Motown Records (Record Label Info)

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Feature	Details
Name	Motown Records
Founded by	Berry Gordy Jr.
Foundation Date	January 12, 1959
Incorporation Date	April 14, 1960
Origin of the Name	Portmanteau of motor and town, a nod to Detroit's automobile industry
Key Artists	Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye
Key Influence	Defining influence on soul music in the 1960s
Unique Sound	Reverb effect achieved by channeling tracks through an echo chamber
Current Owner	Universal Music Group
Current Headquarters	Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles
Initial Funding	$800 loan from Berry Gordy's family savings
Significance	First major record label owned by an African-American

Beginnings of Motown Records

Motown Records, an iconic American record label, came into existence through the vision of Berry Gordy Jr. The company was initially founded as Tamla Records on January 12, 1959, and later incorporated into the Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960.

The term “Motown,” a clever blend of “motor” and “town,” was an homage to Detroit's thriving automobile industry, where the label originally established its roots.

Founder Berry Gordy Jr. and the Creation of Motown

With a meager $800 loan from his family's savings, Berry Gordy Jr. managed to build a music empire that would revolutionize American soul and R&B music.

He envisioned not just creating great music but also providing opportunities for talented African-American artists who were often overlooked in the industry.

Motown: The Heart of Detroit's Music Scene

Known affectionately as Hitsville USA, Motown Records quickly became a central figure in the Detroit music scene. It became synonymous with a unique brand of soul music that was infused with pop sensibilities – hence creating the renowned Motown sound.

The Golden Era: Motown's Dominance from 1961 to 1971

At its zenith between 1961 to 1971, Motown produced an astonishing tally of 110 top ten hits. This era witnessed the emergence of artists like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye who all left indelible marks on soul and R&B music.

Reverb and Echo Chamber: Unique Sound of Motown

The distinctive sound that characterized much of Motown's catalog drew heavily upon the use of reverb effects.

Tracks were channeled through an echo chamber before digital technologies became widespread, giving birth to what we now recognize as the classic Motown sound.

Imprint Labels under the Motown Umbrella

Motown wasn't just one record label but rather served as an umbrella for several imprint labels, each boasting their own roster of artists. This structure allowed for diverse creative expressions within the broader domain of soul and R&B music.

Motown's Role in African-American Success in Music Industry

As one of America's most successful black-owned companies at its peak, Motown played a pivotal role in paving way for African-American success in the music industry. It is recognized as one major record label owned by an African-American.

Relocation and Ownership Changes at Motown Records

Despite its deep roots in Detroit, economic realities led to Motwon relocating to Los Angeles California.Today,the record label is owned by Universal Music Group with headquarters located in Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles.

Classic Hits: The Timeless Appeal of the Motwon Catalog

Motwon has left behind a back catalog rich with timeless classics that continue to be enjoyed by people across different generations.Their records still resonate today thanks largely due to their universal appeal.

Continuing Influence and Future Prospects for Motwon Records.

The legacy continues for this influential record label with new artists being constantly developed under its banner.Motwon remains committed to shaping future sounds while carrying forward its rich musical heritage.