One of the biggest influences in today’s music is the Motown Era. Though it now describes a whole genre of music, the name Motown originally came from the record label company Motown Record Corporation started by Barry Gordy, Jr. on April 14, 1960. It was located in Detroit, Michigan, which is fitting considering the word Motown combines the words motor and town.
Famous artists of Motown Records included The Supremes, Jackson 5, Four Tops, and Lionel Richie. Another branch of the record company called Tamla Records included artists Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The Marvelettes. Other branches of the record company: Gordy Records and Tamla –Motown Records. More recent artists under the label include Brian McKnight, Erykah Badu, and Boyz II Men.
Motown is one of the biggest influences of today’s R&B and hip hop music. It was a type of music that had everything going for it. It was dance music, love music, sing-a-long music, political music, drinking music, and anything else you could think of. It came during an era that saw a lot of change and people needed something to listen to get them through their days. So much expression went into the music made back then that it was given the title “soul music.” People raised up issues and asked questions through their music, but still kept the great singing and funky beats that makes it a loved genre today.
Listening to soul music, truly showcases the talent and dedication of the artists during the 60s and 70s. Listening to their music always makes my day seem a little bit better. So here’s a playlist of some of my favorite Motown hits.
My favorite song from this list is A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke. Besides being an absolutely beautiful song, the emotion and expression in it is unprecedented. It completely defines that era.
Love and Happiness is a close second.
