Above the front windows of Motown Records’ Detroit headquarters was a sign that read “Hitsville U.S.A.” Placed there by Motown founder Berry Gordy soon after his company moved into the modest home on W. Grand Blvd, the sign demonstrated Gordy’s blazing self-confidence. At the time that sign wasn’t much more than wishful thinking. Then the wishes started coming true.
Founded on Jan. 12, 1959, Motown quickly became another Detroit factory; where the Big Three produced automobiles, Motown assembled the soul and pop classics that changed America. There’s no exaggeration in that statement. Arriving at the height of the civil rights movement, Motown was a black-owned, black-centered business that gave white America something they just could not get enough of — joyous, sad, romantic, mad, movin’, groovin’ music.
A former boxer and automobile worker, Berry Gordy was a budding songwriter when, at the urging of Smokey Robinson, he decided to establish Motown Records. The two had become friends years earlier and Robinson, who was the lead singer of a band called The Miracles, produced, wrote, and sang several of Motown’s most memorable hits — including the label’s first smash song, “Shop Around” in 1960. A year later, “Please Mr. Postman,” by The Marvelettes, was the label’s first No. 1 song. It would not be the last.
The Motown Sound has something extra-special about it. Berry Gordy knew people would be listening on their car stereos and transistor radios and he was going to do what it took to make songs sound good and memorable. Even if you couldn’t put your finger on it, when a Motown song came on, you knew it. Still do.
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Welcome to In The Groove: Motown Melodies! Let’s start our musical journey for September with The Miracles’ first smash hit – a song about a mother giving advice to her grown son on how to find a woman worthy of being a girlfriend or wife. From 1960, written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, here’s “Shop Around” by The Miracles.
That was the timeless sound of classic Motown – still fresh and fabulous 63 years later! I’ve got a bunch of dimes for the jukebox; let’s listen to a few more from The Miracles:
Turn the lights way down low; it’s ‘slow-dancin’ and romancin’ time. This one was my first.
Five teenaged friends from Detroit formed The Miracles in 1955; ten years later the group would be known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The group and its music has had an incredible impact, influencing scores of artists from many different musical genres around the globe. The original lineup has consistently been praised by critics in major music magazines and has received numerous honors and awards for its contributions to the music industry.
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of In The Groove: Motown Melodies; I’d love to read your comments. Please join me here every Tuesday in September for more terrific sounds out of the Motor City. 🚙
It was great fun movin’ and groovin’ with you today!
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
The Elephant's Trunk 
Motown had a sound all of its own. A great start to what I’m sure will be an interesting and informative series.
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Thanks so much, Keith! Glad you like this little change-up to In The Groove. It will be fun!
WARNING: Some posts may require earplugs!
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That first one sounds almost like a “work in progress” of what Motown wouid develop into.
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It sorta was, Pete. It’s gonna be a moovin’ and groovin’ September.
Wait till October! You’ve been warned 🤣
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Should I be worried?
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No! Not yet, anyway! 🤣
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Motown is one of my favourite genres, and I’m learning one of the classics right now, it might just make an appearance on Wednesdays 😊
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Now that would be fun, Deb! If you’re looking for backup singers, I know a few. Glad you enjoyed the piece today!
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I don’t always read the write up about the artists . Eyes just don’t allow it. But do enjoy listening to some of the music.
Thanks for the time spent putting this all together.
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Thanks, Sighs! I love knowing you’re enjoying these great sounds. Words are just words; you can never go wrong with the magic of music.
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I’m glad I have my earphones on constantly!!! Keeps the peace.
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I hear ya!!
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Brilliant music and loved this post, sis! It’s fun to hear these songs again. ❤️
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Isn’t the music great? So much to choose from. I’m having fun with this one, sis! Glad you enjoyed it. ❤️
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Nothing like walking into The Sink on winter’s Friday afternoon after class and hearing the sound of Motown.
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Now Allen, you can’t tease us with a comment like that without a little background! You’ve got a great story in the making here!
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I guess it is a question of how/where to publish.
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You can always start right here on WordPress with one of their basic plans and give it a go. We’ve all got a story to tell.
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What a piece of music history Motown is! So glad you decided to feature it, Nancy.
In retrospective, I guess that the Motown sound was more than the music it was made of; a cultural paradigm that created echoes that still reverberate.
“Motown was about music for all people – white and black, blue and green, cops and the robbers. I was reluctant to have our music alienate anyone.”
Berry Gordy
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Good Morning, Nick.
You are the last person I need to tell how much of a writer’s heart and soul goes into creating a piece they can be proud of. If one is serious about doing a good job (why bother, otherwise?) there are piles of research material to look through. Sometimes things get overlooked; that excellent quote by Berry Gordy which you provided is a perfect example.
I’m so glad you found that quote and added it to your comment. It is a great complement to my piece and I will include it in all upcoming posts for ‘Motown Memories’.
Glad to know you enjoyed the ride today! ❤︎ 😎
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