On this day in 1960, we celebrate the incorporation of Motown Records. With an $800 loan from his family, Berry Gordy Jr. founded the company, originally named Tamla Records. Motown became one of the most successful independent record labels in American music history, representing artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. Its music transcended racial barriers, even during the era of Jim Crow segregation, and remains iconic to this day.
TRANSCRIPT
Music history was made on this day in 1960 when Motown Records was incorporated on this day in 1960. With an $800 loan from his family, Berry Gordy Jr. started his company. Originally named Tamla Records, the company was actually founded the year before, but it wasn’t until April 1960 that it got its iconic name when it was officially incorporated. Gordy was a gifted songwriter and cowrote hits for Jackie Wilson and the label went on to pump out hit after hit. Motown was one of the most successful independent record labels in American music history. A black owned record label making music for black Americans with such quality that it was popular among white Americans too, even during parts were still under Jim Crow segregation. Representing artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more, Motown remains one of the most iconic record labels in music history, even to this day.