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Big hair, spangley dresses and smooth sounds – it can only be Motown!
Whether you’re old enough to have heard it the first time around or maybe you’ve heard it “through the grapevine” (sorry I couldn't help it!), either way, the chances are that you’ve come across Motown songs before. Founded January 12th by Berry Gordy, the renowned Motown record label celebrates its 50th anniversary and has given fans, new and old, a chance relive the good old days and listen to legends such as Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five and so many more!
Motown played an important role in the racial integration of popular music as it mainly featured African-American artists, who before Motown, struggled to be heard on the radio. But as the civil rights movement took hold, Motown along with other labels, were able to launch their artists into the limelight, capturing all audiences with their unique sound.
Although Motown's heyday is 50 years past, it still has influence in today’s music. Artists such as Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy have based their sound on Motown and have had much success. Also shows such as X Factor have Motown-themed evenings – proving that the velvety sound of Motown lives on and is still popular today!
The album ‘Motown 50’ organised a public vote to find the label's most-loved songs – take a look at the results... |
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Top 10 hits of Motown
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Marvin Gaye
- You Keep Me Hangin' On, The Supremes
- Uptight (Everything's Alright), Stevie Wonder
- Nowhere To Run, Martha And The Vandellas
- This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You), The Isley Brothers
- What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
- Reach Out, I'll Be There, The Four Tops
- Tears Of A Clown, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
- Ain't Too Proud To Beg, The Temptations
- He Was Really Sayin' Somethin', The Velvelettes
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