Motown: Breaking social barriers with Black music

When you think of Motown, what artists come to mind? Do you think of the soft, sultry voices of the Supremes or dance hits from the Jackson 5? Maybe you think of Smokey Robinson or  the thunderous basslines' of the Isley Brothers. No matter what images come to mind when you think of Motown, there is no doubt that Berry Gordy and the artists of Motown revolutionized the music industry, and paved the way for African-American artists to be commercially successful in a time of extreme prejudice.

While African-Americans were being hosed in the streets and harassed by police, those same police were buying albums from Motown, and paying to see artists like the Temptations often in segregated theatres. Between 1961 and 1970, Motown had 110 top ten singles, all by African-American artists. Even though Motown did have several white artists, they were never able to duplicate the commercial success of the African-American artists.

Motown broke through all social barriers of the time, and, through its new and youthful sound, brought together a younger generation which didn't hold the same racially charged views as the generations of the past. Through music, people were finally able to push aside their views of race and embrace a feeling nationality instead of ethnicity.

The most socially conscious artist on the Motown label was none other than the late Marvin Gaye, and his 1971 album "What's Going On" was not only a critical and commercial success, selling two million albums by the end of 1972, but its socially charged lyrics and new neo-soul, funk style was something that had never been heard before. It is the landmark album in a career with countless hits. With "What's Going On," Gaye brought together black and white Americans with the idea that together they could make a stand against a government who was sending its sons to a meaningless death in a foreign country.

Motown will always be remembered as Hitsville U.S.A. However, Motown is more than record sales and chart-topping singles. It's more than beautifully composed music and choreographed performances. Through the power of music, it brought together a generation in need of an identity, and that's why Motown will live on forever.