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Barry Gordy in his Hitsville Studio
by Berry Gordy Jr.
A style of recorded soul music originated by the Motown Corporation of Detroit in the early 1960s. It made black popular music acceptable to white audiences for the first time through sophisticated arrangements and a muting of the more vigorous characteristics of African American music and performing practices.
Artists like the Temptations, Isley Brothers, Drifters, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Croker, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, OJays, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Martha and the Vandellas, The Contours, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Womack, Commodores, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Sam Cook, Jerry Butler, DeBarge, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and many more... those were just some of the performers who had people singing and dancing all over the world."
Berry Gordy, Jr., started Motown Records in 1957 after his record store in Detroit went bankrupt and he turned to songwriting for R&B acts. The name was an abbreviation of "Motor City" and was located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, called "Hitsville, U.S.A." He hired high school students Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland for $2 per week plus 1/2 cent per record royalties to write songs. By 1973 when Gordy left the company at age 46, he had built the "nation's largest black-owned entertainment conglomerate. " (Detroit Free Press, January 12, 1973 ) It had a phenomenal hit ratio of 75% (songs released that made the national Top 40 lists). "Motown combined elements of blues, gospel, swing and pop with a thumping backbeat for a new dance music that was instantly recognizable. Competing for teen attention primarily against records by the Beatles, who were at the height of their popularity, Motown radically altered the public's perception of black music, which for years had been kept out of the mainstream. White youths as well as black were captivated by the rhythmic new sound, though the musicians who produced it were black, and many of the performers were teenagers from Detroit's housing projects and rundown neighborhoods. Prodding and grooming those raw talents, Gordy transformed them into a roster of dazzling artists who stunned the pop music world.
Barry Gordy's Hitsville USA Studio
Additional Resources
Marvin's Media
This Marvin Gaye tribute site offers sights and sounds of the Motown great for your enjoyment. There's a photo gallery, Windows themes, greeting cards, screensavers, video clips and audio samples.
http://www.sedgsoftware.com/marvin/media/index.htm
PSB and Motown Videography
Watch the Pet Shop Boys strut their stuff in this video collection that includes hits like West End Girls. And don't miss the Motown Time Capsule with historic clips of the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and others.
http://psb-videography.com
Stevie Wonder Waves
The Stevie Wonder Waves page houses a fans' collection of Stevie Wonder songs that span the singer-songwriter's prolific career. Hear studio cuts, live samples and work Stevie has done for soundtracks.
http://home.nordnet.fr/~jpdubowski/waves.shtml
motown soul music wavs
Learn about classic soul music with the help of this "funkopedia" featuring the greatest soul music to come out of Detroit, Philly, Memphis and all the other music meccas. Pick from hundreds of funk and soul songs to download.
http://members.nbci.com/SEAHAAS/NOTOWNSOUL.html
Brian McKnight: Ultimate Band List
Listen to RealAudio clips from a few of McKnight's Motown and Mercury Records releases, and link to buy his albums.
http://www.ubl.com/listening.asp?artistid=24228&p_id=P++++26074
Rockin' Mama. The music site for realaudio oldies
Music site with songs in realaudio featuring oldies, pop, rhythm and blues, and classic dance tunes.
http://members.tripod.com/RockinLinda/
Robinson, Smokey: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Fan Club
The fan club publishes a quarterly newsletter to promote Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, while also providing support to other Motown artists and organizations including Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Four Tops and the Motown Historical Museum.
http://www3.edgenet.net/smokey_miracles/
All-Music Guide: The Temptations
One of the top Motown groups of the '60s and quintessential male groups of all time has their long and colorful history detailed by the AMG with the equally lengthy discography bringing up the rear.
http://205.186.189.2/cg/amg.exe?sql=2P_IDP|||||5616
Diana Ross
Diana Ross info and Supremes Reunion Site
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Chateau/9846/index.html
Who's the Boss? Diana Ross!
Unofficial Diana Ross fan site with midis, photos, bio timeline, discography, e-cards and more.
http://dianaross.iscool.net
Dionne Warwick: Ultimate Band List
Access a biography, artist Web sites, tour info and an online listening library with samples from Warwick's releases.
http://www.ubl.com/links.asp?mode=websites&artistid=33942&p_id=P+++++3158
Womack, Bobby: SonicNet
Find background info, recent news and audio clips at SonicNet.com's devotion to Womack.
http://www.sonicnet.com/artistinfo/19217.jhtml
Morgan's Dionne Warwick Page
This extensive fan site features a discography, photos, news, a biography, record collecting info, liner notes, fan links and more.
http://www2.netdoor.com/~lmorgan/dionne.html
Womack, Bobby: All Music Guide
AMG presents a biography of the notable musician's amazing career. Also features related artists and a complete discography.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B5864
Womack, Bobby: Ultimate Band List
UBL presents a host of Bobby Womack Web sites as well as an online listening room and a biography.
http://www.ubl.com/links.asp?mode=websites&artistid=28386&p_id=P+++++5864
Womack, Bobby: Ultimate Band List Listening Room
Browse and sample recordings from the amazing American music icon's career at this virtual sound library from UBL.
http://www.ubl.com/listening.asp?artistid=28386&p_id=P+++++5864
Bobby Womack: Official Site
The American music icon presents news, multimedia clips, a discography, biographical data and contact info at this official site.
http://www.bobbywomack.com/index.htm
Womack, Bobby: iMusic Bulletin Board
Womack fans can join in on virtual discussions at this community message board.
http://imusic.com/cgi-bin/bbs/bbs.cgi?x=bobbywomack
Dionne Warwick: SonicNet
Find audio clips, recent news and a biography about the notable R&B icon.
http://www.sonicnet.com/artistinfo/18755.jhtml
Gladys Knight: SonicNet
The famous soul icon is examined at this overview offering from SonicNet.com. Includes recent news, audio clips and Web links
http://www.sonicnet.com/artistinfo/10700.jhtml
Gladys Knight: All Music Guide
The R&B legend is examined at AMG's Gladys Knight page, which includes a biography as well as links to her collaborators and a complete discography.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B4698
Gladys Knight: Ultimate Band List
Focused on the soul singing legend, UBL's Gladys Knight site proffers links to Web sites, an online audio archive, a message board, tour info and merchandise.
http://www.ubl.com/links.asp?mode=websites&artistid=34705&p_id=P+++++4698
Levert, Gerald: All Music Guide
The modern R&B artist is highlighted within via a biography, related artist links and a complete discography.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B4749
Levert, Gerald: iMusic Contemporary Showcase
Find an exhaustive amount of background info about the son of Eddie Levert - from the O'Jays - at this detailed account from iMusic.com. Also features links to audio clips and a message board.
http://imusic.com/showcase/urban/geraldlevert.html
Levert, Gerald: Ultimate Band List
Fans of Levert can find a host of related Web sites as well as an online listening booth with samples of his work.
http://www.ubl.com/links.asp?mode=websites&artistid=34735&p_id=P+++++4749
Eddie's Place
This site pays tribute to Eddie Kendrick, former Temptation and solo star. There's an extensive bio, photo pages, discography, sound samples and more.
http://blackprincess.homestead.com/Eddies_Place.html
One and Only King of Pop: Michael Jackson Web Ring, The
The King of Pop's had his ups and downs with fans from around the world, but remains a superstar. This site provides access to a ring of MJ fan pages, and is the point of submission for those who wish to add their sites.
http://www.mindspring.com/~phenix/mijak/
All-Music Guide: The Supremes
One of the most successful girl groups in history is given an extensive once-over by the AMG in plenty of detail, accompanied by the usual massive discography.
http://205.186.189.2/cg/amg.exe?sql=2P_IDP|||||5563
MJackson.com
A quartet of Danish collectors posts Michael Jackson news and tour information as well as reports from fans. They also display their rare recordings and outstanding examples of memorabilia.
http://www.mjackson.com/
Michael Jackson - Morphine
Adulatory fan page contains a large collection of sound clips from Michael Jackson's recent albums. Also included are a photo file and a list of the awards that Jackson has won throughout his long career.
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6166/MJ.html
Moonwalk, An Autobiography by Michael Jackson
Rhylan Rowe makes Michael Jackson's 1988 autobiography available online in six chapters. Thrill to Jackson's own descriptions about life as a child star through his record-breaking album with Quincy Jones and beyond.
http://hamilton.htcomp.net/pete/moonwalk/
Commodores, The
The official Motown page for the Commodores includes a brief biography and limited discography, accompanied by snippets of CD tracks.
http://www.motown.com/motown/artists/Commodores/commo_M.html
Wonder, Stevie
Motown Records was Stevie's home for most of his recording career and offers an insiders' look at both his singles and album discography, with plenty of sound clips to rock your PC.
http://www.motown.com/motown/artists/Stevie_Wonder/wonde_M.html
Boyz II Men
The Motown Boyz II Men site doesn't offer much beyond a short band bio and credits for each of their four releases for the label.
http://www.Motown.com/motown/artists/Boyz_2_Men/B2M_M.html
Showtime at the Regal Theater
Learn about the history of Chicago's Regal Theater, one of the finest venues for live black entertainment ever.
http://www.angelfire.com/il2/regalthe/index.html
Official Chico DeBarge Site
Motown Records presents Chico DeBarge: news, tour, bio, photos, audio clips and more.
http://www.chico-debarge.com
DeBarge Super Fan Page
Find background info, photos, fun facts, pics and more at this virtual dedication to one of Motown's hottest groups.
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Lobby/6065/debarges.html
Four Tops, The
One of Motown's most stable and sophisticated bands of the '60s, the Four Tops were responsible for more than their share of top 10 hits. The AMG offers some career perspective and the always-fabulous discography.
http://205.186.189.2/cg/amg.exe?sql=2P_IDP|||||4300
Cybercast '98: Detroit Music Awards
Watch the full archive of the Detroit Music Awards. The video feed brings you three hours of music and Motown entertainment.
http://www.detroitmusicawards.com/cybercast.html
Manhattan Sound Productions
Visit the home page for this musical organization offering live music of all kinds for your special event, from classical and jazz to Motown and pop.
http://www.Manhattansound.com/
Polygram
Main page of one of the largest record companies in the world. From here, check its vast roster of artists and its many subsidiary labels, including Def Jam, Motown, Island and Deutsche Grammophon.
http://www.polygram.com/
Supremes, The: MVP Records Site
All that's here is a biography of the legendary Motown group and its members. But it is a good one, well-worth reading.
http://www.mvprecords.com/supremes.html
All-Music Guide: Commodores
The Motown recording group had its biggest success in the mid-'70s with Lionel Richie at the helm, but began to fade when he embarked on a solo career. Here's their profile and extended discography.
http://205.186.189.2/cg/amg.exe?sql=2P_IDP|||||3948
Ross, Diana: Supreme Being
Another of the many Diana Ross fan pages traces her career with Motown Records and the Supremes to the present day, includes a photo gallery and also shared memories of live concert experiences.
http://www.cyberus.ca/~stvndon/
DianaLand
New interactive Diana Ross fan site with audio, original phot0s, chat and more.
http://dianaland.cjb.net
Back Porch Oldies. The music site for realaudio oldies.
Music site with songs in realaudio featuring oldies, pop, rhythm and blues, and classic dance tunes.
http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/ash/910
Mytown Records
Independent record label, featuring new talent from the Motor City and beyond Specializing in soundtracks, in house production and songwriting, commercials, 24 trk studio recording and CD replication 100/500 disc within 48hrs or less.
http://www.Mytownrecords.com
Motown Revue Photo Gallery
Photo gallery of legendary Motown recording artists who have laid the foundation of today's RB music. Site includes brief biographical information and discography of greatest hits.
http://members.xoom.com/elliottness1
Special Blendz, RB/Motown/Oldies Showband
Special Blendz website has band newz, music samplez, song listz, photoz, guestbook and more, including search engines many helpful resources for artists, brides and fans including up-to-date music business news.
http://www.specialblendz.com
The Trendells
Eleven member band features music of sixties and seventies. Particular to Motown music. Bio and booking info.
http://www.barberusa.com/dance/trendells.html
Hit House Old School Classic Oldies
Huge catalog of hard to find classic oldie hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. Artist like the Temptations, Drifters, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Croker, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, OJays.
http://www.hit-house.com/oldies.html
The Oldies Radio Forgot, But You Can't Get Out of Your Head
Over 100 hours of original programming of the oldies of the 1950s-80s. Shows are thematic and feature legendary DJ Ron Diamond, known as 'the cool jewel.'
http://www/rondiamond.com
Happy Birthday KingDavid!
A birthday tribute to David Ruffin, the Greatest Temptation, and world's finest Soul singer.
http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/fastnfancy/index.html
Official Cap1 Site
Motown Records presents
http://www.cap1thedon.com
Official Erykah Badu Site
Motown Records presents
http://www.erykahbadu.com
Dick's Diana Ross Webpage
A fan's tribute to Diana Ross. My site has photos, news, links and more. Always under construction!
http://community-2.webtv.net/rossfan/DICKSDIANAROSS
Ron Tyson of the Temptations
A tribute to Ron Tyson...The Temptations' first tenor/falsetto...including pictures and info photos of The Temptations.
http://www.rontyson.com
Official Ronnie Joseph Site
Official Motown Records site
http://www.ronniejoseph.com
Official 702 Site
Motown Records presents 702...
http://www.7-0-2.com
Smokey Robinson Official Site
Motown Records presents Smokey Robinson
http://www.smokeyrobinson.net
R-Angels Official Site
Motown Records presents R-Angels
http://www.r-angels.net
MotownMagic
A site dedicated to Motown's newest and youngest recording artist, Tonya Mitchell.
http://motownmagic.homestead.com
diane shaw, no.1 tribute to diana ross
diane shaw is the no.1 tribute to the ledgendary diana ross, she has performed all over europe as well as many tv appearances. she also performs a tribute to the soul diva whitney houston
http://freespace.virgin.net/andy.birkinshaw/index.htm
Profyle Official Site
Motown Records presents Profyle: news, tour, bio, photos, and more
http://www.profyle.com
Motown Records
Official Site
http://www.motown.com
motown alumni association
Home of Motown's Elite Alumni
http://motownalumni.com
Robert Lee Smith The Original Tams
Find booking and bio information for this band known for their Motown music.
http://www.barberusa.com/dance/tams.html
Tempfan: The Temptations Fans Website
The Temptations Website for the Motown groups fansincludes news, message board and more.
http://www.freeyellow.com/members4/temptationsonline/index.html
The Girl Groups Fan Club
Photos, links, biographies, newsletters and information for fans of female singer and groups, especially Motown and other soul groups.
http://members.tripod.com/~ggfc
Diana Ross and the Supremes Photo Gallery
Photos, history, records and links for Diana Ross and the Supremes, Motown singers of the 1960s.
http://members.tripod.com/~ggfc/supremes.html
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas Photo Gallery
Photos, history, records and links for Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Motown singers of the 1960s.
http://members.tripod.com/~ggf |
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