1. Introduction to Motown

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

3. Imagine . . .
It’s 1958
Detroit, Michigan

4. 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!

5. 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!

6. How would you feel?
Turn and talk with a partner

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

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

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

10. The Miracles
The Supremes
The Supremes
The Four Tops

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

12. Set-Up Your Listening Log

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