© 2024 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

State Buys Detroit Studio Where Aretha Franklin Recorded

United Sound Systems
Facebook/United Sound Systems
United Sound Systems Studios building in Detroit.

A historic Detroit music studio where stars such as Aretha Franklin and Miles Davis recorded has been bought by the state to preserve the building during a freeway project.

Michigan's Transportation Department says Friday that United Sound Systems will be relocated to an adjacent parking lot to allow more distance from proposed retaining walls along Interstate 94.

The studio produced the first single for the Tamla Records label which later became Berry Gordy's Motown Records.

It closed in the mid-2000s and was targeted for demolition in 2013 under a plan to widen I-94.

The state spent $1.7 million from the freeway project's right of way funds for the building, lot and studio equipment.

The building will remain inside a historical district. Transportation officials say they will work to sell it after it's moved.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!