The Motown Movement

Founded on 12 January 1959 by music enthusiast and entrepreneur Berry Gordy Jr in Detroit, Motown quickly became a powerhouse in the music industry as it pooled together, nurtured and promoted African American artists. Formed during the height of the civil rights movement, Motown jumped at the opportunity to provide America with what it wanted along with other black owned music labels including Houston’s Peacock Records and Chicago’s Vee Jay Records. Combining soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll and gospel, Motown created a sound that became so distinguishable and iconic, yet near impossible to replicate. 

Throughout the 1960’s, Motown brought together musicians, producers and songwriters to create a sound that was truly unique and instantly recognizable. The backbone of Motown was made up of a fine selection of songwriters and producers. The Holland-Dozier-Holland trio were involved with songwriting and production duties for the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops and The Supremes. The sensational Funk Brothers were a studio session band that performed and recorded with the Motown roster. Smokey Robinson, Sylvia Moy, Norman Whitfield and Berry Gordy Jr are just a small selection of names who were all involved with writing throughout the early years of Motown. 

Motown’s output of material during the 1960’s was incredibly prolific. Combining exquisite songwriting with stunning instrumentation, hard hitting harmonies, and mesmerizing performers, Motown was front and center when it came to providing America with a soundtrack of soulful, joyous and heartwarming instant classics.

Motown aimed to define the sound of young America but it ended up doing more than just that. Motown helped to form careers for young Americans and provided a platform which would help to lay the foundations for careers of musicians which are still ongoing today, including R&B legend, Stevie Wonder. 

Into the 1970’s and 1980’s, Motown moved with the times. Fusing disco with their soulful productions, the label welcomed the likes of Jackson 5, The Commodores, Rick James and Lionel Richie. 

The Motown label continues to stand strong today and its iconic status remains present alongside other labels and artists whose work has undoubtedly been inspired by the Motown movement. 

Let’s take a look back at some of Motown’s biggest stars and releases. 

The Supremes

Undoubtedly one of the labels biggest outputs came in the form of the pop soul trio The Supremes. The group started out as The Primettes with a line up of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown. Ross, Wilson and Bollard then signed as a trio to Motown under the name of The Supremes in 1961 and the rest is history. Releasing their first album Meet The Supremes in 1962, the group went on to become the most successful vocal group in America,  With civil rights activism gaining momentum in America in the 1960s, The Supremes provided a powerful image and sound for the times. With 12 number one singles in the Billboard charts, The Supremes most certainly left their mark. Having appeared on the Ed Sullivan show 16 times, The Supremes helped to define American popular culture with their elegance and stunning blend of doo-wop, soul and R&B.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder signed for Motown at the age of 11 in 1961 and released his first album through the Motown Record Corporation sub-label Tamla in 1962. In the following 10 years, the incredibly prolific Stevie Wonder released 15 albums. With his soulful vocals, solid funk grooves, infectious melodies and a sensational vision for how far he could push his artistic creativity and musicianship, Stevie Wonder has had a mind blowingly impressive career. Motown helped to lay the foundation for Wonder and has supported him throughout, even releasing his 2005 album A Time To Love. With hits including Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, Sir Duke and Signed, Sealed, Delivered to name but a few, Wonder has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Diana Ross

After starting out with The Supremes, Diana Ross went on to have a majorly successful solo career with Motown after releasing her self titled debut album in 1970. The record featured the hit single Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and the album went to number one in the R&B Billboard Charts. Ross’ musical style developed in the following years through collaborations with many genre defining artists including Chic’s Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. In 1980, Rodgers, Edwards and Ross collaborated to produce Diana, an album which would end up being Ross’ biggest selling studio album of her career. Featuring Upside Down and I’m Coming Out, Diana certified as the queen of disco and helped to push the genre to the masses.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye became known as the “Prince of Motown” after establishing himself as one of the labels most defining stars. His early work presented a fantastic selection of sweet soul cuts which then developed into what became known as “progressive soul”. Releasing over 15 albums with Motown, Gaye’s style varied throughout as he dipped into disco, R&B and psychedelic soul while tackling issues of police brutality and civil rights through his lyrical content. Gaye’s soothing vocals blended seamlessly with the sweet string sections that helped to define the Motown sound.

 

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson was involved with Motown right from the beginning as Gordy met a 17 year old Robinson when he was fronting the group The Matadors. Robinson became one of the label’s main songwriters and performed extensively as the lead singer of group The Miracles, who were the first successful act on the Motown roster. Robinson has been quoted as saying, “The Motown sound to me is not an audible sound. It’s spiritual, and it comes from the people that make it happen”. With hits with The Miracles such as I Second That Emotion, Baby Don’t Cry and The Tears of a Clown, Robinson’s iconic songwriting ability shone brightly throughout his Motown years. 

Gladys Knight

Another Motown wonder came in the form of the “Empress of Soul’, Gladys Knight. Hailing from Atlanta, Knight had two number ones in the US Billboard charts with Midnight Train To Georgia and That’s What Friends Are For. Gladys Knight and The Pips joined the Motown roster in 1966 and supported The Supremes during a number of their tour dates. This, along with a number of performances on the Ed Sullivan show, shows how the door was opened wide by Motown for Gladys Knight and The Pips and their electrifying high energy performances remain just as captivating today as they did back then.

The Commodores

The Commodores brought a blissful selection of funk and soul to Motown after gaining the attention of the public following their opening slot with Jackson 5. The group enjoyed a steady output of material through Motown and their 1981 album In The Pocket may have been the last to feature Lionel Richie, but the single Lady, You Bring Me Up is a perfect example which documents the diversity of the label during this time. 

The Marvelettes 

After the early success of Smokey Robinson’s group The Miracles through the Motown label, The Marvelettes soon followed suit. They were the first majorly successful female group following the release of their hit single Please, Mr Postman. The all female vocal group were the first of their kind on the Motown label and the doo-wop influenced track hit the number one spot in the US Billboard charts. The group may have been overshadowed by The Supremes soon after their initial rise to fame but nothing can take away from Please, Mr Postman being a standout Motown hit.

Recent Years

Since its creation back in 1959, Motown has been a strong force in creating a unique selection of musicians, producers and songwriters which have helped to define and shape the music industry as a whole. Having changed hands a number of times throughout the years, Motown continues to produce, nurture, guide and supply artists to enable them to strive creatively and to their full potential. In 2020, Motown UK was launched and with its “New Definition of Soul” slogan, Motown remains an innovative part of the music industry. It is continuing to produce new ideas and artists and as things stand, it is showing no signs of slowing down.