It was wildly popular. -The southern soul of his voice A number of factors came together to make Motowns success possible at this time. James Jamerson Jr describes My Girl Which phrase best describes the role of the Motown studio musicians? Share. Provide details about its founding, the style of music, important people, etc. What are the characteristics of Motown music? B. Robinson was an important songwriter at Motown, as were Sylvia Moy, Norman Whitfield, Mickey Stevenson, Ivy Joe Hunter, and Gordy himself. Top artists on the Motown label during that period included the Supremes (initially including Diana Ross), the Four Tops, and the Jackson 5, while Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Marvelettes, and the Miracles had hits on the Tamla label. C. False, all synthesizers are compatible with each other. Motown played an important role in the racial integration of popular music as an African American-owned label that achieved significant crossover success. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Motown celebrations have their place in every element of pop culture, whether its major museum exhibitions (Londons V&A hosted a celebration of The Supremes in 2008) or new-gen entertainment, such as the recent Netflix kids animated series Motown Magic. Berry Gordy is the greatest record man in American music history. The Jackson 5's original audition tape sent to Motown Records in August 1967 was rejected. If a test is proposedproposedproposed, it is____. Soon after Motown Records opened, it began shelling out hit after hit, single after single from popular black artists. Other important Motown producers and songwriters included Norman Whitfield, William Mickey Stevenson, Smokey Robinson, Barrett Strong, Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Frank Wilson, Pamela Sawyer & Gloria Jones, James Dean & William Weatherspoon, Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, Gil Askey,[21] Stevie Wonder, and Gordy himself. This might have been savvy attitude from a seasoned entrepreneur who fashioned Motown as the sound of young America but it was also key to why the labels spirit was so ground-breaking. While investigating facts about Motown Records Artists and Motown Records Founder, I found out little known, but curios details like: James Jamerson, regarded as the greatest electronic bass player ever, recorded Marvin Gayes Whats Going On, while being flat on his back as he was too intoxicated to stand upright. (If students need a refresher about Civil Rights refer to Civil Rights Timeline. Suggestions for adaption include: limit the number research sources resources students view; print resources and highlight relevant information. Then, lead a discussion about how Motown Records contributed to the Civil Rights Movement. This lesson is written for grades 9-12 but could be adapted for use in grades 6-8 as well. Motown Records changed the face of popular music in the 1960s. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.6Evaluate authors differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors claims, reasoning, and evidence. produce a consistent, distinctive sound for different Motown artists. Share with them the videoso they have a sense of the Motown sound. Include the following points: What was Motown Records? Motown played an important role in and an African American owned the record label but achieve significant success. What was Barry Gordy Jr.'s first signed act? Miracles lead singer William Smokey Robinson became the vice president of the company (and later named his daughter Tamla and his son Berry). Answer: Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American-owned business in America. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information. Within a few years motown was the biggest selling record company. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. How did the success of Motown impact the civil rights movement in America? Once students are in their expert groups, assign each group one of the following articles to read and analyze. Detectlves . In the 1960s, Motown and its subsidiary labels (including Tamla Motown, the brand used outside the US) were the most successful proponents of what came to be known as the Motown Sound . Verified answer. -Her voice sounds soulful and powerful. Motown played an important role in the racial integration of popular music as an African American -owned label that achieved crossover success. Were there any downsides to Motowns success? The music label enjoyed quick success with its release of "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong, its first hit. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Although he could not read music, he demonstrated an unerring ability to gauge whether a song had the elements of popular appeal. By this point, Motowns global status was certified (see clips of a 1965 Motown special on British TV programme Ready, Steady, Go!, presented by Dusty Springfield, for a wonderful shot of its Transatlantic frisson). In what ways was Berry Gordy involved in the music business? By this point, the labels chart domination had waned but Gordy had forged an empire that was synonymous with soul music, and also transcended it; hed faced high-profile objections from the likes of politician and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson when he first planned to sell Motown, because it evoked such an indomitable identity, achievement and pride. Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, who wrote and produced most of the Supremes mid-1960s hits, were nearly as famous as the Supremes themselves, and their squabble with Gordy over money, which resulted in a nasty lawsuit and their departure from the company, was major industry news. Motown brought together rhythm-and-blues, gospel, and pop influences as it sought to cross over (i.e., move beyond single-genre listeners) to reach a wide audience that included white teenagers. The company moved all of its operations to Los Angeles in June 1972, with a number of artists, among them Martha Reeves, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Motowns Funk Brothers studio band, either staying behind in Detroit or leaving the company for other reasons. False, different makes of synthesizers are not compatible with each other. By the mid-1960s, the company, with the help of songwriters and producers such as Robinson, A&R chief William Mickey Stevenson, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Norman Whitfield, had become a major force in the music industry. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Highlight examples of imagery used to describe the world outside Mrs. Mallard's bedroom window. Motown Records achieved crossover success by breaking down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American owned business in America. How was Motown changing as the 1960s progressed? Host Eduardo Pagan sets out to discover whether this amp really did belong to bassist James Jamerson. Second, a new urban dance music, rhythm and blues, was ascendant. Byron Almen, Dorothy Payne, Stefan Kostka, sguy_Microbiology Test 3 - (3of3) Fungi and D. Provide details about its founding, the style of music, important people, etc. Ironically Motown sold more records in the 70s, then they did in the 60s. Historical Comprehension: The student comprehends a variety of historical sources, 3. Show examples of images and elaborate on artist style and presentati Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American-owned business in America. Explain the strategies the label used to promote its artists and music. By re-locating, Motown aimed chiefly to branch out into the motion-picture industry, and Motown Productions got its start in film by turning out two hit-vehicles for Diana Ross: the Billie Holiday biographical film Lady Sings the Blues (1972), and Mahogany (1975). If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to ourFacebookpage or message us onTwitter. Related Episode: Motown Amp Investigation. When he found the name was already in use, Berry decided on Tamla instead. Assign students home and expert groups according to the jigsaw cooperative learning strategy. It doesnt matter where you go in the world; if you say the word Motown, people instinctively smile. being prayed for Eduardo Pagan provides background on Motown Records and James Jamerson. Such fame did some of Motowns writers achieve and such problems did their fame cause for Gordy that, when the Jackson 5 were signed by the company in 1969, the team that wrote the groups early hits was credited simply as the Corporation. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Explain the Stratford the label used to promote its artist and music. In this clip, History Detective Eduardo Pagan provides background on Motown Records and James Jamerson, the bass player for the Funk Brothers, Motowns house band. Yes, Motown was very popular in the 1960s. The groups glamorous lead singer, Diana Ross, went on to a remarkable solo career as a singer and a moderately successful career as an actress. -It's very complicated to figure out who exactly created the moonwalk. How did Motown records achieve crossover success. Complex chord changes and sophisticated melodies. Motown sought to be and became the Sound of Young America.. Unforgettable Beatles Moments: the Music that Changed the World, Rock Music Photography | Artists from the 60s and 70s, Hitsville U.S.A., 1959 (ground floor) administrative office, tape library, control room, Studio A; (upper floor) Gordy living quarters (195962), artists and repertoire (196272), Jobete Publishing office, 1961 sales, billing, collections, shipping, and public relations, Berry Gordy Jr. Enterprise, 1962 offices for Berry Gordy Jr. and Esther Gordy Edwards, Finance department, 1965 royalties and payroll, Artist personal development, 1966 Harvey Fuqua (head of artist development and producer of stage performances), Maxine Powell (instructor in grooming, poise, and social graces for Motown artists), Maurice King (vocal coach, musical director and arranger), Cholly Atkins (house choreography), and rehearsal studios, Two houses for administrative offices, 1966 sales and marketing, traveling and traffic, and mixing and mastering, ITMI (International Talent Management Inc.) office, 1966 management. From 1961 to 1971, Motown had 110 top 10 hits. Motown's impact on popular culture is not so simply calculated. Answer (1 of 4): Personally, I do, as a subgenre of pop and or soul music, AND a historical reference: 1. How did Motown achieve this level of success? Ewart Abner, who had been associated with Motown since the 1960s, became its president in 1973. Listen to several Aretha Franklin hits. The Temptations, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Martha and the Vandellas and The Supremes at EMI Records in March 1965, for the UK launch of the Tamla Motown label. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. By the end of the activity, students should have filled out notes in all the boxes on the handout. No one has quite been able to reproduce the classic Motown sound. -Hip Hug-Her The Motown production process has been described as factory-like. Motown remained a force in popular musica vital, near-primal influence with stunning longevity. use of tambourine along w/ drums, distinctive melodic and chord structure, call and response singing style, classical orchestrations, rhythms were upbeat and fun that brought together pop and soul. The word nemit comes from the Latin prefix re-, which means "backward," and the Latin word mittere, which means "to send." The most likely meaning of the word remitting as it is used in line 11 of "Patroling Barnegat" is A letting up \mathrm {B} B waiting C forgiving D restoring. How did opportunities for African American musicians change with the success of Motown? Biography. With The Supremes, Berry Gordy hails members of the Motown house band, left, and his Holland-Dozier-Holland hitmakers in 1965, The Hitsville sign over the door let it be known that if you set foot inside you were expected to sing, dance, write, produce, sell or manage, explained Gordy in his 1994 autobiography, To Be Loved. The real Motown Sound became more favorable than the altered renditions. This site is using cookies under cookie policy . In your opinion, did James Brown, Michael Jackson, or someone else originate the Moonwalk? Students may present their findings in brief oral or written reports. Also in 1959, Gordy purchased the property that would become Motowns Hitsville U.S.A. studio. The Motown Sound was characterized by syncopated bass lines, call-and-response choruses, and a strong backbeat accented with tambourines. Gordy prided himself on having learned about producing a quality product from a brief stint on the assembly line at an auto plant. There are almost no words that trigger the same international emotional response., The Supremes in London, 1964 (Credit: EMI Archive Trust and Universal Music Group, taken from Motown: The Sound of Young America, Adam White & Barney Ales, Thames & Hudson). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. What was Motown Records originally called? One of Motown's famous girl groups is The Marvelettes. Franklin's mother, Barbara, was a gospel singer and pianist. By 1967, Motowns success was booming; Fortune magazine ran a feature about The Motown Sound of Money, with writer Stanley H Brown highlighting Gordys ability to build and direct a highly sophisticated enterprise to release hit records almost as a matter of course, and to do the job in a firm, businesslike manner without interfering with the creative flow., Gordys production line approach was influenced by his time working in the automobile factories of Detroit. When did Tamla change its name to Motown? You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. If a black artist could "cross over" meaning attract an audience wider than their urban base they could command greater r The word 'Motown' comes from motor and town because Detroit is a big producing city. Why? In 2014, however, UMG announced the dissolution of Island Def Jam, and Motown relocated back to Los Angeles to operate under the Capitol Music Group, now operating out of the landmark Capitol Tower. Detroit-born 29-year-old Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records with an $800 loan from his familys collective savings. (2), The death of MLK Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Though the songs were not overtly political, Motowns popularity contributed to the Civil Rights Movement by achieving crossover success. What do we learn about Motown Records and its artists? It was wildly popular. He had rigorous quality control meetings, and only records that could pass the harsh criticism of his assembled brain trust were released. Explain how Motown music helped African Americans in their fight for . Thanks to its popularity, African-American songs and faces entered the homes of every American in the country, regardless of race. (3), The emergence of Southern soul from Memphis, 1. The "Motown Sound". from the list below. 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. From that modest wood-frame house in Detroit he built Motown Records, which in the 1960s and '70s grew to become the most successful independent record label in America, producing some of the greatest, most uplifting and most enduring popular music in history.. How did music bridge differences and cultures in America in the 1960s? Pop vocal stylings embellished with gospel-influenced chorals. Afterwards, use the following questions to assess comprehension and prompt discussion: After showing the clip from the History Detectives episode Motown Amp, explain to the class that they will work in small jigsaw groups to research Motown Records and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Historical Research Capabilities: The student conducts historical research, US History Content Standards, Grades 5-12, Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-1970s). It was not that we marched or paraded; we just promoted it through love., On the Gordy label, Motown released an album of Martin Luther Kings address to the Freedom Rally held in Detroit on 23 June 1963 (EMI Archive Trust and Universal Music Group). 3m perfect it 3 step system. Rockwell, the artist behind 80's hit, 'Somebody's Watching Me', and Redfoo from LMFAO, are stepbrothers. How did Motown record achieve crossover success? What was Motown Records? What do you think the outside world might symbolize in Mrs. Mallard's life? He briefly owned a jazz record store, but his true love was songwriting. and Stevie Wonders Innervisions albums), although Detroits original Hitsville building remains its spiritual home today, as the Motown Museum. How did Motown achieve this level of success? Each home team should consist of 4-5 students and students should number off within their teams. -The types of instruments his songs incorporated fit the Stax sound perfectly, 1. Forgot Password? First, after World War II, big-band swing, the dominant popular dance music in the United States during the Great Depression, became pass. Following the events of the Detroit Riots of 1967 and the loss of key songwriting/production team Holland-Dozier-Holland the same year over pay disputes, Gordy began relocating Motown to Los Angeles, California. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text. Rare Earth also faced segregation at the time for sounding "too white.". Author of. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.9Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources. Please explain. Gordy liked to boast that 70 percent of his record sales were to white buyers. Just because when writing it's easier than saying "The Supremes, the Miracles, the Temptations, the Four Tops, etc." when you're talking about a particular era in music. 5 Advantages Of In-Home Therapy And Rehabilitation Best Tyre Brands for Your Car NFL COVID PROTOCOLS: OUTBREAK POSTPONES STEELERS-TITANS What's the Future of the Manufacturing Industry? -It was racially integrated and artists were not limited to single roles at Stax. How did Motown help the Civil Rights movement? (a) Recall: How have the poet's memories of his first visit helped him ? Have students divide up into expert groups corresponding to the numbers they counted off (eg: all the number 1s should work together, etc.). The day would start with a 9am quality control meeting, in which songwriters and producers (sometimes theyd be one and the same) would listen to each others songs and critique them. Berry Gordy ended up selling the record label for over 60 million dollars. In 1959, not long after recording Robinsons group, the Miracles, for New York-based End Records and establishing Jobete Publishing Company, Gordy began Motown Records (its name derived from Detroits nickname, Motor City). How was Berry Gordy Jr.s approach to Motown unique? In the late sixties, Motown Records released a number of explicitly political hits: Marvin Gayes Whats Going On, Edwin Starrs War, Aretha Franklins Respect, and Smokey Robinsons I Care About Detroit. Ask students to research one of those songs and analyze what it says in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. (3). Their first release, Got a Job, was an answer record to the Silhouettes Get a Job (issued on George Goldners End Records). At 60, the sound of young America retains its vitality and its iridescent power.
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