The Detroit sound has largely been defined in terms of Motown, which is loosely defined as a hybrid of rhythm & blues and black gospel music. While the Motown sound still inspires the music coming out of Detroit, the Music of Detroit Bands, Artists and Groups also includes folk, country, rap, rock and pop. All of the artists listed below were nominated for a Detroit Music Award in 2009, and any one of the CDs mentioned would make a great Valentine's Day gift.
Acoustic / Folk: Luke Sayers & the Last to Know
Luke Sayers & the Last to Know won in the category of Outstanding Acoustic / Folk Recording at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards for their album Radio Flower.
Country: Whitey Morgan and the 78's
At the 2009 Detroit Music Awards, Whitey Morgan and the 78’s won for Outstanding Country Recording: Honky Tonks and Cheap Motels. Whitey Morgan, the Flint native and country boy, also won for best Outstanding Country Songwriter and Vocalist.Hard Rock: Broadzilla
Broadzilla, an all woman band, won for Outstanding Hard Rock Artist / Group at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards. Their Lady Luck CD was released in 2003.Hard Rock: Chaos Theory
Chaos Theory was nominated for Outstanding Hard Rock Artist / Group at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards.Rhythm & Blues: The Howling Diablos
The Howling Diablos was nominated in the Outstanding Blues Artist / Group category at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards. The band's 2005 Car Wash CD is one of its best known. The Howling Diablos music is a mix of soul, blues, funk, rock, hip hop and jazz.Rock / Pop: The Muggs
At the 2009 Detroit Music Awards, the Muggs won for Outstanding Rock / Pop Recording: On With the Show. The band's 2005 CD, The Muggs, is a favorite.Rock / Pop: Grievous Angel
Grievous Angel's music is considered alternative country in that it is a blend of rock, country and bluegrass. In fact, the band's musical mix resulted in its being nominated for awards in both the country and rock categories at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards. Grievous Angel won in the Outstanding Rock / Pop Artist / Group category. The band's CDs date back to the 1990s and include the New City of Sin.Urban / Funk / Hip-Hop: Nadir
Nadir was nominated in the Outstanding Urban / Funk / Hip-Hop Artist / Group category at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards but won in the Recording category for his album Working for the Man. His best known CD is Distorted Soul, and his music is a blend of soul, funk, hip hop, rock, folk and jazz.World Reggae: Nomo
Nomo's Ghost Rock CD won in the category of Outstanding World / Reggae / Ska Recording at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards. Nomo's afro-beat dance music has prominent horns and plenty of funk.