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Motown

Motown was a unique record label that brought the "Motown" sound to white America in the sixties. Many groups on the Motown label became singing superstars.

180 Questions

What method was used to produce hit record after hit record at Motown?

Motown employed a highly structured method known as the "Motown Sound," which combined catchy melodies, polished arrangements, and strong rhythms. The label utilized a team of talented songwriters and producers, including the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland, to create a consistent catalog of hits. Additionally, Motown's artists received extensive training in performance and presentation, ensuring they were not only skilled musicians but also captivating entertainers. This comprehensive approach allowed Motown to develop a distinctive sound that resonated with a wide audience.

Who were the black singing group that didn't make it with Motown records in 1960's?

One notable black singing group that didn't achieve success with Motown Records in the 1960s was The Satintones. Formed in 1959, they were one of the first groups to sign with Motown, but despite their early promise and hits like "My Beloved," they struggled to find lasting fame. Their lack of commercial success led to their eventual disbandment, while other Motown acts soared to iconic status.

How were white artists signed in Motown?

Oh, what a lovely question! In the early days of Motown, the focus was primarily on promoting African American artists. However, as the label grew, they did sign a few white artists like Rare Earth and Teena Marie who had a deep appreciation for soul music. Motown believed in talent and passion above all else, creating a diverse and inclusive musical family.

What two people who made an important contribution to Motown music and what did they do?

Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959, a record label that became known for launching the careers of numerous iconic artists. Smokey Robinson was a singer-songwriter and producer at Motown who helped shape the label's distinctive sound and wrote hits for artists like The Temptations and The Miracles.

What years were the Motown years?

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]

Which US city has the nicknames Motor City and Motown?

Detroit, Michigan is nicknamed the motor city. It is the main headquarters for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Where did Motown start?

Out of a small house on 1719 Gladstone Street Detroit 6, MI. before moving to the (now landmark) larger dwelling on Grand Blvd.

How long has Motown been around for?

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]

What was the date of the Motown 25th Anniversary Television Special?

since it is year 2009 it is Motown 50th anniversary so that means this year Motown 25 happened 25 years ago.

Why were all Motown Acts Subjected to Charm school?

A charm school for the earlier singing groups. The charm school provided education in proper etiquette for the singers performance and stage present as well as social graces.

Where did the financial success of Motown come from?

Motown really tried to make their artists stars and they were very well groomed. They were taught how to dance, dress and sing. Motown also had some of the best song writers, so that combined with the talent and readiness of the artists produced huge hits resulting in financial success for Motown.

What was Earl Van Dyke directed the funk brothers as a heavy handed?

Motown session musician Earl Van Dyke directed the Funk Brothers as a heavy handed leader.

What song was the first eight-track Motown recording to be pressed into a 45 RPM single?

Bobby Darin's "Splish Splash" becomes the first eight-track recording to be pressed into a 45 RPM single.

What two people made an important contribution to Motown music?

  1. Barry Gordy - founder and preseident of Motown Records.
  2. Marv Johnson, the first recording artist to record for Motown ("Come to Me," 1959) - released on United Artists.

Perhaps it should also be noted the importance of Barret Strong; he released Motown's first hit, #2 on the BillboradR&B chart, "Money (That's What I Want") - released on Anna Records.

What year did Motown music come out?

Technically it's still going on, as Motown still exists as a record label within the Universal Music group; but most people consider the "Motown era" to be either from 1959 to 1972 - when the company was based in Detroit before moving to Los Angeles - or from 1959 to 1988, when the company was sold to RCA and ceased to be an independent label.

When was Now That's What I Call Motown created?

Now That's What I Call Motown was created on 2009-01-13.

Did the pretty things ever record on Motown label?

They didn't "record" on a Motown label as such, but some of their UK recordings were licensed for release in the USA by the Motown group's new "white rock" label, Rare Earth Records, in 1969.

What does Motown stand for?

Motown is short for Motor Town, a variation of the Motor City. It refers to Detroit, Michigan. It is the name for a style of music that was very popular in the 50's and 60's and typically consisted of groups of three or four singers. Some examples would be Dianna Ross and the Supremes, the Four Tops, the Isley Brothers and Gladys Knight and the Pips.