It was the beginning of a new era for Gordy and Motown Records. Many of its artists either stayed behind or left the record label. In June of 1972, it completed the move of all its operations to Los Angeles. By 1969 it had started moving more of its operations to Los Angeles to be near the center of the entertainment industry. Over the next decade, Motown signed such artists as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin, the Contours, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5.ĭuring the mid 1960s Motown established satellite offices in New York and Los Angeles. In 1960, Motown produced its first million seller, “Shop Around” performed by The Miracles and written by Gordy and their lead singer, William “Smokey” Robinson. Many artists would do their own versions of “Money” including The Beatles. In 1959 Motown produced its first hit record, “Money (That’s What I Want)” performed by Barrett Strong and co-written by Gordy. Motown’s ability for identifying and matching musical talent with detailed management of its artists’ public image made it an international success. Raw unrefined talent would come into Motown, but polished songs and entertainers would roll out its doors and onto the world stage. Finally, he applied the assembly line model of the automobile industry to produce superior records and talent that were appealing to audiences around the world. Selling cookware honed his skills in the art of closing business deals. He used the competitive nature of boxing among Motown’s producers, songwriters, and singers to produce superior musical products. Two years later, using all the knowledge he had gained from his previous employers, Gordy felt confident enough to become his own boss. He wrote hit songs for singers Jackie Wilson and Etta James. In 1957, he quit working at Ford to pursue his passion for songwriting. Gordy also sold Guardian Service Cookware before going to work on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company. Unfortunately, his clientele was more interested in buying Blues records, which he initially refused to sell. When he returned home from Korea he opened a record store that specialized in Jazz. Although Motown Records would produce some of the classic Soul and R & B hits of the 20th century, Berry Gordy was a lover of Jazz music. He boxed professionally until he was drafted into the Korean War in 1951 at age 22. Gordy dropped out of high school in the 11th grade to pursue a career as a boxer. The Tom & Ethel Bradley Center Digital Photograph Collections include images that document the history of Motown Records after its relocation to Los Angeles.īerry Gordy did not find immediate success in the career paths he explored prior to founding Motown. It relocated to Los Angeles, California in the early 1970s and now exists under the Universal Music Group. At its peak, Motown Records was one of the most successful black-owned companies in the country. The musical talent that Gordy assembled and groomed produced some of the most memorable songs and biggest stars in the entertainment world. One year later it was incorporated as the Motown Record Corporation, a blended nickname that comprised the words Detroit had come to be known for, motor and town. founded Tamala Records in Detroit, Michigan with an $800 loan from his family. We’ll continue to include links to our finding aids and other information about physical access, as well. While we are working, attending class, and doing so many other things from home, our blog posts will focus on materials that have been digitized and can be accessed remotely. By Keith Rice, Ph.D., Historian/Archivist, Tom & Ethel Bradley Center
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