Motown brought the talents of dozens of African American artists to the center stage. To this day, such artists like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, and Michael Jackson becoming household names. Tracing the history of this label and its sound requires either a trip to the Detroit factory that started it all or catching its spectacular telling on Broadway or West End.
Image source: telegram.com
The Motown Museum still bears the prominent name of Hitsville U.S.A., alluding to its former status as the headquarters of Motown Records, one of the most America's most influential music labels that continue to boast an indelible and unbeatable legacy in music locally and across the world.
Image source: classic.motown.com
This slice of 20th century history bears memories of the label’s halcyon days in the 1960s and 1970s. Visitors to this Detroit building can see history come alive in carefully presented memorabilia and the meticulously preserved rooms where teams of composers and musicians worked diligently on hit after golden hit, following a process that at once boasted assembly line efficiency, quality control, and unprecedented creativity.
The actual story of the creation of Motown has been immortalized in a jukebox musical of the same name. In this tribute to both the company and its greatest hits, the musical follows the intrepid Berry Gordy laying the foundation of the studio with only an $800 loan, management skills, and his relationship with his roster of musicians, as told through 66 of its greatest hits.
John Covington enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, among them listening to the distinctive sound of Motown's greatest hits. Visit this blog for more on his other interests.
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