Motown The Sound of Young America Motown Detroit

Motown “The Sound of Young America”

Motown • • Detroit: “Motor Town” Car industry doing very well. Factories employ thousands High standard of living

Barry Gordy Producer, songwriter Writes songs major labels will not buy. Decides to start his own label Produces an amazing amount of hits with African American performers • Establishes “Hitsville U. S. A” • The Motown scene dominates pop culture • •

“Hitsville U. S. A. ”

Motown Ethos Optimistic Upbeat Soulful For everyone (age, gender, race do not matter) • Music that is not offensive • The rebellion exists in the medium • Opportunity abounds • •

The Four Tops • Quartet singing group: doo wop • Dance moves: choreography • Soul, R&B

The Temptations

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles • Songwriting • Hits, hits

Gladys Knight and the Pips • Female singer amongst men • Bold singing voice, strength

Marvin Gaye • Soul singer • Political

Stevie Wonder • • Songwriter Could play any instrument Experimental: began using synths in the 70 s Music genius

The Supremes (Diana Ross) • Female singing group • Original “Dream Girls” “Destiny’s Child” • Blueprint for Beyonce

Jackson 5 • Michael.

Social Intergration • Motown music crossed cultures • It was made to unite young people • African American artists receive major radio play • African Americans profit from their songs and maintain ownership of songs • “For us, by us”