© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Motown Museum Sharing Key Founding Document For Company

Motown
WKAR file photo
/
WKAR
Motown Records' Hitsville U.S.A. Museum in Detroit

A copy of the original land contract for Motown Records' Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit will be unveiled as part of the music company's 60th anniversary celebration.

Officials with the Motown Museum, located where Berry Gordy Jr. launched his music empire, say they will share the rarely seen document via Facebook at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

That coincides with the 1959 date that Gordy purchased the house on West Grand Boulevard. Museum CEO and Chairwoman Robin Terry called it "the start of a journey that would ultimately rock the world."

The event is part of a series of "archive dives" this year to coincide with milestone dates.

The Supremes, the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many others recorded hits there before Motown moved in 1972 to California.

Related Content
Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.