The magic of Motown

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.

    • 9:33 AM, Jun. 6, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    Berry Gordy memoir reissued as e-book

    — The Berry Gordy memoir which inspired the Broadway hit 'Motown: The Musical' is being reissued as an e-book.

  1. ‘Motown: The Musical’ up for 4 Tonys; ‘Kinky Boots’ leads with 13

    "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.

  2. Detroit students see ‘Motown: The Musical’

    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.

  3. Review: ‘Nicky’s Family’ less than Nicholas Winton’s heroics deserve

    As much as Nicholas Winton should be revered, that can’t make up for this scattered, emotionally and factually incomplete documentary.

  4. Reviews are in: Weak praise for 'Motown: The Musical'

    Here is a roundup of critics across the country who reviewed “Motown: The Musical,” including the New York Times, Associated Press and Entertainment Weekly.

    • Apr. 11, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    ‘Motown: The Musical’ ready to storm Broadway

    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.

    • Apr. 4, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    Motown’s unsung female trio finally gets acclaim

    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.

    • Apr. 3, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    Motown Records starts gospel label

    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.

    • Apr. 1, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    Motown piano Paul McCartney paid to have restored returns to Detroit

    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.

    • Mar. 25, 2013
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • Music and Nightlife

    Deke Richards, of Motown’s The Corporation, dies

    Deke Richards, one of the key figures in Michael Jackson's early career, died Sunday in Washington state of esophageal cancer. He was 68.

Interactives

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

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