Hitsville museum, a simple house in Detroit where the legendary Motown sound was createdPosted on 04/06/2020 7:13:26 AM PDT by NOBO2012
Monday: day 23 of the shutdown for some of us. Most strikes don’t last this long.
But let’s forget about pathogens, pandemics and politics for the day. I have something much better for you to focus on, music and movies. Or to be more precise, a movie about music – Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a nearly 2 hour documentary film that explores the founding of Motown in Detroit in 1958. We just watched it last night.
Hitsville museum, a simple house in Detroit where the legendary Motown sound was created
It’s not without its flaws but all you need to know is that this remarkable story about the founding and development of the legendary Motown Records is a joyous, nostalgic look at a great American success story. The bad bits tend to be left out in favor of the upbeat story of how Barry Gordy – failed boxer and record store owner went to work on Ford’s assembly line which inspired his concept for making hit records. With just $800 and a sense of entrepreneurship instilled by his parents he founded the internationally renowned Motown Records – his Hit Factory. The rest as they say is a dazzling history that we are privileged to share in this documentary.
The bulk of the story is related by legendary Barry Gordy himself – 89 at the time of the film’s making – and his best friend and associate Smokey Robinson, a kid by comparison at 79.
The stories (Martha Reeves was a secretary at Motown just filling in at the Mic when she was “discovered”) archival footage (the Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes etc. etc. etc.), the “sound” (the echo chamber was the upstairs bathroom in the 2 story “Hitsville” house), the song writers (Gordy and Robinson themselves as well as legendary team Holland-Dozier-Holland) the artists (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, etc. etc.), development (there was dance class and “charm school” in the Hit Factory’s schematic), and of course the string of hit tunes that 50 years on still sound great. There are a few downbeats including tales of how Motown stars on the road encountered segregation and discrimination which was till common in the mid 60s South – not so very long ago really - but the film doesn’t dwell on it. It’s just part of history now, which is a lesson in itself.
There’s even a small side story about the incredible Funk Brothers, musicians culled from Detroit jazz and blues clubs, to form the back up band that performed on more hit records than anyone in music history. They actually have their own documentary from a few years back that is also awesome. It’s available in full on Vimeo.
If you like music, musicians, business or just back stories you will love this documentary.
A fun film about a bunch of beautiful, talented people making some awesome music in an era of massive change both musically and socially. Unlike Rap and Hip Hop the music of Motown has the kind of staying power that will ensure it lives on in peoples’ personal playlists as well as movies and even commercials.
1986 California Raisins commercial: heard it through the grapevine
Available now:
Posted from: MOTUS A.D.
If you haven’t seen “Standing In The Shadows” about the Funk Bros, try to find it. Sad to see super anti Trumper john legends mug here though. Oh well............ Anyway, enjoy.
Pretty sure it’s Berry Gordy.
Bump
I still like a few old rare earth songs,, the trippy ones ..
great documentary ...Berry Gordy was one of a kind. He didnt wanna hear anything about race and all that garbage ....he wanted to make music..meet women and most of all, make some money. How American is that...there was some really fascinating details i learned. The song “My Girl” by Temptations was a “answer song” to Mary Wells hit song “My Guy”....i really enjoyed this show.
To this old guy, the Motown sound of the 60s is that best music ever.
Yuck!!I’m trying to block the image of gutter mouthed JOhn Legend, so I can better enjoy this article. I grew up in Motown during the 60’s and 70’s. My mother graduated from a high school across the street; Northern High.
I attended Cass Tech High School in Detroit, same eight floor public school that Diana Ross attended earlier.
I loved most of that music. Most of us have toured Hitsville building a couple of times. It’s actually a very small dwelling, considering it’s effect on popular music.
A main floor, a top floor and a full basement. Lots of little rooms inside, I suppose for different groups to record. One of Smokey Robinsons’ favorite pianos was still down in the basement studio last time I toured in 2015. It was reportedly always in tune in case one of the greats wanted to visit and play a few tunes. I touched the top of the piano, but of course stayed away from the keys. I didn’t want to damage anything.
A few blocks away on Grand Boulevard, used to be a main showroom for General Motors. The models for the next year were on display. I don’t live there anymore, so I don’t know if Gen. Motors still has that showroom.
Nice.
Missing in today’s music. People who can play instruments and can sing without autotune and whispering. Also no strippers or rappers need apply. Also no bro country songs ever again.
Who would you consider ‘Bro-Country’?
I like many types of popular music.
I just bought an old CD by Lady Antebellum, mainly for that song ‘Need You Now’. Well written and performed by the trio.
Sometimes I listen to Roy Rogers & Dale Evans.
Both had good voices.
I’ll buy it, for sure. In addition to “Standing”, the “Muscle Shoals” documentary is very good. Home of The Swampers.
this is why Country music sucks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLBA-EnmFqw
This beat is killing country music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT9iox7jH1g
I’ll have to take a little time and listen to these.
Thanks.
I listen to Alan Jackson, George Straight or those from the 70’s, 60’ 50’s.
I like the music whereas today it is too much rap and fake straw hatted cowboys.
I cannot name anyone new as I switch off the station when I start hearing the modern country and it hurts my ears : )
Look at all the musical instruments in this recording.
Beats any modern music today.
My World Is Empty Without You - The Supremes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z14qfKkfUV0
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