Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" rhythm tracks were definitely recorded at Studio A. I know because I was the recording engineer (Nathaniel "Nate" Jennings) that recorded all the original rhythm tracks there.
Where can you be reached? I have so many questions. I'll treat you to lunch, anything reasonable for chance to pick your brain for first hand experiences
I would love to chop it up with you sometime about Marvin. I’m preparing to audition to play him in “What’s Going On” when Warner Brothers sends out the casting call.
No autotune, no computers or software, no sampling.. just raw live talent. Yes there are great singers these days too but it was mostly inspired by Motown and the musicians were real.
@MsLady328 Sad isn't it??? The demonic record execs pushed that crap into our youth to keep them having a negative mindset of thugism. It seems record labels are getting to be obsolete nowadays and we can make good classy music if we want to.
I'm with you also......a visit to the MOTOWN HITSVILLE HOUSE IS ON MY BUCKET LIST BEFORE I leave this earth. I grew up with Motown ..........I 'm 72 and still listen to the music every day like I did back in the 60's :)
Fantastic!!!! I cried through the the whole thing. Thank God I lived through the time when Motown was in detroit.it was the backdrop to our lives And the finished painting was a masterpiece. Thanks Berry Gordy. It would have been a lesser life for millions if not for you.from a fan for life 🤠 bill feilhauer
I agree with you totally. Mr Gordy was so smart to have some of the artists, production people and the Funk brothers reproduce what it could be like to record music at the same time. When in fact they stopped recording together in 1962. (Music, background vocals and last, lead vocals). It was the fastest way to get the music production completed. Just like a car factory . But without the filming Motown did, the fans could only guess how it was done. lol ❤
So true... the first time I went to the Motown museum the feeling is hard to describe. But I can tell you I felt like I could check off one of those “life to do list” accomplishments. Trust me it’s a powerful feeling when you’re in there
@@ccth22 That must have been an amazing experience going to Motown...... A very good friend of mine has visited Hitsville twice and loved the experience....I think he still gets chills when he remembers the visits lol
Going into Hitsville gave me Goose bumps All that talent All that History and creativity from Everyone was creeping out of the walls ..It was Amazing ....Thank you Everyone past and present ....Hitsville the sound of young America ..👍
I'm a recording (mix) engineer (and very picky) UNLESS an artist wants to go "old school" I just would not be the gal for them. I will not use autotune, I won't crush the work with compression, and I won't use elastic audio in Pro-tools to correct poor timing. Strings of F bombs are out. Just the way I am - I'm an old Detroiter and I grew up with Motown and the Beatles. (BTW, I am rebuilding my vinyl collection - music should not be chopped into little teeny bits) :-)
FANTASTIC video !! My wife Lynn and I took the 10 hour drive and stood in this room 2 years ago. Just as he said, It is mind boggling to stand there and imagine what was going on there 50 years ago where all those great Motown songs were created and recorded.
Mowtown the only sounds that never loose their magical soulful gifted music ...absolutely the best grew up in this era as a child listening to these sounds...well done Berry Gordy for your talent in finding very gifted musicians and making them known to Us 💖
❤ I'm going to say this I am I have never been so proud to be a black Afro-American woman but when it comes down to Motown and Berry Gordy and all of that outstanding 1959 was a great year the year I was born you're my parents got married in the year 1959 Motown what I tell you what a beautiful thing it is I never forget I don't feel like family to me and my family they are a family because of their unique sound and the reggae song and the way they carry themselves All Over America just makes me so proud and so happy I would say so myself sure you're right Mr Barry Gordy Jr
The Motown Sound was untouchable in the heyday!! The combination of talent, the singers, musicians, writers, producers, brought forth a unique and undeniable groove that crossed color lines, economic lines and brought a country together, if only for the duration of it’s songs!! Yes, Motown lived up to it’s name!! “Hitsville USA!!” And it’s trademark slogan, “The Sound Of Young America!!” The world will never see it’s like again!!!
Most people heard about and even some have experienced the phenomenon known as MOTOWN . Someone should make a in depth documentary about the those years that defined a generation. I’m 71 years old and this music has taken on a whole new meaning. We ( my generation) will never see anything like it again. Thank you Berry Gordy!
Thank you for this trip, down memory lane. And you two did a beautiful job, telling Motown's history. Berry Gordy's dad must have seen that musical genius in him, to transform their home into Motown. And he sure put his money on a winning ticket with that. I can't think of one artist, that came out of Motown that I didn't love. I grew up, in the 60s, when Motown had it's sharpest, and finest performers. This music brought so much life, into my life. Because of this music, back then there was more black unity, black pride, and love and beauty was in the air. I was never into blues songs, couldn't understand why some loved it, but now I do understand how they feel. Because now, when I hear the 60s Motown songs, I get a real sadness in me, because of the happy memories they bring up, and make me miss those days, I also get sadness, because most of those fine artist have died, but mostly because the love that was in the air back then, and it flowed so freely, you can hardly find it nowadays. You only get it in bits and pieces now, but still you cherish that. To help overcome that sadness, I do research on those artist, and learn a little more about music, because I truly believe all those artist were placed in our path, to learn something from, and they wasn't just entertaining. I just thank God for this music industry, that helped me grow up better during what could have been a turbulent time. All praises and glory, goes to God.✌🏽❤🙏🏻🌷🌲🎵🕺🏾💃🏾
What a fascinating documentary on an American ICON. I grew up to MOTOWN in high school. My radio was tuned to the big 89 WLS in Chicago and WVON 1450 on your radio dial listening to Herb Kent the Cool Gent who would always have MOTOWN artists to interview on his show. The MOTOWN sound was very unique and absorbed by millions of baby boomers around the world. It was a mixture of jazz, big band, rock 'n roll, and classical all rolled into one. GOD bless all the rhythm 'n blues artists who have left us and are still with us to this day.
AWESOME & EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY!!! SO MANY MEMORIES LISTENING TO THESE SONGS I REMEMBER SITTING IN THE TREE IN OUR BACKYARD, AND HEARING "NO WHERE TO RUN NO WHERE TO HIDE". THE MUSIC WAS EVERYWHERE, IT TOOK MY MIND OFF ALL THE MADNESS GOING ON AROUND ME. I WAS BORN IN 1956, AND THOSE WERE SOME TRYING TIMES. I WAS BORN IN ORANGE NEW JERSEY BUT WE WERE LIVING IN NEWARK, IT WAS CALLED THE NECK /IRONBOUND SECTION. I HAD MY OWN RADIO & I LISTENED TO MUSIC AS MUCH AS I COULD. I'M THANKFUL I SURVIVED THOSE TIMES. THE MUSIC MADE IT ALMOST MAGICAL /THE MOTOWN SOUND WAS FANTASTIC, STILL LISTEN & LOVE THIS MUSIC TODAY JANUARY 2020.💃💓🎼🎼🎶🎵🎤
Soundtrack to the best part of my life and now many years later, I listen to it when thing dont go to well during the day and everything is wonderful again. Thank you Marvin, Diana, Levi, Eddie, Michael, Gladys, and of course Stevie... never gets old, never gets boring. Thanks Detroit, the UK Loved and embraced Motown in the North of the country and we never forget it will never stop playing it, and never stop listening in awe to the magic.......
Can you imagine living in a apt. Above the recording studio during those times listening to all the music oozing out of that room ??? UNBELIEVEABLE! !!
@@captainkeyboard1007 That's your choice, nonsense to you but maybe not to others!! By the way im big on SOUL🎶 music and other types of music also!! #Chillaxin
@@lucky4724 I am big on soul music, too. I love Motown, Atlantic, Stax, New Brunswick, Chess and other soul music beginning in the 1960s. The Motown leaves me fond memories that today's music could not do for me.
@@captainkeyboard1007 Motown aka Flowtown, oh yea, Philly spit out some serious jams also, Delfonics one of my favorites among so many others!! Temptin Temptations🔥!! My formative years!! "TJHS Class of 72"
@@lucky4724 I love soul music from the other artists from the 1960s and 1970s. The best and probably the only way I can capture it is on RUclips. The radio stations of today do not play this music anymore.
?That damn David Ruffin was a beast! The Temptations make it look so effortlessly .That early Motown when everybody was hungry and talented as hell. And work was fun.You can tell how some artist can get so caught up they would consider selling their souls. Fame can steer you from The Creator. We must always put him first and allow him to be the guiding force.Fame can be a all together different thing than what we bargained for.
I still have about 200+ '60s UK Tamla Motown 45s dating from 1962, plus later 1970s releases and albums of course. I was also lucky enough to see many of the artists perform when they toured the UK and even met some of them, including Marvin Gaye, Jr. Walker, Martha Reeves etc. Golden memories. Motown led me to a love of Soul music in general that remains with me to this day... (I actually bought another old Temptations 45 just two days ago.) :-)
I visited the Museum 3 times already and it's a must do, by anyone who loves music, especially motown, a must do. People come from all over the world to visit this museum one time it was agroup from New Zealand London
IT WON'T EVER HAPPEN AGAIN...ONLY. * MOTOWN *. CAN EXIST.. GOD DEEMED IT TO BE.. THANK YOU TO MR.GORDY AND THE ENTIRE GORDY FAMILY FOR SUCH A PHENOMENAL COMPANY !! THE WORLD LOVES YOU AS THEY LOVE TO LISTEN !!!!
Good for you. Cuz you're the only one. When the Supremes' old records come out here in Hawaii like DAILY, I hear Diana Ross on them. Sometimes I cannot hear Florence at all. Like on LOVE CHILD or SOMEDAY.
@@ronrossmore211 Maybe you don’t know as much as you think. Diana stole her group which caused her to drink and act out and was fired June 1967, maybe that’s why you don’t hear her on those tracks.
I have noticed that the Supremes liked using the piano as a place to put their things - sheet music, cups, pocketbook. And there are several images of Flo and Mary sitting on top of the piano. Studio A looks quite small, but must have been cozy. I would love to hear and see Mary Wilson give a tour of Hitsville.
All she'd do is act ghetto with a bottle of Ripple and a cheap cigarette. And besides, she's banned from Studio A for all eternity for biting the hands that fed her. Good riddance. Now if you'd said Diana Ross... .
Better than Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and The Beatles, The Greatest musical contribution ever made on American Soil came from Detroit and it was called Motown!
@Broccoli Beefed But even the Beatles themselves paid homage to the superiority of the Motown music, musicians and performers, as well as referred to the Beatles own "covers" of Motown tunes were inferior productions. So they're being more "popular" doesn't detract from Motown, nor the Beatles' being great themselves, but a testament to they're desire to be truthful and give credit to the positive influence Motown and American soul music had on them and even honing their own accomplishments.
@@jameshamilton944 , never said it detracted from anything. But let's give deserved credit to the Beatles for their wonderful compositions and performances of such that got us out of the horrible doo-wop and rockabilly era
MOTOWN Motown was a inspiration for me as a young man back in the 60's the respect ,the style all helped me navigate through life that song gladys knight sang if I were your woman got me through some tough times all great music that Motown sound can't say enough
And borrowed $800 from his family …. Which is about $8200 today!! Give me a break! Berry Gordy who had nothing to his name as he approached 30 years of age. He didn’t like to work - he didn’t like manual labor. So he goes to his family for the money. Because he liked music. Is that the American dream?
@Jasper7182009:YES! THAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM! YOUR INTERPRETATION OF BERRY GORDY GIVES A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION! BUT HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS WERE INSPIRATIONAL AND IT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR LIFE THAT WILL BE CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY AND WILL BE HERE AFTER YOU’RE GONE!? THAT’S LEGACY!
This is where my love for music began, the birthplace of all my dreams and asperations, it was my saviour growing up in my teenage years, there was one place I could escape to, my Motown record collection and my old record player,
As a UK fan of the classic Motown sound since my mid-teens in 1965 it was a dream to visit the home of Motown on West Grand Blvd. I achieved that goal a few years ago and as I was the first person in when the museum opened, and it was quiet, I got to sit on the stairs leading down into the Snakepit all on my own. As I sat there I reminisced and had tears in my eyes thinking about all the wonderful music that was created in that small space. I'm now rapidly approaching my 75th birthday and I still get such a soulful buzz listening to that classic Motown music. Thank you Mr Gordy and all those talented instrumentalists, vocalists, writers and producers for delivering the soulful, musical soundtrack to my life. (I would love to make one more visit, which airline/hotel/radio/tv station might sponsor one more visit?)
'What's going on' wasn't recorded at Hitsville but at United Sound. The piano that was in the Snakepit is in Berry Gordy's mansion in LA - the one referred to in the piece came from Golden World quite recently.
She sure was. The other 2 Supremes were beautiful as well. Otis Williams had a fling with Florence. He said "pictures did her no justice she was so beautiful."
Wow! The Motown Museum...These eyes viewed the.. Kings Palace that my ears listened to all my life. Wow.. those Arrangements in the early years were the Components to its Greatness....As I recall as a youngster...in the early sixties... No Black or White Label could rival the Modulations , Transitions ,Fills Breaks, Intros, Putrid, and the famous. $$$ on the Money ...Diana Ross. Far-out... Wow.. Thanks . to all. I can stop Pondering... about... Where It All Came From... ..I am gonna Rest In Peace ..tonite..
Hello there excellent , showing the whole process most of showing very rare clips of Benny Benjamin. Is there any more clips of Benny Benjamin please playing the drums !
Going to Detroit in a couple of months, barring any Covid related issues, and between visits to all the automotive heritage museums, the Fisher Building, Belle Isle Aquarium and some good food in Hamtramck, I will make a stop to see Hitsville USA
@@detroitfunk313 oh no. That's sad to hear. Hopefully nothing in the museum has been damaged because of the flooding. I'll most likely be making amby more visits to the D, so whenever things are right for it to open, I'll be there.
I LOVE * MOTOWN RECORDS* WONDERFUL. IN SEARCH OF *MOTOWN* ALL MY LIFE. NOW I SEE WHAT WHERE WHEN AND HOW. THANKS A MILLION FOR SHARING THIS !!!! 01/28/2022
Great production. So gratified you all did this historical account; if you hadn't someone later on would have done a false, and misleading presentation of the Motown Records' history.
Going back to Motown Recording Studio is a legacy that no other record company , can steel the natural talent that young black artists contributed Globally! Bernard Hendricks
I want too see a rare never before seen footage of Michael Jackson recording his great solo recordings of Got to be There, Ben...even Jermaine and Jackie
I dearly dearly love this! I was born in Detroit in 1948, and no matter where I live, Detroit is me and I'm part of Motown. I grew up with Motown and listening to WCHB and WKNR - Its so funny, I'm also a Beatles gal to this day - but the British lads ALL wanted to sound like MOTOWN (The Beatles covered "Please Mr. Postman"( The Marvelettes) and many others - the Motown studio was our Abbey Road - God Bless.
We must be soul sisters, I was born in 1949 and lived in Jimi Hendrix hometown. 2 of my faves are MOTOWN and Beatles ( got to see them twice lucky me! ) I have found great songs in all types of music from Opera to Ukrainian folk punk (it was good too) to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez (listen to DIAMONDS AND Rust) my final 2 necessary additions if you're still reading. Jeff Beck (Truth album) and Carlos Santana SOUL SURVIVOR at Woodstock. ❤
Wow! What a trip, down memory lane! I felt like I was 101 motown college! This video is mind boggling to see him n when it all began! EXCELLENT Coverage
Every time I read some type of documentary of the Hitsville USA Museum I'm still in complete on how they turn a regular life-size residential house into an actual recording studio!!
And Benny trained Pistol Allen to be his clone. And could and did play like his teacher. The drummer U. Jones was a harder, controlled drummer. They were the main three that the producers used. Smokey mostly used Benny. Whitfield used U. Jones (and sometimes Pistol as a second drummer on the same song). H-D-H mostly used Pistol Allen
Also as already stated a big majority of today’s black music especially that awful rap & hip hop shite doesn’t compare and shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence as Motown in fact 60’s soul music in general will always hold a special place in my heart ,artists like Curtis mayfield and many many others
Since you speak of the “ sound “ what about George Bohanon, Bobbye Hall, Beans Bowles, Maurice Davis, Paul Riser, Herbie Williams, Don White, BB, Norris Patterson, Issa Abramaleem,, Dorthy Ashby, What I’m saying is there are musicians still alive that need to be spoken to. There were arrangers that shaped the sound and horns that played the sound. What about Wild Bill Moore ? Eli Fountain ? So many more unsung masters of their instruments. They helped to shape the “ Sound “ . Their names should be spoken…….
The first few bars of "Heatwave!" has always been the penultimate Motown sound. It's mind-boggling to think that sll of that talent was in that one area. It's also not hard to see why drugs became a thing with many at Motown, bcuz the machine was non-stop....
These were not just professionals at work. They were masters of their craft. 👏
Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" rhythm tracks were definitely recorded at Studio A. I know because I was the recording engineer (Nathaniel "Nate" Jennings) that recorded all the original rhythm tracks there.
😱😱😱🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
Man thats classic lp
Where can you be reached? I have so many questions. I'll treat you to lunch, anything reasonable for chance to pick your brain for first hand experiences
@@earldpearl3301 You can contact me at camrec10211@gmail.com
I would love to chop it up with you sometime about Marvin. I’m preparing to audition to play him in “What’s Going On” when Warner Brothers sends out the casting call.
No autotune, no computers or software, no sampling.. just raw live talent. Yes there are great singers these days too but it was mostly inspired by Motown and the musicians were real.
Exactly..Singers
man shut the hell up
Even in 2021, the Motown sounds are valuable to me, just like in the 1960s. It doesn't get better than this.
There will never be another sound like this again in our life time!!
Agree Absolutely I was born in 1962 but with Motown I felt I was born in 1942👍
What would you call?Hip hop ? The regression of music?
@MsLady328 Sad isn't it??? The demonic record execs pushed that crap into our youth to keep them having a negative mindset of thugism. It seems record labels are getting to be obsolete nowadays and we can make good classy music if we want to.
@MsLady328 ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
You are without peers , the dignified demeanor of the 2 of you is simply the best. God bless you both from a fan for life bill feilhauer
This is a high point of American history. What memories and what a legacy!
I've been a HUGE Motown fan my entire life. I'm now 66, and visiting The Hitsville House in Detroit is on my bucket list!
@Garry Benford: Me too! I am looking forward to going to the museum this summer!
I'm with you also......a visit to the MOTOWN HITSVILLE HOUSE IS ON MY BUCKET LIST BEFORE I leave this earth.
I grew up with Motown ..........I 'm 72 and still listen to the music every day like I did back in the 60's :)
That place just oozes history! At 63 years young, and from the Motor City, still lovin' it! "Can ya dig it?" !!!
Please go because you will enjoy it
“The Sound Of Young America”, never to be duplicated, will live on for many generations to come.
Fantastic!!!! I cried through the the whole thing. Thank God I lived through the time when Motown was in detroit.it was the backdrop to our lives
And the finished painting was a masterpiece. Thanks Berry Gordy. It would have been a lesser life for millions if not for you.from a fan for life 🤠 bill feilhauer
I agree with you totally. Mr Gordy was so smart to have some of the artists, production people and the Funk brothers reproduce what it could be like to record music at the same time. When in fact they stopped recording together in 1962. (Music, background vocals and last, lead vocals). It was the fastest way to get the music production completed. Just like a car factory . But without the filming Motown did, the fans could only guess how it was done. lol ❤
😢gives me so much joy the soundtrack of my youth
Thank you Motown, thanks for the wonderful memories! I will always treasure.
This was quite simply one of the most important rooms of all time anywhere in the world
You can say that again. I think I'd weep in that room.
Amen
So true... the first time I went to the Motown museum the feeling is hard to describe. But I can tell you I felt like I could check off one of those “life to do list” accomplishments. Trust me it’s a powerful feeling when you’re in there
@@ccth22 That must have been an amazing experience going to Motown...... A very good friend of mine has visited Hitsville twice and loved the experience....I think he still gets chills when he remembers the visits lol
THERE NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE ON THIS.
There is a documentary called 'Standing in the Shadow of Motown' it's quite a few years old now.
@@tracyjohnson8144 YUP 2002! I saw it at the movies.
yea your right that would be so cool
@ All movie about slavery were made by black people starting with "Roots".
@@pertburton5586 Amistad was made by Spielberg and a Black person didn't produce Roots.
Going into Hitsville gave me Goose bumps All that talent All that History and creativity from Everyone was creeping out of the walls ..It was Amazing ....Thank you Everyone past and present ....Hitsville the sound of young America ..👍
I don't need to go back, I never left. Still love it today as much as I did back in the 60's.
This had me in tears! I was a product of a Motown recording engineer!
I'm a recording (mix) engineer (and very picky) UNLESS an artist wants to go "old school" I just would not be the gal for them. I will not use autotune, I won't crush the work with compression, and I won't use elastic audio in Pro-tools to correct poor timing. Strings of F bombs are out. Just the way I am - I'm an old Detroiter and I grew up with Motown and the Beatles. (BTW, I am rebuilding my vinyl collection - music should not be chopped into little teeny bits) :-)
I was 12 in 1964 loved Motown
FANTASTIC video !! My wife Lynn and I took the 10 hour drive and stood in this room 2 years ago. Just as he said, It is mind boggling to stand there and imagine what was going on there 50 years ago where all those great Motown songs were created and recorded.
Mowtown the only sounds that never loose their magical soulful gifted music ...absolutely the best grew up in this era as a child listening to these sounds...well done Berry Gordy for your talent in finding very gifted musicians and making them known to Us 💖
❤ I'm going to say this I am I have never been so proud to be a black Afro-American woman but when it comes down to Motown and Berry Gordy and all of that outstanding 1959 was a great year the year I was born you're my parents got married in the year 1959 Motown what I tell you what a beautiful thing it is I never forget I don't feel like family to me and my family they are a family because of their unique sound and the reggae song and the way they carry themselves All Over America just makes me so proud and so happy I would say so myself sure you're right Mr Barry Gordy Jr
The Motown Sound was untouchable in the heyday!! The combination of talent, the singers, musicians, writers, producers, brought forth a unique and undeniable groove that crossed color lines, economic lines and brought a country together, if only for the duration of it’s songs!! Yes, Motown lived up to it’s name!! “Hitsville USA!!” And it’s trademark slogan, “The Sound Of Young America!!” The world will never see it’s like again!!!
Great words of truth. stay safe & bcool
Most people heard about and even some have experienced the phenomenon known as MOTOWN . Someone should make a in depth documentary about the those years that defined a generation. I’m 71 years old and this music has taken on a whole new meaning. We ( my generation) will never see anything like it again. Thank you Berry Gordy!
Thank you for this trip, down memory lane. And you two did a beautiful job, telling Motown's history.
Berry Gordy's dad must have seen that musical genius in him, to transform their home into Motown. And he sure put his money on a winning ticket with that. I can't think of one artist, that came out of Motown that I didn't love. I grew up, in the 60s, when Motown had it's sharpest, and finest performers. This music brought so much life, into my life. Because of this music, back then there was more black unity, black pride, and love and beauty was in the air. I was never into blues songs, couldn't understand why some loved it, but now I do understand how they feel. Because now, when I hear the 60s Motown songs, I get a real sadness in me, because of the happy memories they bring up, and make me miss those days, I also get sadness, because most of those fine artist have died, but mostly because the love that was in the air back then, and it flowed so freely, you can hardly find it nowadays. You only get it in bits and pieces now, but still you cherish that.
To help overcome that sadness, I do research on those artist, and learn a little more about music, because I truly believe all those artist were placed in our path, to learn something from, and they wasn't just entertaining.
I just thank God for this music industry, that helped me grow up better during what could have been a turbulent time.
All praises and glory, goes to God.✌🏽❤🙏🏻🌷🌲🎵🕺🏾💃🏾
I think Motown brought the races together.
@@michaelhardin470 I agree.
What a fascinating documentary on an American ICON. I grew up to MOTOWN in high school. My radio was tuned to the big 89 WLS in Chicago and WVON 1450 on your radio dial listening to Herb Kent the Cool Gent who would always have MOTOWN artists to interview on his show. The MOTOWN sound was very unique and absorbed by millions of baby boomers around the world. It was a mixture of jazz, big band, rock 'n roll, and classical all rolled into one. GOD bless all the rhythm 'n blues artists who have left us and are still with us to this day.
Video shows what we had and what we lost. Motown has a spectacular legacy that will never be equalled.
We haven't lost anything. Motown will live forever!!!
Amazing to see all of the greats & giants that came through Motown!!!
I still listen to my motown sounds. I grew up with this sound. None better than. Detroits motown sounds.
AWESOME & EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY!!! SO MANY MEMORIES LISTENING TO THESE SONGS I REMEMBER SITTING IN THE TREE IN OUR BACKYARD, AND HEARING "NO WHERE TO RUN NO WHERE TO HIDE". THE MUSIC WAS EVERYWHERE, IT TOOK MY MIND OFF ALL THE MADNESS GOING ON AROUND ME. I WAS BORN IN 1956, AND THOSE WERE SOME TRYING TIMES. I WAS BORN IN ORANGE NEW JERSEY BUT WE WERE LIVING IN NEWARK, IT WAS CALLED THE NECK /IRONBOUND SECTION. I HAD MY OWN RADIO & I LISTENED TO MUSIC AS MUCH AS I COULD. I'M THANKFUL I SURVIVED THOSE TIMES. THE MUSIC MADE IT ALMOST MAGICAL /THE MOTOWN SOUND WAS FANTASTIC, STILL LISTEN & LOVE THIS MUSIC TODAY JANUARY 2020.💃💓🎼🎼🎶🎵🎤
This is the Motown sound I grew up with in Detroit. Thanks for the memories
Soundtrack to the best part of my life and now many years later, I listen to it when thing dont go to well during the day and everything is wonderful again. Thank you Marvin, Diana, Levi, Eddie, Michael, Gladys, and of course Stevie... never gets old, never gets boring. Thanks Detroit, the UK Loved and embraced Motown in the North of the country and we never forget it will never stop playing it, and never stop listening in awe to the magic.......
You guys REALLY broke it down from a musician's standpoint/ Excellent!
thank you sir!
Can you imagine living in a apt. Above the recording studio during those times listening to all the music oozing out of that room ??? UNBELIEVEABLE! !!
I rather live in a houseful of soul music than to hear other people's nonsense. That would put me in a special place.
@@captainkeyboard1007 That's your choice, nonsense to you but maybe not to others!! By the way im big on SOUL🎶 music and other types of music also!! #Chillaxin
@@lucky4724 I am big on soul music, too. I love Motown, Atlantic, Stax, New Brunswick, Chess and other soul music beginning in the 1960s. The Motown leaves me fond memories that today's music could not do for me.
@@captainkeyboard1007 Motown aka Flowtown, oh yea, Philly spit out some serious jams also, Delfonics one of my favorites among so many others!! Temptin Temptations🔥!! My formative years!! "TJHS Class of 72"
@@lucky4724 I love soul music from the other artists from the 1960s and 1970s. The best and probably the only way I can capture it is on RUclips. The radio stations of today do not play this music anymore.
?That damn David Ruffin was a beast! The Temptations make it look so effortlessly .That early Motown when everybody was hungry and talented as hell. And work was fun.You can tell how some artist can get so caught up they would consider selling their souls. Fame can steer you from The Creator. We must always put him first and allow him to be the guiding force.Fame can be a all together different thing than what we bargained for.
Molded my life from a teen to today , thanks so , so , much all of you wonderful people !
We need more of these I really enjoyed wish I could of been there
I still have about 200+ '60s UK Tamla Motown 45s dating from 1962, plus later 1970s releases and albums of course.
I was also lucky enough to see many of the artists perform when they toured the UK and even met some of them, including Marvin Gaye, Jr. Walker, Martha Reeves etc. Golden memories. Motown led me to a love of Soul music in general that remains with me to this day... (I actually bought another old Temptations 45 just two days ago.) :-)
Great memories of a major time in the lives of millions of people across the globe - Keep The Faith - from the UK
I visited the Museum 3 times already and it's a must do, by anyone who loves music, especially motown, a must do. People come from all over the world to visit this museum one time it was agroup from New Zealand London
The musicians were in a class by themselves they’ll never be another sound like the motel sound
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. THE SOUNDTRACKS TO LIFE ORIGINATED HERE THE CHANGE IN THE SOUND OF BLACK MUSIC FOREVER
The funk brothers wrote a lot of the Motown songs they were so talented.
IT WON'T EVER HAPPEN AGAIN...ONLY. * MOTOWN *. CAN EXIST..
GOD DEEMED IT TO BE..
THANK YOU TO MR.GORDY AND THE ENTIRE GORDY FAMILY FOR SUCH A PHENOMENAL COMPANY !! THE WORLD LOVES YOU AS THEY LOVE TO LISTEN !!!!
Man, I can't wait to get out that way again. I hope they are giving tours. What historical and magical place.
It was a fantastic era, never to be heard again. But we have the memories
watching Florence sing. wow
Mark Maese Who?
Good for you. Cuz you're the only one. When the Supremes' old records come out here in Hawaii like DAILY, I hear Diana Ross on them. Sometimes I cannot hear Florence at all. Like on LOVE CHILD or SOMEDAY.
I know. I think she’s gorgeous and so fascinating.
@@ronrossmore211 Flo wasn't in the group for those 2 songs, maybe that's why you can't hear her, 🤔
@@ronrossmore211 Maybe you don’t know as much as you think. Diana stole her group which caused her to drink and act out and was fired June 1967, maybe that’s why you don’t hear her on those tracks.
I have noticed that the Supremes liked using the piano as a place to put their things - sheet music, cups, pocketbook. And there are several images of Flo and Mary sitting on top of the piano. Studio A looks quite small, but must have been cozy. I would love to hear and see Mary Wilson give a tour of Hitsville.
All she'd do is act ghetto with a bottle of Ripple and a cheap cigarette. And besides, she's banned from Studio A for all eternity for biting the hands that fed her. Good riddance. Now if you'd said Diana Ross... .
Better than Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and The Beatles, The Greatest musical contribution ever made on American Soil came from Detroit and it was called Motown!
#FACTS Nothing beats MOTOWN!
@Broccoli Beefed But even the Beatles themselves paid homage to the superiority of the Motown music, musicians and performers, as well as referred to the Beatles own "covers" of Motown tunes were inferior productions. So they're being more "popular" doesn't detract from Motown, nor the Beatles' being great themselves, but a testament to they're desire to be truthful and give credit to the positive influence Motown and American soul music had on them and even honing their own accomplishments.
@@jameshamilton944 , never said it detracted from anything. But let's give deserved credit to the Beatles for their wonderful compositions and performances of such that got us out of the horrible doo-wop and rockabilly era
Only In Your World..
Only In Your World..
MY TIME I remember the first hit in 1959 "MONEY THATS WHAT I WANT" BARRETT STRONG.
You're so lucky. Guess you're probably my Mom's age,she would be 80.
R&B. ♥️♥️♥️Thank you mr Gordy♥️♥️♥️
There will never be a Motown or Motown sound 👌👍
The Funkbrothers without them Motown wouldn't have been so successful....
MOTOWN Motown was a inspiration for me as a young man back in the 60's the respect ,the style all helped me navigate through life that song gladys knight sang if I were your woman got me through some tough times all great music that Motown sound can't say enough
Wow Peace Dear Big Brother.
That good music had big impact on people lives much love than and now ❤
Brilliant 60's music.
Barry Gordy is a prime example of the American Dream...he took nothing but an idea and turned it into a legacy.
And borrowed $800 from his family …. Which is about $8200 today!! Give me a break!
Berry Gordy who had nothing to his name as he approached 30 years of age.
He didn’t like to work - he didn’t like manual labor. So he goes to his family for the money. Because he liked music. Is that the American dream?
Excellent comment
@@Jasper7182009yes it is.
@@JerrySmith-t7d … how much did you get from your family?
@Jasper7182009:YES! THAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM! YOUR INTERPRETATION OF BERRY GORDY GIVES A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION! BUT HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS WERE INSPIRATIONAL AND IT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN YOUR LIFE THAT WILL BE CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY AND WILL BE HERE AFTER YOU’RE GONE!? THAT’S LEGACY!
This is where my love for music began, the birthplace of all my dreams and asperations, it was my saviour growing up in my teenage years, there was one place I could escape to, my Motown record collection and my old record player,
I love it. This is a place I would like to one day visit to experience the Motown sound.
Thanks so much!this is where the sound track of my life happened!!!🤗
Im 27 yo in grand rapids michigan i love motown music ill visit the motown era soon in detroit!!!
WOW INCREDIBLY AWESOME AWESOME DOCUMENTARY THANK YOU DO MUCH FOR THE MEMORIES.
Thank u for anything about Motown and Berry Gordy
As a UK fan of the classic Motown sound since my mid-teens in 1965 it was a dream to visit the home of Motown on West Grand Blvd. I achieved that goal a few years ago and as I was the first person in when the museum opened, and it was quiet, I got to sit on the stairs leading down into the Snakepit all on my own. As I sat there I reminisced and had tears in my eyes thinking about all the wonderful music that was created in that small space. I'm now rapidly approaching my 75th birthday and I still get such a soulful buzz listening to that classic Motown music. Thank you Mr Gordy and all those talented instrumentalists, vocalists, writers and producers for delivering the soulful, musical soundtrack to my life. (I would love to make one more visit, which airline/hotel/radio/tv station might sponsor one more visit?)
i would like to know and see morer about tammi terrell
'What's going on' wasn't recorded at Hitsville but at United Sound. The piano that was in the Snakepit is in Berry Gordy's mansion in LA - the one referred to in the piece came from Golden World quite recently.
Yep that’s the Golden World firewood piano.
And wasn't love is here and now you're gone recorded in LA.
Florence was one beautiful young lady !!!
True but not at the exclusion of the other 2.
She sure was. The other 2 Supremes were beautiful as well. Otis Williams had a fling with Florence. He said "pictures did her no justice she was so beautiful."
Terrell CF Don’t Question Men Sexuality.... Question Your Own Jackass
Florence was beautiful, Mary was stunning, Diana was a pain in the ass!
derrickleumas55 Who?
Wow! The Motown Museum...These eyes viewed the.. Kings Palace that my ears listened to all my life. Wow.. those Arrangements in the early years were the Components to its Greatness....As I recall as a youngster...in the early sixties... No Black or White Label could rival the Modulations , Transitions ,Fills Breaks, Intros, Putrid, and the famous. $$$ on the Money ...Diana Ross. Far-out... Wow.. Thanks . to all. I can stop Pondering... about... Where It All Came From... ..I am gonna Rest In Peace ..tonite..
I copy everything Jamerson did on my fender p- bass.love all of it. Grew up on it in 1960 in Philly. The classic 5 tempts are my guys
Don’t even try to compare these “modern “ no talents to the Motown greats!
Wow, I love Motown very very much !! But there are a lot of very talented Singers nowadays too
@@lorisanford8515 exactly
The modern singers try to revitalize that good-old Motown sounds, but they cannot imitate the original soul of the music.
Yep...and Snoop Dog thinks he is a Super Star selling garbage.
@@matrox Rap and hip-hop music does not have the genuine harmony that is derived from Soul music.
Still one of the best record labels ever. I was able to get inside of their office in Hollywood CA. Could feel the far out vibes
@RandyR ...It wasn't anything like Hitsville, U.S.A.
Motown rocks 🎸
The Motown Sound=Number One In The World !
Micaï. Claude.
depends on what world. in the caribbean the stax sound is more prevalent. we like real black soul. we dont like water downed shit.
Once I heard Motown, I never left! 👍👍
Hello there excellent , showing the whole process most of showing very rare clips of Benny Benjamin. Is there any more clips of Benny Benjamin please playing the drums !
just magic. ive been to motown. you can feel the ghostly magical memeries of the past of all that awesome talent that passed thru motown studios
Going to Detroit in a couple of months, barring any Covid related issues, and between visits to all the automotive heritage museums, the Fisher Building, Belle Isle Aquarium and some good food in Hamtramck, I will make a stop to see Hitsville USA
@@detroitfunk313 oh no. That's sad to hear. Hopefully nothing in the museum has been damaged because of the flooding. I'll most likely be making amby more visits to the D, so whenever things are right for it to open, I'll be there.
I LOVE * MOTOWN RECORDS* WONDERFUL. IN SEARCH OF *MOTOWN* ALL MY LIFE. NOW I SEE WHAT WHERE WHEN AND HOW. THANKS A MILLION FOR SHARING THIS !!!! 01/28/2022
Great production. So gratified you all did this historical account; if you hadn't someone later on would have done a false, and misleading presentation of the Motown Records' history.
Going back to Motown Recording Studio is a legacy that no other record company , can steel the natural talent that young black artists contributed Globally!
Bernard Hendricks
skip ., elisse , ken , thanks for this upload , the song at the 12:30 mark I have never heard before.
amazing , incredible , and oputstanding . !
In Britain it was the b side of all I need.
God bless the funk brothers!!!!!
I want too see a rare never before seen footage of Michael Jackson recording his great solo recordings of Got to be There, Ben...even Jermaine and Jackie
Me too
This Video is Great and Soooo informative! I don't understand how I've missed seeing and viewing it over the years!
I dearly dearly love this! I was born in Detroit in 1948, and no matter where I live, Detroit is me and I'm part of Motown. I grew up with Motown and listening to WCHB and WKNR - Its so funny, I'm also a Beatles gal to this day - but the British lads ALL wanted to sound like MOTOWN (The Beatles covered "Please Mr. Postman"( The Marvelettes) and many others - the Motown studio was our Abbey Road - God Bless.
We must be soul sisters, I was born in 1949 and lived in Jimi Hendrix hometown. 2 of my faves are MOTOWN and Beatles ( got to see them twice lucky me! ) I have found great songs in all types of music from Opera to Ukrainian folk punk (it was good too) to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez (listen to DIAMONDS AND Rust) my final 2 necessary additions if you're still reading. Jeff Beck (Truth album) and Carlos Santana SOUL SURVIVOR at Woodstock. ❤
Wow! What a trip, down memory lane! I felt like I was 101 motown college! This video is mind boggling to see him n when it all began! EXCELLENT Coverage
It’s like every time I hear David sing. I try to sing like him. He’s forever my top 1 singer
David Ruffin is the greatest singer ever
Worst thing ever happened to Detroit was when Motown moved west to LA.
Motown, the bread and butter of my youth.
Every time I read some type of documentary of the Hitsville USA Museum I'm still in complete on how they turn a regular life-size residential house into an actual recording studio!!
I've always loved that pickup that benny does on drums 🥁
And Benny trained Pistol Allen to be his clone. And could and did play like his teacher. The drummer U. Jones was a harder, controlled drummer. They were the main three that the producers used. Smokey mostly used Benny. Whitfield used U. Jones (and sometimes Pistol as a second drummer on the same song). H-D-H mostly used Pistol Allen
@@kelvinhatcher6092thank you for this information 💪🏿
Also as already stated a big majority of today’s black music especially that awful rap & hip hop shite doesn’t compare and shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence as Motown in fact 60’s soul music in general will always hold a special place in my heart ,artists like Curtis mayfield and many many others
Sing David!! The voice, THE MAN, THE LEGEND, THE ONLY DAVID RUFFIN.
Yes!! The best of the best :):)
MOTOWN FOREVER BABY! 💪🏼🎛👂🏼"THE SOUND OF YOUNG AMERICA!"🎤🎼🎵🎶❤👑😎
Thank you very much for this invaluable history production ! From Philly.
I was a teenager during the Motown years and Lord do I miss that time..
Were any of these artists filmed in the studio when laying their vocals over pre-recorded backing tracks, obviously wearing headphones.
Since you speak of the “ sound “ what about George Bohanon, Bobbye Hall, Beans Bowles, Maurice Davis, Paul Riser, Herbie Williams, Don White, BB, Norris Patterson, Issa Abramaleem,, Dorthy Ashby, What I’m saying is there are musicians still alive that need to be spoken to. There were arrangers that shaped the sound and horns that played the sound. What about Wild Bill Moore ? Eli Fountain ? So many more unsung masters of their instruments. They helped to shape the “ Sound “ . Their names should be spoken…….
There are so many others.....
Tell them!!
RIP one of Atlanta's finest Bohannon.
And for the record it's only 17 minutes this would have to be 5 hour special to get all those names in.
The Andantes were the best!
What a beautiful video. Thank you.
Just saw this. “Right on” and thank you Motown!
Love this!! ❤️
I just thumbed up for the 1,000 like. Surprised it wasn't more, great video.
Glad you liked it!
This was amazing!!
Man my God this stuff is magical I watch get lost in it and hate to come back to reality of today
The first few bars of "Heatwave!" has always been the penultimate Motown sound. It's mind-boggling to think that sll of that talent was in that one area. It's also not hard to see why drugs became a thing with many at Motown, bcuz the machine was non-stop....