The Importance of Motown and their Contributions to American Music

A research paper that I’m happy to have to have made during my time as a graduate student at ODU focused on the historical impact that Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy made with his record label on society and American Music during the 60s and 70s era of music that ultimately changed music today. Out of any record label in history, Motown records currently still has the record for most #1 Singles produced by any record label or music group to chart the Billboard Top 100. During the British Invasion, they were one of the few to compete with the Beetles during their historical music run.

The paper focused on the contributing factors that made Berry Gordy and Motown successful during this era. Topics such as the assembly line music production process, music critique sessions, strategic subject matter focuses within the music, mandatory public relations training that artists had to go through, having one of the most prestigious/illustrious in house bands play on the vast majority of their records with the Funk Brothers (who’s played on the most #1 hit singles out of any band all-time), and more.