Berry Gordy: The Founder Of Motown

Motown Records was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy who turned his music production company into history’s most successful black-owned record label company.

Motown took the world over by surprise. The vivid and new sounds from Motown artists made screaming dedicated fans all over the world. With the addicted fans, Motown artists raised the bad and opened the eyes of those who thought African Americans would never amount to anything. Although there still happened to be racism, and prejudice, African Americans managed to become recognized and well known for their abilities. Not only were the Motown artists extraordinary talented, but they also were unbelievably strong and persistent for going against all those people out there who discriminated on them. They took the criticisms continued and went on with what they loved to do. One of the most famous groups during the

Motown helped break down some racial barriers during this era. America during this era was one of gross racial stereotypes. Motown forced America to confront its own feelings about race, community, intolerance, justice and reality. Motown coincided with the emergence of the civil rights movement and both were inextricably linked. Motown was a type of prelude for Dr. Martin Luther King; it helped set the stage for the major changes that were underway. Motown broke many of the traditional stereotypes of African Americans. This music was the backbone for conversation, particularly the young, and initiated an intense re-examination of some prevalent stereotypes. It was long overdue don’t you think? My grandmother told me that when she was growing up during the sixties she can remember her mother yelling at her to “turn off that nigger trash!”, but my grandmother could’ve cared less, she had friends who were African American and there was nothing wrongful with listening to the music, but things were different in New York, not much different but forgiving enough to let children form their own opinions on the music and the artists behind it.

2.With performers like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gay, the Temptations, and Diana Ross and the Supremes, Motown Records changed music history. Who founded Motown Records in 1959?

Berry Gordy Jr. started Motown Records in January of 1959 with only an $800 loan from his family and a passion for music. Within a few years of opening Motown Records, what started as a small Detroit record studio, they were selling more singles and releasing more hits than any other recording company. Motown became a cultural icon changing the way music was. Berry Gordy Jr. was known as the most successful African-American owned and operated record company which gave African-American artists a chance to record and sell their music. The embrace of Motown’s artists and recordings by the entire listening audience helped control racial barriers that had plagued the country since its establishment. In its classic era, the eventful music scene of the 1960s, Motown’s artists were among the most popular, establishing a standard of excellence and sophistication that has never been exceeded.

Gordy released ‘Sound of Young America’ this gained popularity between both races white and black alike. This made them come together and listen to the same music. It transcended to racial boundaries and made it so revolutionary to the Motown Civil Rights. Motown's best selling and releasing albums and artist were african american they made a huge impact in this decade and in the music itself. Gordy's vision came true for there to be peace with the races and no matter what color you are it does not affect what kind of music you listen to and/ or who you listen to. The only things that matter is that we are equal and we can do things together without fighting and being racist about everything. The Civil Rights Movement brought MLK into a whole new light. They recorded his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech before he left so say it to the world. This helps because he already helped one area in the world and then he went to help so much and Motown

Berry Gordy was a visionary, entrepreneur and a teacher to become one of the, if not the most talented music producers of all time. Gordy paved the way for all African American producers and musicians to make history by being the first African American owned record label to reach national acclaim. Gordy fist recording studio was made from a converted garage with the control room from the kitchen in his home. His first artist was signed in 1959 with the Miracles, and first Billboard’s song was “That’s What I Want” which reach #2. Within that year Gordy sign the girl group the Marvelettes and reach No1 on the pop list. Then three years later he signed two more group the Supremets and Temptations that gave him five more No. 1 hits. By the late 1960’s Motown had five records on the Billboard charts.

Rock ‘N’ Roll was the opportunity for African-Americans to get rid of segregation. It was also their opportunity to make black culture mainstream. But since white dictates, they fear blacks as part of their culture. They would shun and exploit performers, bleached their music and promote white Rock ‘N’ Roll instead. Whites believed that black Rock ‘N’ Roll promoted delinquency and sexuality to the children thus wanting it ban. When Nat King Cole was being assaulted and boycotted by the white community, the African-American have lost hope of being free. But it was when “Fats” Domino appeared. He becomes the first black Rock ‘N’ Roll millionaire. Many blacks were proud of him as he was the representative of influencing American Society.

He was important because he was a nine-time grammy awards. Miles Davis change of music styles was with his own personal experiences. It was a reflection within the civil rights time.Miles fought against the civil rights by making music for the community. After putting up a fight, he didn’t notice that he became an iconic symbol of strength and power within the Black community. Because of Miles Davis childhood, it let him become an innovator! It let him change the course of jazz. Miles Davis was beaten by a white police officer, after he help a white woman into a taxi. After this incident happened, it led him to change his music personality and style. He really believed that making this change he realizes that he could use his influence of music on a political scale. He also stood for a movement of the black power. Miles was on a journey to bring power to, relate to, and bring the truth to the black

Motown was created in January 1959, by Berry Gordy Jr., with just a small loan of only $800 from his family. Within a few years Motown was selling more records than any other record company! The Motown sound was a mix of African-American church traditions, pop music sensibilities, jazz skills and alluring rhythms. There were many great artist that kept Motown at the top, some of these artist would include; Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5.

Chuck Berry at this point had a climbing music career that would eventually have a great decline in 1961. He had been convicted under the “Mann Act” because he was illegally transporting woman across state lines for "immoral purposes." (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). What would have been three years earlier, in 1958, Chuck Berry had opened his own Club Bandstand. He did this in what was a predominantly white business district of downtown St. Louis. That next year, while

In the 1960's, America was ready for a change. Black rhythm and blues known as Motown became popular. Bob

Thousands of white Americans came to Harlem to experience the night life. The nightclubs in New York appealed to the whites as they were very famous. Jazz music was thriving in the area. It originated in the Unites States among African-American musicians. It was at this time that jazz was at its most famous point. Many people would host rent parties which were very popular at the time. Apartment owners would hold a party and would charge a fee to those who wanted to enter. They used this money in order to pay off their rent (Worth). The influence of jazz also brought musical reviews. Soon white novelists, dramatists and composers started to exploit the musical tendencies and themes of African Americans in their works. Composers used the literary works of African-American poets in their songs. Negros began to merge with Whites into the classical world of musical composition (Wikipedia). Soon, the works of artists were being displayed in nationwide magazines. Their culture began to spread with great velocity.

Black musicians gained respect and a consistent audience. Names such as B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Little Richard, among others, would not be recognized if it weren’t for John Hammond. The fact that black musicians were accepted and even respected, translated to a beginning of the civil rights movement.3 This attitude slowly carried over from music to the world as a whole with the help of civil rights leaders.

James Brown is American funk and soul artist who is well-known as the ‘Godfather of Soul’ and he was one of the most iconic figures in soul and funk music from 1950s. James had inspired a lot of artists and also on some genres. For example, his rhythmical funk songs were sampled on some hip-hop genre songs and influenced on the hip-hop genre’s development. Brown was known as his unique soulful voice with great showmanship. Brown was also known for his work of social Activist, writing songs about social problems. Some of his well-known songs are “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” (1965), “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (1965), and “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (1966). Even though his greatest hits are from 1960s, a lot of these songs are still used in the commercials, films, and T.V. shows even in nowadays.