Day 25: A Little Motown In My Soul

    The Story of Motown,  was a  re-released in 2018 containing a  new forward by Greil Marcus.  This book is a must read for any music lover of the 1960's and especially Motown.  The songs that were produced here sparked the imagination of an entire generation.  To say that Berry Gordy was a genius is an understatement.  What he actually achieved was a phenomenon that the world has never seen or will see again.    Who would have ever thought that in the middle of the Motor city there would be a music capitol like no other in the United States?  Or even in the world?    Peter Benjaminson's book does an excellent job in telling the Motown story and its impact on music, culture and Detorit.  

    It all started with Berry Gordy borrowing $800 to begin the Detroit-based record company.  In less than a decade Gordy built the largest black-owned business in America.  The concept of an assembly line style of producing hits was unthinkable.  Yet,  Gordy's groundbreaking vision gave rise to many new voices. His company produced talents such as Diana Ross,  The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, The Four Tops,  Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gay, The Jackson 5, just to name a few.  The Motown was successful not only because of the talented acts but primarily because the innovative style of music appealed to both white and blacks.  

     This story is not just the story of one man's victory over powerful record company giants.  It is the story of challenging the status quo, confronting bigotry and racism on economic and cultural levels.   Eventually Gordy would help  black artists take control of their music and proceeds from the sales.   They were embolden to mark their own path in the music industry.  Gordy quickly learned the challenging pitfalls of American business and found ways to overcome the obstacles.   Eventually,  he also found ways to exploit his talent which led to the artists leaving the Motown label to competing record labels that offered better, lucrative contracts.   

    Motown will always  have the distinction of being one of  the most important cultural touchstones in America.  The impact that Motown had on the music industry is still felt today.  Barry Gordy remains a legend in the music industry.  The rise and fall of Motown is  the modern version of the rags to riches story.  One that can be read over and over again.     It's quite clear that Benjaminson knows Detroit and Motown very well.  Which is why, this book is destined to be one of the must reads for fans of Motown of every age.