley Brothers.
HELLA INSPIRED.