by chucky roberts

Created on: February 19, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Motown was one of the most successful record labels in history. Motown was founded by Berry Gordy who incorporated acts such as The Supreme's, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Commodores, and other artist that carved the soul and R&B classics that remains a strong legacy to this day.

To further understand why Motown was so successful is to take a glimpse of its history from which it all started.

Berry Gordy, Jr. began Motown in 1959 when he started song writing for local acts in Detroit such as Jackie Wilson and The Miracles which featured Smoky Robinson as the lead singer of the group. Smoky Robinson, besides making records, later assumed the role as Vice President of the label as well as members of Berry Gordy's family members that became involved. That same year, Berry Gordy purchased property that became Hittsville U.S.A. for Motown's studio. Motown's philosophy was to incorporate artist in a form of styled image and polished talent that was presented as a marketing ploy for the masses as well as making great records. Berry Gordy hired individuals that were put in charge to choreograph artist, teach artist how to handle PR, (Public Relations) and image consultants to make the artist marketable so that they were showcased in the highest standard to attract record buyers. By the 1960's, Motown, with their stream of talented writers, carved, created, and gave America the music that was heavily popularized with records that dominated the top 10. As a result of the formula that Motown used, it became an empire and the artist themselves, became legendary icons. These artist who's music generated mass hysteria from selling many records that the fans eagerly purchased, became the hallmark of many people's lives that loved the music and still today, is reverend and always remembered.

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