Introduction to Motown

What do you know about Motown? Brainstorm in your ideas in your notebook

Imagine . . . It’s 1958 Detroit, Michigan

You are a musician You write a hit song A record company loves it and offers you a contract and you sign! Your song hits #1 and you think you made it!

And then you realize . . . You signed all rights to the song away! The record company will earn tons of money from your record sales . . . But you will not!

How would you feel? Turn and talk with a partner

In comes Berry Gordy . . . 1959 Created a record company where African American musicians can profit from their own hard work

Motown Black performers could work free from exploitation Musicians would share in rights and profits

Developed a signature Motown Style Lead singer with back-up vocals

The Miracles The Supremes The Supremes The Four Tops

Let’s Listen . . . What do you hear? What stands out?

Set-Up Your Listening Log

Homework Talk with a family member about what they know about Motown