The House That Gordy Built: The ‘Hitsville’ Legacy [Part 3]

The Jackson 5: Motown’s Teen Sensations

[A USARM Note: Missed part 2? Go HERE]

The Jackson 5’s arrival at Motown in 1969 was a game-changer, marking the beginning of a new era for the label. Their youthful energy, infectious sound, and undeniable talent catapulted them to superstardom, making them Motown’s biggest act of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Formed in Gary, Indiana, the Jackson 5—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael—were discovered by Motown producer Bobby Taylor and signed to the label in 1968. Their debut album, “Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5” (1969), introduced the world to their electrifying sound, with Michael Jackson’s charismatic lead vocals stealing the spotlight.

Their first single, “I Want You Back” (1969), became an instant sensation, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and launching Jackson mania across America. This was followed by three more consecutive #1 hits:

• “ABC” (1970)
• “The Love You Save” (1970)
• “I’ll Be There” (1970) (Motown’s biggest-selling single at the time)

The Corporation: The Hit-Making Team Behind the Jackson 5

Berry Gordy assembled a special songwriting and production team called The Corporation—comprised of Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards, and Gordy himself—to craft songs specifically for the Jackson 5. Their signature blend of pop, soul, and funk made the group unstoppable, dominating the charts and solidifying their place as Motown’s premier act.

Motown’s Expansion and the Jackson 5’s Legacy

The Jackson 5’s success helped Motown expand into the teen market, proving that young Black artists could be global superstars. Their influence extended beyond music, inspiring future generations of performers and setting the stage for Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career.

Rare Earth: Motown’s Rock Revolution

Originally formed in 1960 as The Sunliners, the band changed its name to Rare Earth in 1968, embracing the psychedelic rock era. When they signed with Motown in 1969, Berry Gordy saw an opportunity to expand into the rock market, creating a subsidiary label named after the band—Rare Earth Records.

Their breakthrough came in 1970 with a 21-minute cover of The Temptations’ “Get Ready,” written by Smokey Robinson. The radio edit of the song soared to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning them a gold record and proving that Motown could dominate rock as well as soul.

Rare Earth’s Biggest Hits (1970–1971)

Rare Earth continued their chart success with:

• “(I Know) I’m Losing You” (1970) – Another Temptations cover, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Born to Wander” (1970) – A Rare Earth original, hitting #17 on the charts.
• “I Just Want to Celebrate” (1971) – Their signature anthem, peaking at #7, becoming a timeless rock classic.

At their peak, Rare Earth was so influential that groups like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan opened for them!

Rare Earth’s Legacy & Continued Success

Though the band’s lineup changed over the years, Rare Earth continued recording and touring, producing seven more albums after their golden era. Founding member Gil Bridges remained the band’s constant, keeping their Motown rock legacy alive.

Rare Earth’s Best-Selling Album & Single

Rare Earth’s best-selling album for Motown was “Get Ready” (1969), which featured their breakthrough hit—a 21-minute cover of The Temptations’ “Get Ready.” The radio edit of the song soared to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning them a gold record and becoming their biggest-selling single.

Did the Band Name Themselves After the Label—or Vice Versa?

Interestingly, Motown didn’t have a name for its new rock imprint when Rare Earth signed in 1969. The band jokingly suggested that Motown should name the label after them—and to their surprise, Berry Gordy agreed! Thus, Rare Earth Records was born, making them the first successful all-white band signed to Motown.

Motown’s Songwriting Powerhouses: The Genius Behind the Hits

While Motown’s artists delivered electrifying performances, the label’s real engine was its team of songwriters and producers, who crafted the unforgettable melodies, lyrics, and arrangements that made Motown the undisputed leader of the 1960s and early 1970s music scene.

Holland-Dozier-Holland: The Architects of the Motown Sound

The trio of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland—known as Holland-Dozier-Holland (H-D-H)—was Motown’s most successful songwriting and production team. From 1962 to 1967, they wrote and produced 25 #1 hit singles, shaping the label’s signature sound with their catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and emotional storytelling. Their most iconic hits include:

• The Supremes – “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
• The Four Tops – “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Bernadette,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”
• Martha & The Vandellas – “Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Jimmy Mack”

Despite their immense contributions, H-D-H left Motown in 1968 due to royalty disputes, later forming Invictus (Freda Payne, The Chairman of The Board, The Eighth Day) and Hot Wax Records (Honey Cones, The Flaming Ember) in the early 1970s, but their influence on Motown’s golden era remained unmatched.

Ashford & Simpson: The Masters of Romantic Soul

The songwriting duo of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson brought a sophisticated, romantic touch to Motown’s catalog. Their lush, heartfelt compositions became classics, particularly for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, including:

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
• “You’re All I Need to Get By”
• “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”

Their ability to blend deep emotion with soaring melodies made them one of Motown’s most beloved songwriting teams.

Other Legendary Motown Songwriters

Motown’s hit-making machine was powered by several other brilliant songwriters and producers:

• Smokey Robinson – Wrote classics like “Shop Around” (The Miracles), “My Guy” (Mary Wells), and “The Way You Do the Things You Do” (The Temptations).
• Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong – Revolutionized Motown’s sound with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (Marvin Gaye), “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” (The Temptations), and “War” (Edwin Starr).
• Frank Wilson – Penned “Love Child” (The Supremes) and “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”.
• Mickey Stevenson – Co-wrote “Dancing in the Street” (Martha & The Vandellas).

Motown’s Songwriting Legacy

Motown’s assembly-line approach to songwriting and production ensured that every song was meticulously crafted for success. These songwriters didn’t just write hits—they shaped an era, creating music that still resonates today.

The Funk Brothers: The Unsung Heroes Behind Motown’s Sound

While Motown’s stars lit up the charts, a powerhouse band worked tirelessly behind the scenes, crafting the grooves that defined an era. Known as The Funk Brothers, these extraordinary musicians played on more #1 hits and albums than Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and countless others combined.

From the soulful bass lines of James Jamerson to the electrifying keyboards of Earl Van Dyke, they defined the Motown Sound, giving life to music that would transcend generations.

Despite their monumental contributions, the Funk Brothers remained largely uncredited during their time at Motown. Their masterful musicianship brought Motown’s biggest hits to life, yet for years, they worked in the shadows, playing anonymously on records that shaped the golden era of soul and pop music.

The Legendary Musicians Behind the Magic

The original 13 Funk Brothers, as honored in the 2002 documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown,” included:

• Joe Hunter – Piano, bandleader  [b. 1927 – d. 2007]
• Earl Van Dyke – Piano, organ  [b. 1930 – d. 1992]
• Johnny Griffith – Keyboards  [b. 1936 – d. 2002]
• James Jamerson – Bass guitar, double bass [b. 1936 – d. 1983]
• Bob Babbitt – Bass guitar  [b. 1937 – d. 2012]
• Benny Benjamin – Drums  [b. 1925 – d. 1969]
• Richard “Pistol” Allen – Drums  [b. 1932 – d. 2002]
• Uriel Jones – Drums  [b. 1934 – d. 2009]
• Joe Messina – Guitar  [b. 1928 – d. 2022]
• Robert White – Guitar  [b. 1936 – d. 1994]
• Eddie Willis – Guitar  [b. 1936 – 2018]
• Jack Ashford – Tambourine, percussion, vibraphone, marimba  [b. 1936 – Still living]
• Eddie “Bongo” Brown – Percussion  [b. 1932 – d. 1984]

Jack Ashford: The Last Living Funk Brother

Among these 13 trailblazing musicians, only Jack Ashford remains with us today, preserving the legacy of Motown’s rhythmic soul. His signature tambourine work, heard on countless classics, became a defining element of the Motown Sound, adding the percussive energy that made every hit feel alive.

In 2002, the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” finally gave The Funk Brothers their long-overdue recognition, highlighting their immeasurable impact on popular music. Their legacy continues to influence generations of musicians, proving that Motown’s magic wasn’t just in its singers—it was in the unparalleled musicianship that gave every song its unmistakable soul.

The “Snake Pit” and Their Unique Sound

Motown’s recording studio, Hitsville U.S.A., had a small basement studio known as “The Snake Pit.” This is where The Funk Brothers crafted their magic, blending jazz improvisation, blues rhythms, and pop sensibilities to create that distinctive and unique final product, universally known as the Motown Sound.

Every iconic Motown track carried their imprint, including:

• “My Girl” – The Temptations
• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
• “Baby Love” – The Supremes
• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
• “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – The Temptations

Recognition and Legacy

Motown ‘Hitsville U.S.A., 1965.

Despite their monumental contributions, The Funk Brothers remained largely uncredited on Motown records until Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” (1971) featured them more prominently. Their legacy was finally honored in 2002 with the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown, which showcased their incredible impact on music history.

Motown’s success wouldn’t have been possible without The Funk Brothers. They were the heartbeat of the label, shaping the sound that defined a generation.

Berry Gordy’s vision for Motown Records was nothing short of revolutionary. When he founded the label in 1959, he had a dream—to create music that would transcend racial barriers, bring people together, and define a generation. With just an $800 loan from his family, Gordy built Motown into a global phenomenon, launching the careers of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, and countless others.

Berry Gordy’s Dream Fulfilled

Gordy’s dream wasn’t just about making hits—it was about changing the industry. At a time when Black artists struggled to get airplay on mainstream radio, Motown broke barriers, proving that soul and R&B could dominate the pop charts. His assembly-line approach to music production, inspired by his time working at Ford, ensured that every song was meticulously crafted for success.

Motown’s artists became household names, performing on national television, touring internationally, and influencing music far beyond Detroit. Gordy’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with deep soul roots made Motown the most successful independent record label of its time.

A Final Motown Reflection : Preserving the Words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

While Motown was best known for its hit-making machine, Berry Gordy understood that music and words had the power to inspire change. During the Civil Rights Movement, Gordy ensured that Motown didn’t just entertain—it empowered. His decision to release spoken-word albums featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches was groundbreaking, ensuring that King’s message reached audiences beyond the march and into homes across America.

“The March on Washington” (1963): Motown’s Tribute to History

In 1963, as Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Motown took a bold step by releasing the album “The March on Washington.” This record featured King’s speech in its entirety, preserving one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

It was rare for a music label to distribute spoken-word recordings of political and social significance, but Gordy recognized that Dr. King’s words needed to be heard by all. His decision to release this album demonstrated Motown’s commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, showing that music could be a vehicle for social change.

“Free At Last . . . .” (1968): Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

Following Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, the nation mourned the loss of a leader who had transformed the fight for racial equality. In tribute to King’s legacy, Motown released another spoken-word album titled “Free At Last . . . .”, featuring a collection of King’s speeches.

This album was released on Motown’s spoken-word label, ensuring that King’s powerful voice remained accessible to the public during a time of national mourning and reflection.

Motown’s Role in Social Change

Motown wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about empowerment. Berry Gordy’s willingness to record and distribute King’s speeches demonstrated that Motown’s mission extended beyond music. By preserving Dr. King’s words, the label ensured that his message of equality, justice, and unity would continue inspiring generations.

Motown’s commitment to social progress, combined with its revolutionary sound, ensured that the label remained a cultural movement—one that shaped both music and history.

Motown’s Legacy: Then and Now

Motown’s impact didn’t fade with time—it evolved. Even after the label moved to Los Angeles in 1972, its influence remained strong. The music of Motown’s golden era (1960s–1970s) continues to inspire artists today, from Bruno Mars to Beyoncé. The Motown Museum in Detroit, housed in the original Hitsville U.S.A. studio, stands as a tribute to the label’s legacy, drawing visitors from around the world.

Motown’s songs are timeless, still played at weddings, celebrations, and in films. The label’s ability to bring people together through music remains its greatest achievement.

Motown wasn’t just a record label—it was a movement.

It was “The Sound of Young America,” a revolutionary force that transcended racial barriers and united people through music. Berry Gordy’s vision transformed a small Detroit operation into one of the most influential and enduring legacies in musical history.

Motown’s songs weren’t just chart-toppers—they were anthems of a generation, defining the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the 1960s and beyond. From love ballads to social consciousness, Motown’s artists and songwriters created timeless melodies that still resonate today.

Even decades later, Motown’s influence can be heard in pop, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond. Artists across genres continue to draw inspiration from the Funk Brothers’ grooves, Holland-Dozier-Holland’s melodies, and Stevie Wonder’s innovation. The Motown Museum stands as a testament to the label’s lasting impact, reminding the world that Motown was more than music—it was a cultural revolution.

Berry Gordy once declared, “My dream came true.” And indeed, it did. The Motown Sound endures—not just in timeless records, but in the spirit of unity, creativity, and passion it inspired. The universal joy woven into every Motown hit continues to resonate, bringing people together through the magic of Motown’s timeless music and sound.

Motown’s roster from 1959 to 1972 was packed with legendary artists, spanning soul, R&B, pop, and even rock. Honorably mentioned below, here’s a comprehensive list of the groups and solo artists who recorded for Motown during this golden era:

Motown Groups (1959–1972)

• The Miracles / The Marvelettes / Martha Reeves & The Vandellas / The Contours / The Supremes / The Temptations / The Four Tops / The Jackson 5 / Jr. Walker & The All Stars / Rare Earth / The Isley Brothers / Gladys Knight & The Pips / The Velvelettes / The Elgins / The Isley Brothers / The Monitors / The Spinners / Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers / The Fantastic Four / The Undisputed Truth / The Originals / Rare Earth / The Jackson 5 / San Remo Golden Strings / The Dynamic Superiors / The Jazz Crusaders

Motown Solo Artists (1959–1972)

• Marv Johnson / Marvin Gaye / Stevie Wonder / Mary Wells / Smokey Robinson / Jimmy Ruffin / David Ruffin / Edwin Starr / Brenda Holloway / Kim Weston / Tammi Terrell / Shorty Long / Syreeta Wright / Chris Clark / Barbara McNair / Billy Eckstine / Willie Hutch / R. Dean Taylor / Blinky Williams

Motown’s subsidiary labels—Tamla, Gordy, V.I.P., Soul, and Rare Earth—also housed many of these artists, ensuring that Motown’s influence stretched across multiple genres.

Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)”: The Rarest Motown Single

Of all the recordings to emerge from Motown’s golden era, few are as legendary—or as rare—as Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do).”

Recorded in 1965 for Motown’s Soul imprint, the song was intended for release but was withdrawn before distribution. According to legend, Berry Gordy wasn’t keen on Wilson—one of his top producers—stepping into the spotlight as a singer. As a result, most copies were destroyed, leaving only a handful in existence.

With its infectious rhythm and soaring melody, the song became a Northern Soul anthem, highly sought after by collectors. In 2020, a UK collector shattered records, purchasing a copy for £100,000 (over $120,000 USD), making it one of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold.

Jack White & Third Man Records: Reviving Motown’s Lost Treasure

For decades, Frank Wilson’s test pressings remained incredibly elusive, with only a few copies surviving destruction. That changed when Detroit’s Melodies & Memories Record Store sold an original Motown 45 to Jack White, frontman of The White Stripes, for $70,000, securing one of the rarest records in Motown history.

Recognizing the significance of this lost treasure, White’s Third Man Records acquired the test pressing from Melodies & Memories, where the store’s owners had carefully preserved the rare vinyl for years before ultimately selling it to White.

Determined to share this Motown rarity with the public, White’s label reissued the single in 2019 on purple vinyl as an exclusive Record Store Day release. The reproduction meticulously replicated the original Motown test pressing, complete with a quality-control handstamp and handwritten markings, believed to be from legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield.

Thanks to this effort, collectors and music enthusiasts could finally own a piece of Motown history—no longer at an unreachable price. This author proudly purchased a copy (at a very, very affordable price) at Third Man Records in Detroit’s Cass Corridor during a 2019 visit, securing a piece of Detroit’s rich musical legacy—a tangible reminder of the city’s unparalleled contributions to soul, funk, and Northern Soul history.

Motown’s Last Detroit Single: A Farewell to Hitsville U.S.A.

Credit: The Black Art Depot

After more than a decade of shaping music history, Berry Gordy made the momentous decision to relocate Motown’s headquarters from Detroit to Los Angeles in 1972, seeking greater opportunities in film, television, and mainstream entertainment. But before closing the chapter on Hitsville U.S.A., Motown released one last song from its original home—a poignant farewell to the place where legends were born.

That song was “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” by Gladys Knight & The Pips, released on January 16, 1973.

This soulful ballad—filled with aching emotion and a sense of reluctant farewell—became a major hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B chart. It was one of the last songs recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. before Berry Gordy officially relocated Motown’s headquarters to California.

With its heartfelt lyrics and stirring melody, the song almost felt like Motown’s own goodbye to Detroit, acknowledging the end of an era while embracing a new chapter for the label.

Though Motown’s offices moved to Los Angeles, the Motown Sound forever remained rooted in Detroit—a city that had nurtured some of the greatest musical talents the world has ever known.

Motown’s legacy wasn’t about a location—it was about a sound, a spirit, and a movement that transcended time. And even today, it lives on in every beat, every note, and every song that continues to inspire generations. END

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