In a time where African-Americans were out casted and racial tensions were high, Berry Gordy set out to put aside any differences in the world of music. Gordy teamed with many future superstars to create hit songs that would live on forever. To create hit songs that made money and an impression on the people of the world in the 1960s; Berry Gordy must attempt to catch people’s attention in a way that captivates them.
Berry Gordy Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan at the beginning of the Great Depression.
At the time, Detroit earned the nickname “Motor City” because of the automotive company, Ford Motor, which provided a job boost in Michigan, gave decent wages and did not discriminate against African Americans. Gordy’s parents were hardworking Americans who owned a grocery and print shop, which was employed by their children. However, his passions did not coincide with his family’s and soon he became a boxer with a passion for music, until he left for the Korean War. With the ambition that brought his parents success and happiness, Gordy set up a jazz record shop with the help of his family. Unfortunately, Gordy was forced to close the shop because of jazz’s unpopularity. He started work at the
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“Berry believed that if fans were coming to Motown’s music through buying records, they’d come out in crowds to experience the music performed in front of them.” However, when the tour motorcade pulled up to their southern venues, they were met with signs that excluded African Americans. In the north, tensions lightened and the Revue was well received at black clubs, called “the chitlin circuit.” Chiltlins refer to the intestines of a hog, which degraded the performers and club-goers. Nonetheless, the tour increased record sales for the groups and allowed Motown singers and musicians to earn “top dollar for their