Gerald Posner's Motown: Music, Money, Sex and Power claims that “between 200 and 300 Detroit employees were out of work, with most given no chance to transfer.” Some of those were former marquee names. The Four Tops didn't want to move west, and were promptly fired by the recording division's new president Ewart Abner.

Why did Motown leave?

A reporter asked the Jackson family why they had decided to leave Motown. “We left Motown because we look forward to selling a lot of albums,” Tito Jackson answered. “Motown sells a lot of singles. Epic sells a lot of albums,” Mr.

Is Motown still around?

Motown, as we've come to know it, does not exist anymore. It appears to not be a label, but more of a "label group," now paired with Universal. ... We know that Berry Gordy sold Motown way back when, but at least then Motown was still a functioning entity. Now, it's Motown in name only.

Is Motown still popular?

Across six decades and a few relocations, the label would attain massive commercial and critical success, and today Motown continues to dominate modern pop music, thanks to a slew of new Motown artists – Migos, City Girls, and BJ The Chicago Kid among them – who are shaping the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop for a new ...

What was Motown's studio called?

In 1959, Gordy formed his first label, Tamla Records, and purchased the property that would become Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. studio.

Tragic Real-Life Stories Of Motown's Biggest Stars

37 related questions found

Who was Motown's biggest star?

Michael Jackson

Still, Motown was Jackson's launchpad to success and the label's biggest star.

Was Motown all black?

Arriving at the height of the civil rights movement, Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that gave white America something they just could not get enough of — joyous, sad, romantic, mad, groovin', movin' music. (See an audio slideshow of five of Motown's best tunes.)

When did the Motown era end?

The Donovan Building in downtown Detroit, where Motown had moved its business offices in 1968, was abandoned, with mountains of the label's paperwork still inside. It was demolished in 2006 and became a parking lot for Super Bowl XL.

Did the Supremes have any hits after Diana Ross left?

But despite several personnel changes between 1970 and 1977, the Supremes still managed to make solid recordings, especially in the first two or three years after Diana's exit. They maintained the glittery piquancy that had always anchored the Supremes' sound.

How did the temptations get started?

Originally called the Elgins, the Temptations were formed in 1961 from the coupling of two vocal groups based in Detroit—the Primes, originally from Alabama, and the Distants. That same year they signed with Motown.

Is Berry Gordy still married?

Berry Gordy has been married and divorced three times, and has eight children in total.

Did Michael Jackson stay with Motown?

1975–1981: Move to Epic and Off the Wall

In 1975, the Jackson 5 left Motown. They signed with Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records, and renamed themselves the Jacksons. Their younger brother Randy joined the band around this time; Jermaine stayed with Motown and pursued a solo career.

When did the Jackson 5 change to the Jacksons?

Today in 1975, The Jackson 5 announced that they were leaving Motown Records for Epic Records. The brothers were forced to change their name to The Jacksons because Motown owned the other name.

What is the best selling Motown single?

Soul Machine

The song became the biggest selling Motown hit in the US at the time, selling over two-million copies within the first six weeks.

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.

Is Motown soul music?

The Motown sound, which came of age in the 1960s, must also be considered soul music.

Who is the greatest R&B singer of all time?

Rolling Stone Readers Pick the Top 10 R&B/Soul Singers of All...

• Sam Cooke.
• Aretha Franklin. ...
• Ray Charles. ...
• Al Green. ...
• Stevie Wonder. ...
• James Brown. ...
• Smokey Robinson. ...
• Luther Vandross. Luther Vandross got his big break in 1974 when David Bowie recruited him to sing back-up vocals on Young Americans. ...

Why is Motown significant for the African American community?

2 Yet Motown embodied one of the principles the Civil Rights Movement preached most: black success and independence. ... The establishment and success of Motown was an intrinsically political act that served as proof to Civil Rights claims that African Americans could be just as independent and successful as whites.

Which Stax artist died in a plane crash in 1967?

On December 10, 1967, a plane carrying Otis Redding and other members of his band, The Bar-Kays, plunged into Lake Monona. They were on their way to a show, when their twin-engine aircraft crashed in the lake, miles from the airport. Redding, 26, a soul singer and songwriter, along with six others, died in the crash.

Which Motown girl group was the most successful?

The Supremes. With a whopping 20 top-10 hits, and 12 number one hits, The Supremes are Billboard's top girl group of all time. At their peak, The Supremes rivaled The Beatles, and they were undoubtedly Motown's most commercially successful group.

Who made the most money at Motown?

Diana Ross and The Supremes were the most successful group or artist in Motown's history by at least one measure — their 12 Billboard No.