Motown, in full Motown Record Corporation, also called Hitsville, recording company was founded by Berry Gordy Jr in Detroit, Michigan in January 1959. It became one of the most successful black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company gave its name to the hugely popular style of soul music that it created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gordy tried to make it as an independent songwriter and record producer, but it wasn\u2019t until he found William \u201cSmokey\u201d Robinson that things really started to come together, and Motown was born\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Smokey-Robinson-The-Miracles-1961.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in February 1940, Robinson founded and led The Miracles as front man from 1955, when it was known as The Five Chimes, until 1972 when he announced his retirement from the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Miracles were one of the first acts signed to Motown Records and in the late 1960s recorded their first hit single \u201cShop Around\u201d which became Motown\u2019s first million-selling hit record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBetween the 1960s and 70s, Robinson produced 26 top forty hits with the group including top ten hits such as \u201cYou\u2019ve Really Got a Hold on Me\u201d, \u201cMickey\u2019s Monkey\u201d, \u201cBaby Baby Don\u2019t Cry\u201d and \u201cThe Tears of a Clown\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Jackson 5<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1977-Peter-Mazel-Photoshoot.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPerhaps one of the most well-known Motown groups, The Jackson 5 were formed in 1964 in Indiana by Joe Jackson, as well as by brothers, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey performed in talent shows and clubs on the Chitlin\u2019 Circuit before being signed to Steel Records in 1967. This didn\u2019t last long though, as the group signed to Motown in 1968 and became the first group to debut with four consecutive number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with the songs \u201cI Want You Back\u201d, \u201cABC\u201d, \u201cThe Love You Save\u201d and \u201cI\u2019ll Be There\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccording to some, The Jackson 5 have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and in 1980 the brothers were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as The Jacksons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nStevie Wonder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder is credited as a pioneer and influence to musicians across genres such as rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. During the 1970s, he reshaped RnB using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments and drove this genre into the album era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAs many know, Stevie Wonder is blind, and was deemed a child prodigy signing with Motown\u2019s label Tamla at the age of 11. In 1963, his single \u201cFingertips\u201d was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when he was just 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Stevie-Wonder-1986-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis albums \u201cInnervisions\u201d (1973), \u201cFulfillingness\u2019 First Finale\u201d (1974) and \u201cSongs in the Key of Life\u201d (1976) all won Grammy Awards for the Album of the Year, making him the tied record holder for the most Album of the Year wins. He is the only artist to have won this award with three consecutive album releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won 25 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award and has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Temptations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/The-Temptations-Motown-Photos-and-Premium-High-Res-Pictures.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations released a series of successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s with Motown Records. Their top 10 single \u201cCloud Nine\u201d pioneered psychedelic soul and was significant in the evolution of RnB and soul music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe band are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group\u2019s biggest hits include \u201cMy Girl\u201d (1964), \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud To Beg\u201d (1966) and \u201cI Wish It Would Rain\u201d (1967). Over their career, the group have produced four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen RnB number one singles. They\u2019ve also won three Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMarvin Gaye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Marvin-Gaye-photographed-by-Jim-Britt-1973_.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHe won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Motortown-Revue-UK-Tour-1965.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thejazzcafe.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/The-Four-Tops-Photos-4-of-19-_-Last_fm.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in February 1940, Robinson founded and led The Miracles as front man from 1955, when it was known as The Five Chimes, until 1972 when he announced his retirement from the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Miracles were one of the first acts signed to Motown Records and in the late 1960s recorded their first hit single \u201cShop Around\u201d which became Motown\u2019s first million-selling hit record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between the 1960s and 70s, Robinson produced 26 top forty hits with the group including top ten hits such as \u201cYou\u2019ve Really Got a Hold on Me\u201d, \u201cMickey\u2019s Monkey\u201d, \u201cBaby Baby Don\u2019t Cry\u201d and \u201cThe Tears of a Clown\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jackson 5<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPerhaps one of the most well-known Motown groups, The Jackson 5 were formed in 1964 in Indiana by Joe Jackson, as well as by brothers, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey performed in talent shows and clubs on the Chitlin\u2019 Circuit before being signed to Steel Records in 1967. This didn\u2019t last long though, as the group signed to Motown in 1968 and became the first group to debut with four consecutive number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with the songs \u201cI Want You Back\u201d, \u201cABC\u201d, \u201cThe Love You Save\u201d and \u201cI\u2019ll Be There\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccording to some, The Jackson 5 have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and in 1980 the brothers were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as The Jacksons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nStevie Wonder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder is credited as a pioneer and influence to musicians across genres such as rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. During the 1970s, he reshaped RnB using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments and drove this genre into the album era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAs many know, Stevie Wonder is blind, and was deemed a child prodigy signing with Motown\u2019s label Tamla at the age of 11. In 1963, his single \u201cFingertips\u201d was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when he was just 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis albums \u201cInnervisions\u201d (1973), \u201cFulfillingness\u2019 First Finale\u201d (1974) and \u201cSongs in the Key of Life\u201d (1976) all won Grammy Awards for the Album of the Year, making him the tied record holder for the most Album of the Year wins. He is the only artist to have won this award with three consecutive album releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won 25 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award and has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Temptations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations released a series of successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s with Motown Records. Their top 10 single \u201cCloud Nine\u201d pioneered psychedelic soul and was significant in the evolution of RnB and soul music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe band are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group\u2019s biggest hits include \u201cMy Girl\u201d (1964), \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud To Beg\u201d (1966) and \u201cI Wish It Would Rain\u201d (1967). Over their career, the group have produced four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen RnB number one singles. They\u2019ve also won three Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMarvin Gaye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHe won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPerhaps one of the most well-known Motown groups, The Jackson 5 were formed in 1964 in Indiana by Joe Jackson, as well as by brothers, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They performed in talent shows and clubs on the Chitlin\u2019 Circuit before being signed to Steel Records in 1967. This didn\u2019t last long though, as the group signed to Motown in 1968 and became the first group to debut with four consecutive number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with the songs \u201cI Want You Back\u201d, \u201cABC\u201d, \u201cThe Love You Save\u201d and \u201cI\u2019ll Be There\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to some, The Jackson 5 have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and in 1980 the brothers were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as The Jacksons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stevie Wonder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder is credited as a pioneer and influence to musicians across genres such as rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. During the 1970s, he reshaped RnB using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments and drove this genre into the album era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAs many know, Stevie Wonder is blind, and was deemed a child prodigy signing with Motown\u2019s label Tamla at the age of 11. In 1963, his single \u201cFingertips\u201d was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when he was just 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis albums \u201cInnervisions\u201d (1973), \u201cFulfillingness\u2019 First Finale\u201d (1974) and \u201cSongs in the Key of Life\u201d (1976) all won Grammy Awards for the Album of the Year, making him the tied record holder for the most Album of the Year wins. He is the only artist to have won this award with three consecutive album releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWonder has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won 25 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award and has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Temptations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations released a series of successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s with Motown Records. Their top 10 single \u201cCloud Nine\u201d pioneered psychedelic soul and was significant in the evolution of RnB and soul music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe band are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group\u2019s biggest hits include \u201cMy Girl\u201d (1964), \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud To Beg\u201d (1966) and \u201cI Wish It Would Rain\u201d (1967). Over their career, the group have produced four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen RnB number one singles. They\u2019ve also won three Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMarvin Gaye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHe won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wonder is credited as a pioneer and influence to musicians across genres such as rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz. During the 1970s, he reshaped RnB using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments and drove this genre into the album era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As many know, Stevie Wonder is blind, and was deemed a child prodigy signing with Motown\u2019s label Tamla at the age of 11. In 1963, his single \u201cFingertips\u201d was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when he was just 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHis albums \u201cInnervisions\u201d (1973), \u201cFulfillingness\u2019 First Finale\u201d (1974) and \u201cSongs in the Key of Life\u201d (1976) all won Grammy Awards for the Album of the Year, making him the tied record holder for the most Album of the Year wins. He is the only artist to have won this award with three consecutive album releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wonder has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won 25 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award and has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Temptations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations released a series of successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s with Motown Records. Their top 10 single \u201cCloud Nine\u201d pioneered psychedelic soul and was significant in the evolution of RnB and soul music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe band are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group\u2019s biggest hits include \u201cMy Girl\u201d (1964), \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud To Beg\u201d (1966) and \u201cI Wish It Would Rain\u201d (1967). Over their career, the group have produced four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen RnB number one singles. They\u2019ve also won three Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMarvin Gaye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHe won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations released a series of successful singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s with Motown Records. Their top 10 single \u201cCloud Nine\u201d pioneered psychedelic soul and was significant in the evolution of RnB and soul music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The band are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group\u2019s biggest hits include \u201cMy Girl\u201d (1964), \u201cAin\u2019t Too Proud To Beg\u201d (1966) and \u201cI Wish It Would Rain\u201d (1967). Over their career, the group have produced four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen RnB number one singles. They\u2019ve also won three Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marvin Gaye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBorn in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHe won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born in April 1939, Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, earning him the nicknames \u201cPrince of Motown\u201d and \u201cPrince of Soul\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHis hits include \u201cAin\u2019t That Peculiar\u201d, \u201cHow Sweet It Is\u201d and \u201cI Heard It Through The Grapevine\u201d. Gaye duetted with many talented artists too such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. During the 1970s, Gaye became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He won two Grammy Awards on the album \u201cMidnight Love\u201d before he was tragically shot dead a day before his 45th<\/sup> birthday by his father. Posthumously, Gaye has won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Supremes were an all-female vocal group signed to the Motown Records label. They were in fact one of Motown\u2019s premier acts during the 1960s. They were the label\u2019s most commercially successful and the most successful American vocal group, with 12 number one singles in the Billboard Hot 100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivalled The Beatles in worldwide popularity and it is claimed that their breakthrough paved the way for the future of African American RnB and soul musicians to find mainstream success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1967, Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and The Supremes, however by 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Supremes were twice-nominated for a Grammy Award and three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame \u2013 \u201cWhere Did Our Love Go?\u201d, \u201cYou Keep Me Hangin\u2019 On\u201d and \u201cStop! In The Name Of Love\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formed as The Four Aims, this group never changed their line-up and performed together for over four decades from 1953 to 1997. The Four Tops are among a number of groups, such as The Supremes, The Miracles and The Temptations, who helped shape and define the sound of Motown during the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They were notable for having a baritone as their lead singer whereas most other male or mixed vocalist groups of the time were fronted by tenors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The group had two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles: \u201cI Can\u2019t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)\u201d in 1965 and \u201cReach Out I\u2019ll Be There\u201d in 1966. They continued to have chart success throughout the 1970s, including the million-seller \u201cAin\u2019t No Woman\u201d (1973).<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Supremes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Four Tops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n