Motown hits 40: Detroit's Motown Museum preserves the history of Studio A
A short cruise off I-96 down West Grand Boulevard in Detroit leads to a blue-and-white, two-story treasure. A sign reading "Hitsville U.S.A." overhangs a large bay window of the small residential home that once was the home of the music phenomenon known as Motown.
Motor City's music is the soundtrack for America's bumpy road
The accomplishments of Motown Records seem boundless. In this anniversary year, just a glance for a Motown mention yields a staggering amount of material. Information in books, film and on the World Wide Web tell of the label's numerous stars, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie and others.
Detroit's Queen of Soul still getting a lil' bit a 'Respect'
Hundreds of artists graced the streets of Motown. Many were one-hit wonders. Others didn't slip out of the collective unconscious for years. And a select few have become legends.
Aretha Franklin, among the most talented soul singers ever, fits the latter category. Over a span of almost 40 years, the "Queen of Soul" and current Metro Detroit resident has recorded 49 albums, producing more than 20 No. 1 R&B hits.
Sound of 'Hitsville U.S.A.' lives on in CD compilations
People who complain that American music is stilted, uninteresting and a poor source of national pride probably have never been to Detroit, never listened to a full day of oldies radio and never heard of a man named Berry Gordy.
For nearly 30 years, Motown produced songs and personalities that are as much a part of our consciousness as John Wayne, John Philip Sousa and John Brown. From Smokey Robinson's first hit single to Edwin Starr's driven, athletic soul, the label that came to be known as "Hitsville U.
Stars of Motown's golden years are still rolling along
Everyone knows about Michael, but whatever happened to Jermaine?
The Motown artists of the '60s and '70s, such as The Jackson 5 and other performers, made remarkable achievements musically and led the way for a new chapter in music history. Detroit was the place for new talent, and the new label, Motown, helped promote these new acts.
Ain't nothing like the label's lyrics to keep us listening
"Sugar pie honey bunch/
You know that I love you/
New Detroit bands revitalize city's post-Motown music scene
Face it: Motown is no more. The days of The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, The Temptations, and countless others are gone. Certainly, music of the Motown era will always hold a special place in the hearts of music connoisseurs everywhere, but the Detroit music scene today is radically different from what it was 50-some years ago.
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