Updated January 21, 2011
Motown Records has long since left Detroit, but the Motown sound from the 1960s will forever be entwined with and defined by the Motor City. Founded by Berry Gordy, the record company immortalized a sound characterized by polished artists, choreographed backup vocals, spiritual melodies and a strong, hand-clapping, tambourine-slapping beat. The Motown sound had its roots in soul and gospel music but had a pop appeal that allowed many African-American artists to achieve crossover success, thereby integrating musical audiences during a time that was otherwise racially divided.
Artists / Songwriters / Producers
Some of the artists signed to the Motown Records label back in the 1960s included Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Together, their music coalesced to become the “Motown sound.” Of course, the group of collaborative songwriters, producers, and studio musicians at Motown Records helped define the genre.More Information:
- A Brief History of Motown / Time Magazine (1/12/09)
- List of Motown Music CDs and Anthologies
