Motown Records, one of the most iconic sounds of the 20th century, was founded in Detroit in 1959 by Berry Gordy. From humble beginnings in a modest house on Detroit's near west side, the careers of such superstars as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Four Tops and Temptations were launched.
In this section, The Detroit News celebrates the Motown Sound and its effect on the city, the civil rights movement and several generations of fans.
"Motown: The Musical’s" Valisia LeKae received a best performance in a leading role nomination for her performance as Diana Ross, while Charl Brown was given the nod for best performance in a featured role for his portrayal of Smokey Robinson.
Twenty-four performing arts students from Cass Technical High School and the Detroit School of Arts traveled to New York City on a bus festooned with Motown banners late Thursday and saw "Motown: The Musical" on Friday at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
As much as Nicholas Winton should be revered, that can’t make up for this scattered, emotionally and factually incomplete documentary.
Here is a roundup of critics across the country who reviewed “Motown: The Musical,” including the New York Times, Associated Press and Entertainment Weekly.
The party started in celebration of the premiere of “Motown: The Musical” before the curtain even came down last night on Broadway.
"Motown: The Musical" has the song catalog and it has the attention of fans. The question is, would there be a cohesive storyline that does more than act as glue between hit after mind-boggling hit?
Get ready for what Berry Gordy has said is his last big creative push, “Motown: The Musical.” It premieres this Sunday in New York, and critics will finally weigh in on how well his quintessentially Detroit rags-to-riches story translates into a Broadway musical.
Detroit — More than 40 years have passed since the recording of Marvin Gaye's "Save the Children," but a replay of the song in the studio where it was recorded compressed time and brought tears to the eyes of Louvain Demps.
Motown Records is getting into the gospel business. On Tuesday, Motown execs announced a new venture with EMI Gospel to launch a new label, Motown Gospel. The label’s roster includes gospel stars Kierra “Kiki” Sheard and CeCe Winans, both native Detroiters, as well as Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett and more.
An 1877 Steinway grand piano used by Motown greats during the label’s 1960s heyday and restored thanks to Paul McCartney’s generosity is back home in Detroit.
Deke Richards, one of the key figures in Michael Jackson's early career, died Sunday in Washington state of esophageal cancer. He was 68.
Berry Gordy's "Motown: The Musical" has racked up platinum sales after its first week of previews on Broadway.
Berry Gordy will be honored at this year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame gala. The organization announced today that the Motown founder will receive the Pioneer Award at its 44th annual induction ceremony on June 13.
The Funk Brothers, Motown’s famed backing musicians, will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 21 in Los Angeles.
The virtual jukebox: Listen to Motown hits and find a timeline of events. Click on a map to see notable locations in Motown history.
Motown's best songs: Local celebrities and our music writers list their favorite Motown tracks
Seen in the PhotoStore
Purchase Detroit News images of historic events, scenes, places and people.
Go to the PhotoStoreThe Detroit News Apps
Our apps connect you with the best news, sports, auto and entertainment coverage from our team of award-winning journalists.
Archives
See our paid archives for news older than a week.
