The Historical Birth of Motown
August 15th will mark the beginning of the long-awaited festival meant to celebrate the story of Motown Records and its rich history as well as its achievements.
Motown founder Berry Gordy speaking on the phone, 1970. (Photo by Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images)
The need for more cash by once a local songwriter Berry Gordy is what triggered the idea that gave birth to the famous Motown we know today. Gordy felt that his earlier job as a songwriter was not paying him enough and, therefore, decided to venture into this lucrative business of producing records and owning the publishing. Motown is probably the most famous African American-owned record label which is loved by all. During the years that followed after it was founded in 1959, Motown achieved the unthinkable and raised ranks than anyone would have imagined. This, however, did not come without a challenge and tempting hard times that saw the company being sold to survive. The following is a well-documented history of how Motown came to be and its most significant achievements.