The Motown Museum in the city of Detroit, is a historical place carrying the legacy of a musical movement, which rocked the world. Once a birthplace of many musical stars with super-hit recordings, the building today is filled with the nostalgia of soulful Motown tunes, becoming a must-visit destination for music lovers from around the world.
The History of the Museum
Motown Museum is housed in the bungalow of once known ‘Hitsville USA’. The modest 1950-era bungalow situated on a residential street in an inner-city neighborhood area of Detroit, had become the epicenter of the worldwide cultural revolution brought on by the soul music genre. In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. invested an $800 family loan to launch ‘Motown Records’, while he was only 27 years old. To make his dream of producing music into reality, young and bold Gordy quit his job at the Ford Motor Co. and purchased accommodation on 2648 W. Grand Boulevard. After moving into the upstairs flat, he converted the downstairs room into a control center and transformed the garage into a fully equipped recording studio, which became the celebrated ‘Studio A.’ This gutsy entrepreneurial gamble of Gordy created an important revolutionary chapter in the history of world music. Giving hope and inspiration to future generations, Gordy had established Motown an ideal model of Black capitalism, pride, and self-expression.
The Tour of the Museum
The hour-long tour of the museum starts upstairs, in the living room, which was the favorite hang-out spot of Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and other Motown family members. In this very room, Gordy arranged weekly ‘product evaluation meetings.’ Then in Studio A, the thrill continues with the view of the very room that created legendary music. Gordy gave voice to many local Detroit talents and transformed them into singing superstars. Popular artists today often drop by the studio, adding a surprising excitement for the visitors. The gallery next door is decorated with gold and platinum records on the walls and filled with personal iconic belongings donated by the musical legends themselves. Retelling success stories, numerous photos, and newspaper clippings here depict the huge cultural impact of the signature Motown sound.