Motown History

How much money did Berry Gordy borrow to start Tamla Records, and who loaned it to him?

• $800; his family

• $1000; his best friend

What did Berry Gordy do before starting the label?

• Gordy had also worked on production lines at the Lincoln-Mercury car plant

• Gordy worked as a pastor for a church

Who was Motown’s first million-selling artist?

• Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

• Stevie Wonder

Why was the label’s spirit considered “ground-breaking”?

• Its musical themes were instantly relatable (Gordy would also describe the Motown sound as “rats, roaches, soul, guts and love”), and its songs demanded universal audiences.

• People liked to spend money on music and wanted to hear more music

What has become of the original Motown building?

• It is now the official Motown Museum

• The building was torn down

The Contours

What were they known for and what was their philosophy?

• High-energy, acrobatic choreography, and stage antics, Give audiences their money’s worth... and more.

• Colorful outfits, exotic cars, never leave the stage

What were The Miracles’ first two BIG (more than a million records) hits?

• “Shop Around,”

  &

  “You Really Got a Hold on Me”

• "Tears of A Clown"

  &

  "Chain of Fools"

What was Motown’s first number-one single (and by whom)?

• Please Mr. Postman by the Marvelettes

• ABC

  by the Jackson 5

What was The Temptations’ first number one pop hit?

• “My Girl,”

• " Papa Was A Rolling Stone"