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 at 2648 W. Grand Blvd, the sign demonstrated Gordy's blazing — and at the time, unearned — arrogance. Then the slogan came true. … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Thread: Black-owned record labels
Berry Gordy
Saturday Evening Thread: Salute to Motown
The 90s saw a lot of young talent signed by Motown, but perhaps the most successful and popular of all the signings was a young group out of Philadelphia. Upon hearing this group give an impromptu performance of New Edition's "Can You Stand The Rain", Michael Bivins became their manager and the rest as they say is Motown history. … [Read more...] about Saturday Evening Thread: Salute to Motown
Friday Afternoon Thread: Salute to Motown
In the late 70s, Motown's sales were sagging overall against the competition. Berry Gordy would then sign a young musician from Buffalo who would put a funkdafied spark into the company and churn out a slew of hits during the 80s. … [Read more...] about Friday Afternoon Thread: Salute to Motown