Berry Gordy and Motown
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
Marker Inscription
Motown the "Motown Sound" was created on this site from 1959 to 1972. The company was started with an $800 loan from the savings club of the Bertha and Berry Gordy, Sr., family. Originally called Tamla Records, the company's first national release was "Money (That's What I Want)," in August 1959. The founder, choosing a name that reflected the Motor City, coined the word "Motown" for the company that was incorporated as the Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. That same year it produced its first gold record, "Shop Around". In 1968 the company, which had grown from a family-oriented business to an international enterprise, moved it business operations to 2457 Woodward. Motown provided an opportunity for Detroit's inner-city youth to reach their full potential and become super stars.
Erected by Michigan Historical Marker Program
The Story
In 1959 Berry Gordy launched his record company on this Detroit site with an $800 family loan, soon naming it Motown in honor of the Motor City. From this modest house-turned-studio poured a stream of hits and stars that defined the 'Motown Sound.' Over the next dozen years the company grew from a family business into an international enterprise.
Why it matters
Motown opened a path to stardom for Detroit's Black youth and carried African American music into the mainstream, reshaping popular music worldwide.
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Related people
- · Berry Gordy
Related events
- · Founding of Motown Records
Themes & tags
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