Relocation of Motown Records
In 1972, during the late month of June, Motown Records relocated to Los Angeles and remained an independent company until June 28, 1988.
The reasoning behind this move had much to do with the losses of songwriters Eddie Holland, Lamond Dozier and Brian Holland and the Detroit Riots of 1967. This move was not a surprise to many people. The Supremes’ Mary Wilson suggests in her memoir Supreme Faith that part of the initial impetus for Motown’s big move were the July 1967 riots in Detroit – five years before Hitsville announced it was closing.
Many were left behind with no advanced warming including the Andantes. They sand background on hundreds of Motown records. One day when they reported for work they received the relocation information via a note on the door.
Gordy said that even though Motown had moved, “the same feelings went into the music — the love, the honesty, the soul and the family way of doing things.”
The reasoning behind this move had much to do with the losses of songwriters Eddie Holland, Lamond Dozier and Brian Holland and the Detroit Riots of 1967. This move was not a surprise to many people. The Supremes’ Mary Wilson suggests in her memoir Supreme Faith that part of the initial impetus for Motown’s big move were the July 1967 riots in Detroit – five years before Hitsville announced it was closing.
Many were left behind with no advanced warming including the Andantes. They sand background on hundreds of Motown records. One day when they reported for work they received the relocation information via a note on the door.
Gordy said that even though Motown had moved, “the same feelings went into the music — the love, the honesty, the soul and the family way of doing things.”
Cultural Impact
While the music of Motown did not change race relations either quickly or singlehandedly, it was the first popular music in the United States marketed to people of many races. Ironically, many today recognize the joy and innocence associated with the music.
The back story is that during a disgraceful time in U.S. history, when blacks were being beaten on the streets of urban America, Motown stars were performing to the delight of white audiences, slowly chipping away at racist attitudes. Motown was the first record company to reach wide spread national approval. It broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history, and most successful African American owned business in America.
Motown became a model of black capitalism, pride, and self expression. After Motown, black popular music would never be dismissed as a minority taste again.
Gordy's famous statement of "I had no idea what color skin the singer had, and neither did the listener."
In this anniversary year, fans are celebrating the music of Motown—and more than that. For its fans, Motown also became a symbol of hope.
The back story is that during a disgraceful time in U.S. history, when blacks were being beaten on the streets of urban America, Motown stars were performing to the delight of white audiences, slowly chipping away at racist attitudes. Motown was the first record company to reach wide spread national approval. It broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history, and most successful African American owned business in America.
Motown became a model of black capitalism, pride, and self expression. After Motown, black popular music would never be dismissed as a minority taste again.
Gordy's famous statement of "I had no idea what color skin the singer had, and neither did the listener."
In this anniversary year, fans are celebrating the music of Motown—and more than that. For its fans, Motown also became a symbol of hope.