"The Motown Sound"

Motown is a record label for genres such as hip-hop, r&b, and rhythm and blues. It was founded in Michigan in 1959, and has been a success ever since. It is described as soul music with pop influence, and was primarily meant to reach an African American audience, but became popular with almost everybody, selling hit records to over 45 musical genres! Actually, African American artists signed to the label early on were told to act like royalty, representing themselves and the Motown industry in such a way that would appeal to white audiences, as they were paving the way for all African American artists in hit music. In its first 10 years, Motown had 110+ hits on the top 10 billboards, featuring artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations. Motown moved to LA, and became known as "The Sound of Young Americans." Currently, Motown is in New York City, and features popular artists such as Brian McKnight, Michael McDonald, and India Arie. Motown's 50th Anniversary was on January 12, 2009.

Playlist: Songs 111-118