The Legendary Sound of Motown: How Berry Gordy Built a Musical Empire

In 1959, Berry Gordy started Motown Records with just $800 from his family’s Ber-Berry Co-op¹. He aimed to make Motown a legendary label in music history¹. By April 1960, Motown was officially born¹.

Gordy wanted to turn unknowns into stars. He built Motown’s empire in Detroit, known as “Hitsville U.S.A.”¹ His hard work and focus made Motown a household name.

Gordy was great at finding and polishing talent. He discovered acts like the Temptations and the Supremes¹. His songwriting skills were also recognized, as seen in “Money (That’s What I Want)” in 1960¹.

That year, Smokey Robinson’s “Shop Around” hit #1 on the R&B chart and #2 on the Billboard pop chart¹.

Motown Records became a music giant, with 79 top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 from 1960 to 1969². By the 1960s, Motown’s net worth was $61 million². Gordy’s leadership made Motown a cultural icon, shaping soul music and the entertainment world.

Berry Gordy: The Visionary Founder of Motown Records

Berry Gordy was a visionary behind Motown Records. He was not just a talented songwriter but also an innovative entrepreneur. Gordy founded Motown Records in Detroit in 1959 with $800 from his family’s Ber-Berry³. This was the start of one of the most successful record labels in history.

From Songwriter to Hit-Making Empire

Gordy was a gifted songwriter. He wrote hits for artists like Jackie Wilson, including “Reet Petite”, “Lonely Teardrops”, and “To Be Loved.” But Gordy’s dream was bigger than just writing songs. He wanted to build a hit-making empire⁴.

Building the Motown Sound and Brand

Gordy’s drive and energy inspired the Motown Records family. Hit after hit came from Studio A, in a converted photography studio at Hitsville U.S.A. Gordy worked hard to polish Motown performers. He taught them how to act with elegance and refinement⁴.

The Motown “uniform” and choreography were famous. Street-corner singers and other groups envied them.

Gordy’s vision and leadership created the ‘Motown sound’ that won hearts worldwide. Under his guidance, Motown Records launched stars like Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations⁴.

“A kid could walk in one door an unknown off the street and come out the other a polished performer.”

– Berry Gordy, on the Motown Artist Development program⁵

The Iconic Motown Sound and Artists

Berry Gordy had a keen eye for talent. His early discoveries included the Matadors (later the Miracles), Mary Wells, the Marvelettes, and the Primes and Primettes (later the Temptations and the Supremes). Gordy worked hard to polish Motown performers. He taught them to carry themselves with elegance and refinement.

Discovering and Polishing Legendary Talents

Motown’s sound conquered racial divides in the 1960s and 1970s. It was shaped by Detroit’s jazz and blues scene, influenced by rock ‘n’ roll. The Funk Brothers, Motown’s studio band, played on every Detroit-era record. Their musicianship defined the Motown sound that made the label and its artists successful.

Motown’s Signature Sound and Rhythm and Blues Influence

The Miracles were Motown’s first million-selling recording artists. In 1961, The Marvelettes hit number one with “Please Mr. Postman.” By 1967, Motown was booming, with Fortune magazine praising Gordy’s hit-making skills. By the early 1970s, Motown’s influence spread worldwide, with the label moving to Los Angeles. Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder made some of their best work in the early 1970s.

“Motown’s music remains celebrated in the 21st century, with events such as the Obamas hosting a star-studded Motown Gala at the White House in 2011.”

Motown: The Musical Empire

Motown wasn’t just about music; it also ventured into movies and entertainment. Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, saw the chance to bring its stars to the big screen⁶.

Gordy was great at picking talent, like pairing Billy Dee Williams with Diana Ross in “Lady Sings the Blues” and “Mahogany.”⁶ Motown made hit movies with its artists, like “The Wiz” with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson⁶.

Expanding Beyond Music to Movies and Entertainment

Motown’s move into movies was a natural step. It used the same focus on talent and appeal that made it a music giant⁶.

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson’s performances in Motown’s movies were unforgettable. The musical numbers showed the company’s skill in bringing its sound to the big screen⁶.

“Motown The Musical” brings the label’s story to life on stage. It features Diana Ross, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and more⁶.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, “Motown The Musical” tells the label’s story. It showcases the talents and personal stories that made Motown famous⁶.

“Motown The Musical” lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes. It’s a must-see for Motown fans and anyone wanting to feel the era’s energy⁶. It plays at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Tickets range from $25 to $150 at denvercenter.org or by calling 303-893-4100⁶⁷.

The Legacy of Motown and Berry Gordy

Berry Gordy stepped down as Motown Records’ leader, making way for the next generation⁸. In 1988, he sold Motown for $61 million, but his bond with the “Sound of Young America” remains strong⁹. Artists like Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross, along with Gordy’s vision, have left a lasting mark on American culture⁹.

Motown’s sound has deeply influenced the music world¹⁰. The Victoria and Albert Museum notes that most rock and pop records still use Motown’s mixing techniques¹⁰. Gordy’s focus on making music appealing to everyone helped Motown thrive¹⁰. He worked with hitmakers like Barrett Strong to create unique sounds for Motown artists¹⁰.

Motown’s impact is still felt today⁹. Artists like Kendrick Lamar have followed in Motown’s footsteps, winning awards for their work¹⁰. Rap music, a genre born from Motown’s legacy, is now the most popular in the U.S¹⁰.

The legendary Motown founder, Berry Gordy, started the company in 1959⁹. His vision of universal music has left a lasting impact on the industry¹⁰⁸⁹.

The Funk Brothers: The Unsung Heroes of Motown

At the heart of Motown’s legendary sound was a tight-knit studio band known as the Funk Brothers. Assembled by Berry Gordy, the band consisted of exceptional local jazz and blues musicians. They brought their innovation and musicianship to the Motown sound.

The Tight-Knit Studio Band Behind the Hits

The Funk Brothers were the driving force behind Motown’s countless number-one hits, from “My Girl” to “Dancing in the Street.”¹¹ They are heard on more No. 1 records than Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones combined¹¹. Gordy jealously guarded the Funk Brothers, banning them from playing for any other record companies.

The band’s lineup included standout members like bassist James Jamerson, who was recruited in 1958 and is widely regarded as the heartbeat of the Motown sound¹¹, and drummer William “Benny” Benjamin, who contributed to hits like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Dancing In The Street.”¹¹ Keyboardist Earl Van Dyke, known as the Funks’ frontman, joined the band in 1963 and played on numerous Motown hits¹¹.

Preserving the Motown Sound and Studio

The Funk Brothers recorded prolifically in Motown’s iconic Studio A, known as the “Snakepit,” from 1959 to 1972¹¹. This modest studio, located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit and known as “Hitsville U.S.A.,” still stands as a testament to the legacy of the Motown sound and the unsung heroes who created it.

In 1971, Marvin Gaye even credited the Funk Brothers on the cover of his album “What’s Going On.”¹¹ The group was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and 2003¹², and they were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013¹².

“The Funk Brothers were the heartbeat of Motown. They were the ones who brought that special Motown sound to life.”

Alongside the Funk Brothers, the Andantes, a Motown background vocal group, provided backing vocals on numerous Detroit recordings¹¹. The Motown studio and its unsung heroes continue to inspire musicians and music lovers alike, preserving the iconic sound that transformed the industry¹¹¹².

The Lasting Impact of Motown on American Culture

Motown’s sound, legendary artists, and Berry Gordy’s vision have left a mark on American culture¹³. Its music, artists, and vision have shaped American entertainment and popular culture¹³. The Motown story shows how music can unite people and spark change.

Motown started in April 1960¹⁴ and quickly made a name for itself. It recorded stars like Jackie Wilson and Stevie Wonder by the 1960s¹⁴. The label, based in Detroit until 1968¹⁴, is still talked about in schools and universities¹⁴.

Motown played a key role in racial and cultural change¹⁴. It came from Detroit’s public school music education¹⁴. The Motown sound, made by talented musicians and songwriters¹³, has shaped American music history¹³. Its influence is still seen in the entertainment world and beyond.