What Is Motown? Your Answer in 10 Numbers

It’s been about two months since I’ve mentioned the Rust Belt, and, quite frankly, I’m experiencing withdrawal. But I didn’t want to risk overtly (and repeatedly) mentioning a topic that no one cares about. So I’ll call this a covert operation. I’ll be talking about an iconic record label, but some references to Detroit might sneak in. What is Motown? These 10 numbers should put the story together.

 

1929

The year in which Berry Gordy Jr., founder of the Motown record label, was born. The occurrence took place in Detroit.

 

1959

The year in which Gordy founded Tamla Records, later called Motown (a portmanteau of motor and town). The first headquarters and recording studio were in a house—Gordy actually lived on the second floor—that was nicknamed “Hitsville U.S.A.” and now serves as a museum.

So great would be the success that the word Motown would be used to define a musical sound (soul infused with pop) and become solidified as the nickname of Detroit itself.

 

800

The amount in US dollars that Gordy took as a loan from his family to start his operation.

 

1.6 million

The approximate population of Detroit at the time of the record label’s founding. Although that number was below the peak of 1.8 million in 1950, Detroit was still the fifth biggest city in the country (and full of talent).

 

1961

The year of Motown’s first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. That was “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes. Have a listen.

 

Of course, the hits kept on coming. Some of the huge names on the label over the years have included the Supremes (and solo Diana Ross), the Four Tops, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder (signed to the label at age 11), Smokey Robinson (and the Miracles), Martha and the Vandellas (“Dancing in the Street”), Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Jackson 5 (and solo Michael Jackson), Rick James, Lionel Richie (with the Commodores and solo), Queen Latifah, and Boyz II Men.

 

3

The number of members of the songwriting team that helped Motown Records produce many of the aforementioned hits. The team consisted of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland (collectively referred to as Holland-Dozier-Holland), all of whom left the label in 1968 over disputes regarding royalties. Here’s one of the many songs they wrote.

 

 

1972

The year in which Gordy completed the label’s move to Los Angeles, where it would enter the world of film and television. Diana Ross, whose first child was fathered by Gordy, had some early success in that domain, though her role as Dorothy in The Wiz (which also starred Michael Jackson) didn’t go over well.

 

0.38

The caliber (in inches) of the pistol that Marvin Gaye’s father used to murder him in 1984, ending the singer’s life at age 44. A tragic ending to a brilliant career, the legacy of which is captured by this tune.

 

 

61 million

The price in US dollars for which Gordy sold his ownership in Motown (in 1988). The label has changed hands and locations a few times since then, though it’s now back in Los Angeles as part of Universal Music Group.

 

0

The number of artists currently on the Motown label whose names I recognize. That said, I’ve been told by some slightly younger consultants that everyone knows Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, City Girls, Migos, and Ne-Yo.

 

As you might have guessed, there’s more to the story. If you’re interested, check out Gerald Posner’s Motown, a thoroughly engaging history of the label and its personalities. At around 350 pages depending on the edition, the book is longer than a tweet but much shorter than your Twitter feed.