Where was Motown Records founded?
January 12, 1959, Detroit, MIMotown / Founded
What was the original building that recorded Motown Records?
Hitsville U.S.A.
“Hitsville U.S.A.” is the nickname given to Motown’s first headquarters and recording studio. The house (formerly a photographers’ studio) is located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan, near the New Center area. The house was purchased by Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1959.
Who owns the Motown Museum?
Esther Gordy Edwards
Esther Gordy Edwards is the founder of Motown Museum and a former Motown Records’ senior vice president and corporate secretary.
What is the origin of Motown?
Motown, in full Motown Record Corporation, also called Hitsville, recording company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., in January 1959 that became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history.
Who created Motown Records?
Berry GordyMotown / Founder
As one after another of the independents have sold themselves to the conglomerates, and as each, to one degree or another, has lost touch with its original source of strength, only Motown continues to reflect the musical as well as business vision of its founder: namely, Berry Gordy, Jr.
When was Motown Records founded?
Was Sam Cooke a Motown artist?
Sam Cooke He was killed at age 33 in 1964. Cooke was with three music labels, but never with Motown. He was a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the first inductions in 1986.
What was Motown’s first hit?
Fifty years ago today (May 16, 1964) the Motown Records label celebrated its first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with Mary Wells’ “My Guy,” a song written and produced by Smokey Robinson.
What does the Mo in Motown Records stand for?
First recorded in 1965–70; from Motown, proprietary name for records released by the Motown Record Corporation of Detroit, Michigan, shortened from Motor Town, in reference to Detroit’s major role as a motor vehicle producer.
Was Aretha Franklin a Motown artist?
Aretha Franklin was never part of the Motown Records roster, but she did belong to the Motown family, company founder Berry Gordy said Thursday morning. Though never signed to Motown, Aretha was considered part of my family. We always shared fond memories of the Motor City, life, and just things.
Was Whitney Houston a Motown artist?
Whitney Houston Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singers who ever lived. She was with the Arista and RCA record labels, but never with Motown. She has sold more than 170 million albums worldwide.
Who was considered the queen of Motown after he hit my guy?
Before the Supremes, before The Jackson 5, and before The Temptations, there was Mary Wells. In the early 1960s, the young Detroit native earned the nickname “the Queen of Motown” when she scored multiple hits for the legendary record label, including her signature song, “My Guy.”
Who was the first white person on Motown Records?
The first white solo artist signed by Motown was Debbie Dean, and the first white band signed was Nick and The Jaguars., according to online sources.
What was the first hit record for Motown Records?
Letter Full of Tears (1962)
What city and state was Motown Records founded in?
Motown, in full Motown Record Corporation, also called Hitsville, recording company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., in January 1959 that became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history. The company gave its name to the hugely popular style of soul music that it created.
Who started Motown Records?
When Berry Gordy Jr started Motown Records he established the base from which he intended conquering the world at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, it was in a row of once affluent houses that by the time of Motown’s inception had become a rundown area.