Modern Popular Music.September 26, 2011. Monday.- Motown-started by Berry Gordy Jr.- Top artists and #1 hits from Motown: Marvelettes, Temptations, Supremes- Smokey Robinson-King of Motown- Various Motown ArtistsMotown –“The Sound of Young America”1959: Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in DetroitCreative and financial aspects of business under African American controlMusic aimed at widest possible audience: black AND whiteA Musical Assembly LineBerry Gordy maintained tight control of all levels of creation and productionUnpolished artists would be given vocal training also being groomed for mainstream AmericaSongwriters wrote all music-Ashford-Simpson, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey RobinsonFunk Brothers-house studio band that played on everybody’s recordsOn more #1 hits than Elvis, Beach Boys, Beatles and Rolling Stones combinedPerformers went through choreography training before appearing on stage and televisionMusical QualitiesAvoided the blues for a cleaner, more sophisticated R&B with gospel & doo wop influencesSimple rhythm emphasizing beats two and fourUsed new and innovative recording techniques to achieve a unique soundSongs avoided controversial issues, stuck with universal themes that appealed to young peopleSimple songs that could be hummed after a few listeningsMusical ExamplesThe Marvelettes-“Please Mr.Postman” (1961)-First Motown #1 hit, Popular girl group styleWritten by Brian Holland & Brian Bateman, inspired a sequel-“Twistin’ Postman” (1961)Covered by BeatlesThe Temptations-Originally formed as The Elgins in Detroit, “My Girl” is 1st #1 hitKnown for iconic choreography , vocal harmonies and flashy suitsMy Girl (1964)-Written by Smokey Robinson, sequel to “My Guy (1964) by Mary WellsThe Supremes-Motown’s premiere act in the 60sRenamed Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1967-‘Hurry Love’ #1 hit again with P.CollinsWritten by Holland-Dozier-Holland, Very complex song form, but still very catchy Smokey RobinsonSecond at Motown only to Berry Gordy—he performed with The Miracles“Tracks of My Tears” (1965)-Written by Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, Marvin Tarplin“Tracks of my Tears”-Most covered song by The MiraclesOther Motown Artists:Mary WellsMarvin GayeStevie WonderMartha and the VandellasThe Four TopsJr.Walker & the All StarsThe ElginsGladys Knight & the PopsRave
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