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In 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, Berry Gordy Jr. hung a sign that read Hitsville, USA on a two story building on West Grand Blvd. (now known as Berry Gordy Jr. Blvd) and founded the Motown Record Corporation. After garnering a little success by writing for local acts such as Jackie Wilson and The Matadors, Gordy found it to be more lucrative in producing records and owning the publishing.
Gordy's first signed act was The Matadors, who later changed their name to The Miracles. Lead singer William "Smokey" Robinson would later be granted the position of vice president of the corporation by Gordy. Specializing in soul music with pop appeal and simplicity, the corporation would gain recognition for having their trademark "Motown Sound". Motown Records launched the careers of The Supremes, The Miracles, Smokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and other notable acts. For more info, discography and releases, log on to Motown Records Website.
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., known to the world as Marvin Gaye, who is one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. Many don't know that outside of his smooth four octave voice and "tickling the ivory", he started out as a session drummer for Motown.
For many, Here, My Dear is considered a classic, although it failed commercially. At first it received ill reviews until re-examined later. It was supposed to be an attempt at making a "lazy album" due to the unrepairable circumstances surrounding his first marriage to Anna Gordy, the sister of Motown/Tamla mogul Berry Gordy. With the advice of Curtis Shaw, Marvin's attorney, it was agreed that Marvin would give half the royalties for the album to Anna for alimony and child support for their only son Marvin III. However, while recording the album, Marvin's emotions took over the music.
One of my favorite tunes from the album is "Is That Enough", which talks about the divorce court precedings and having to pay attorney fees.
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is a R&B and Soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. Robinson's consistent commercial success and creative contributions to the label have earned him the title "King of Motown."
As an original member of Motown Records' first vocal group The Miracles and as a solo artist, Robinson delivered many U.S. and U.K. Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987. He also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988.
Smokey Robinson began a low-key solo career while concentrating on his duties as vice president of Motown, releasing his first solo LP, Smokey, in 1973. His first hit single, "Sweet Harmony" (1973), was dedicated to The Miracles. In 1975, Robinson's solo career took off with the success of the number one R&B hit "Baby That's Backatcha". Robinson's 1976 single "Quiet Storm" and its accompanying album typified a genre of smooth, slow R&B that has spawned late-night radio shows called "quiet storm". Other Robinson solo hits include "Cruisin'" (1979), "Being With You" (a U.K. number-one hit) (1981), "Tell Me Tomorrow" (1982), and "Ebony Eyes", a duet with labelmate Rick James (1983). He also recorded the soundtrack to the film Big Time (1977).
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel (born February 19, 1963 in Paddington, London, England), known simply as Seal, is a Soul and R&B singer-songwriter, of Nigerian and Brazilian background. His name, Olusegun, means "God is victorious".
A recipient of BRIT, MTV and Grammy Awards, Seal is known for his numerous international hits; perhaps best known is "Kiss from A Rose" which appeared in the soundtrack to the 1995 Batman film Batman Forever and won him three Grammy Awards.
Seal contributed vocals to a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" for the 2010 Herbie Hancock album, The Imagine Project along with P!nk, India.Arie, Jeff Beck, Konono N°1, Oumou Sangare and others.
