Motown Research Paper

On July 24, 1701, the oldest city outside of the original thirteen colonies was founded. This city would go on to be one of the more fascinating cities of the United States. Not only is this city home to riveting buildings, such as the only floating post office in America, but it is also home to Motown. This city is Detroit. With the merger of different styles of jazz and blues, Detroit was filled with potential; it wasn’t until Motown, though, that this talent reached a national level. Motown was able to reach nationwide audiences through Berry Gordy’s, the record label’s creator, raw talent and drive for success. Another source of Motown’s success was the people surrounding Gordy, including his family and close friends. The final reason

Those who were once dominating the charts began to fall. According to Peter Grendysa, one of America’s leading R&B historians, “For the first time, a bunch of new acts on new labels began to dominate the R&B tallies at the same time black artists were vanishing from Pop charts” (qtd. in Bjorn and Gallert 170). Labels during this time period were focused on creating names for white artists such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. In order for African Americans to remain present in musical affairs R&B emerged. Arnold Shaw, a songwriter, described R&B best when he said, “R&B was liberated music, which in its pristine form represented a break with white, mainstream pop. Developing from black sources, it embodied the fervor of gospel music, the throbbing vigor of boogie-woogie, the jump beat of swing, and the gutsiness and sexuality of life in the black ghetto” (qtd. in Bjorn and Gallert 170). This unique sound of music was new to the world and would only reach its success if new labels

James Jamerson, according to Bjorn and Gallert, was often considered the innovator of the Motown sound (202). He was one of the pioneers on the electric bass, which helped him change the sound of music that was being played. According to Dr. Licks, an American guitarist, “James had the ability to incorporate his jazz background into Berry Gordy’s R&B influenced pop format.” Jamerson wasn’t the only one who was able to use his musical background to advance his career. Benny Benjamin was unique because he had jump band experience. Jump band is an up-tempo style of blues. This meshed well with the sound that Berry was trying to produce. In Joe Hunter’s opinion, “Benny Benjamin was made out of rhythm… I think he knew what Berry wanted before Berry did” (Bjorn and Gallert 202). This dynamic combination is what helped make Motown a success from the beginning, as well as other people in the production