This site is
always
THE MOTOWN
HERITAGE
The Motown Sound...what else can be said about the music that has influenced an entire generation to dance in the streets. Optimistically nicknamed, 'Hitsville, U.S.A.', Motown dominated the charts in the 60's and 70's. It's music imprinted its soul in music history and invaded our imaginations. In an era that saw British groups conquering American soil, Motown came to its defense with its own inspired mix of homegrown music that transfused soul, jazz, blues, doo-wop, a little bit of country and a new phenomenon called Rock n' Roll. Motown epitomized what American music was all about...the sound of young America.
There were challenges to Motown's crown...such as Stax,
that mostly
specialized
in funky rhythm and blues and Atlantic Records whose musical taste was as
ecleptic as the sounds eminating from rivals such as Columbia and RCA. But
they were the 'big boys' who could afford to experiment and delve into various
musical entities. Motown, on the other hand, was an upstart, a thorn
in their side. And it was black owned. It's success was unmatched.
Motown proved that music didn't need to be divided by color lines. Motown
had rhythm you could dance to and songs with character and personality.
The Motown sound was instantly recognizable.
And everyone was trying to emulate it. It didn't matter who sang, or if the songs were fast or slow. Generations of music lovers instictively knew a Motown song when they heard one.
In recent years, the innovations and productivity of this legendary company became fewer as it became less focus.
Whereas in the past, Berry Gordy and company were concern with music, they shifted their gears, as most conglomerates do, on money. They dirtied their hands on movies (Lady Sings The Blues, The Last Dragon), and commercialism (The Motown Cafe). Music became almost an afterthought and instead of leading, they became followers. Although their promotion department is unaware of the concept of their existence, the artists on Motown are still making noise on the music charts. Boys II Men and 98 Degrees are testaments to that fact. And the future looks promising. The Temptations recently returned to the charts and Diana Ross is preparing to retake her position as the first lady of Motown. And though Motown has been playing musical chairs of late, Polygram, seems to be keenly aware of the historical and musical importance that Berry Gordy and his creative talents has created. The music and the artists are legendary...Motown is forever.
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