How long has Motown been around for?

Answer 1

The Motown Years (1959 to 1979) This is strictly my opinion based upon the start of the Motown Corporation and their popularity until the time of their decline. This decline began when disco started becoming more popular and the old soul/romance/R&B formula just wasn't producing the numbers on the charts that they had before.

Motown experimented with disco and a number of artists were leaning toward that sound, but Berry was adamant about 'Soul' music and didn't heed the turn of the tide. Artists were seeking creativity release, and major talent was starting to sign with other labels. While The Commodores were still considered hot going head to head with the likes of Kool & The Gang on the charts.

Michael Jackson moves to Epic/CBS records and blows up the charts with "Off The Wall", though later the Jacksons left the label, with Jermaine being the only Jackson remaining due to loyality to father-in-law Berry Gordy. Motown retains the naming rights to "The Jackson Five" thus the name change to The Jacksons.

The Spinners left in 1972, with G.C. Cameron remaining with Motown primarily because he was Anna Gordy's 2d spouse. Temptations, Miracles, Four Tops were also seeking other labels. Though The Temptations departure was staved off due to the free reign given to Norman Whitfield and his compositions [especially Cloud Nine, Puzzle People and Psychedelic Shack]

Answer 2

Since 1959