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.

Founded in 1985, the Motown Historical Museum now resides in this home, which housed Motown founder Berry Gordy. It also was the studio where artists such as the Jackson 5, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder recorded their numerous hit songs. Celebrating

MARGARET MYERS/Daily Berry Gordy's Detroit home, once open 24-hours a day to Motown artists, remains open to the public as a historic site.

the years Motown Records was based in Detroit, 1959 to 1972, the museum offers a look back at the people and the magic of "the Motown Sound" that took the nation by storm.

The musical journey begins as visitors walk through the front door and wander down a hall where artists' renditions of Michael Jackson, The Supremes and Smokey Robinson adorn the wall. An introductory video chronicles Berry Gordy's childhood and his rise to producing genius as Motown catapulted into the music scene. Watching Nelson Mandela recite the Marvin Gaye lyric, "Brother, brother there is far too many of you dead," creates a chilling feeling as one begins to recognize Motown's impact on the world.

This feeling resonates as visitors move to the second floor, whose walls are covered by a plethora of old photographs, album covers and gold records. As Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" jingles in your ears, the shimmering Irish-green sequins from the jackets of The Temptations brighten your eyes. In the same showcase are the elegant mauve-colored dresses of The Supremes.

"Motown" wouldn't be complete without Michael Jackson's famed sequined white glove and black fedora hat, which he donated to the museum in 1988. These are found in the center of the second room.

A doorway from there leads into the apartment where Berry Gordy resided. With old 45s littering one of the tables and a classic flamingo-pink bathroom of the '50s glowing in the rear of the flat, this apartment is a trip back in time. It contains some of the original furniture, such as an orange naugahyde sofa and a bedroom set.

Climbing downstairs leads to the original office of Motown Records, which has a starburst clock and a 35-cent cigarette machine. A weekly schedule of recording times and other activities for Marvin Gaye and The Temptations remains posted on a bulletin board.

Move down the hall to recording Studio A, which Valerie Ford, director of audience development for the museum, called the collection's "most prized possession." The studio, which was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contains the original wood floor, instruments and equipment. Staring into the control room, visitors can see holes in the floor under the mixing board, evidence of Gordy's foot tapping to the beat of the songs.

Walking through the narrow passageway into the studio is an enchanting experience, knowing the likes of Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross all recorded here. There is a quiet, surreal elegance in experiencing the home of "the Motown Sound." Historical presenter Jerome Meriwether captured this when he said, "This room is haunted. It is haunted with good music and success."

The success of Motown can be attributed to many aspects - its people, their talents, their genius. However, while standing in the gift shop and watching administrative assistant Derek Thornton shout out "Oh, Diana," and clap to one of Ross' songs playing out of a CD player, visitors can feel the true magic of Motown - the absolute spirit of music.

03-26-98