The Legacy Of Motown: Celebrating 60 Years Of Musical Excellence

Carlkissel November 30, 2024

After nearly 60 years of delivering classic hits, the stars of Motown came together to celebrate their remarkable journey. At a recent event for the documentary Hitsville: The Making of Motown, founder Berry Gordy Jr. shared his insights on the power of relationships in music. He stated, “In life, great relationships bring happiness, and happiness is the greatest thing in the world,” emphasizing the bond he shares with Smokey Robinson.

Motown's roots trace back to 1958 when Berry Gordy produced the first song Smokey Robinson recorded with the Miracles, titled "Got a Job." Despite its success, Smokey felt his group was not fairly compensated, leading him to encourage Berry to establish his own label. This pivotal moment marked the inception of Motown, which would go on to reshape the music industry.

Throughout the 1960s, Motown not only produced chart-topping hits but also played a crucial role in the racial integration of popular music. The label launched the careers of iconic artists such as the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5. Gabe Turner, a director of Hitsville, beautifully captured Motown's essence, stating, “This was a beautiful, loving company that emerged when the world really needed it.”

Mary Wilson, an original member of the Supremes, reminisced about the familial atmosphere at Motown. She recalled, “We used to have Christmas parties at Motown before we all became famous. We used to all sing together.” This camaraderie helped Motown thrive, and as Smokey Robinson remarked, “It’s been 60 years and we’re still here. Kids that haven’t even been born yet are going to know about it.”

Fans can look forward to the premiere of Hitsville: The Making of Motown on Saturday, August 24, at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime. To stay updated on your favorite celebrities, don't forget to check out the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now, and consider signing up for the newsletter for more exclusive news!

Artist	Notable Hits	Year Active
Berry Gordy Jr.	Founder of Motown	1959-Present
Smokey Robinson	“Cruisin’”, “Tears of a Clown”	1955-Present
The Supremes	“Stop! In the Name of Love”, “You Can’t Hurry Love”	1959-1977
Stevie Wonder	“Superstition”, “Isn’t She Lovely”	1961-Present
Marvin Gaye	“What’s Going On”, “Sexual Healing”	1959-1984
Jackson 5	“I Want You Back”, “ABC”	1964-1989