Hitsville: The Making of Motown

In the early 1950s, a young Berry Gordy Jr. had always been fascinated by the potential of music to uplift and inspire people. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Gordy grew up in a family of modest means, but his entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive led him to start a small record store, called Gordy Record Shop, on West Grand Boulevard, or "Hitsville U.S.A." as it would later come to be known. As the owner of Gordy Record Shop, Berry became increasingly dissatisfied with the way African American music was being handled by the mainstream music industry. Despite their incredible talents, black artists were rarely featured on the covers of music magazines and were often relegated to separate labels, which limited their exposure and opportunities for success. Gordy had an idea to create a record label of his own, one that would produce, record, and distribute the music of African American artists, and thus, Motown Records was born. Gordy poured his heart and soul into the early days of Motown, using a small studio he rented above the record store to produce demo tapes of the music he believed in. These early demos would eventually form the foundation of the Motown sound, a soulful, upbeat blend of R&B, pop, and rock that would captivate audiences across America and beyond. Among the first artists to catch Gordy's ear was a young singer named Mary Wilson, along with Diana Ross and another friend of Gordy’s, Smokey Robinson. Smokey Robinson, also known as "America's Youngest Millionaire," came to Gordy with his own musical talent, having written and recorded a hit song called "Bad Girl." Gordy saw enormous potential in Robinson and his writing partner, Berry's own sister, Anna Gordy. This partnership led to a string of smash hits, including "Shop Around," the first single to top the Billboard charts, making Motown the first black-owned record label to achieve this feat. As Motown began to take off, Gordy's team, which included his wife, Raynoma, and other talented writers and producers, worked tirelessly to develop the sound of the label. Gordy, always the perfectionist, pushed his artists, writers, and producers to strive for greatness, encouraging them to think outside the box and explore new and innovative ways to create music. This drive for excellence led to a string of hits that would forever alter the face of popular music. One of Motown's most significant breakthroughs came with the introduction of Stevie Wonder, then a young piano genius, who at just 17 years old released the song "Fingertips (Part 2)" - one of the first records to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 twice. Another key artist was The Supremes, an all-girl group created by Berry Gordy himself, led by the unforgettable voice of Diana Ross. With songs such as "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," and "Come See About Me," this talented ensemble captured the hearts of millions, catapulting Motown into the stratosphere. Motown's roster continued to flourish with the emergence of The Jackson 5, led by the young, electrifying presence of Michael Jackson. Their energetic performances and catchy, pop-tinged R&B hits, such as "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save," made them an overnight sensation and Motown's most commercially successful act of the 1970s. Behind the scenes, Berry Gordy played the role of both producer and parent to his artists, fostering an environment that nurtured creativity, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through shared experiences, laughter, and sometimes even tears, Gordy and his team forged unbreakable bonds that stood the test of time and catapulted Motown into its golden era. However, this golden era did not last forever and Berry faced many challenges to keep the record label afloat and at the forefront of the music industry. The tumultuous years of Motown's existence saw the label face severe financial struggles, and Berry himself even considered shutting the doors for good. But he continued to be driven by the love of his music and the dreams of his artists, working tirelessly to revive the Motown spirit and restore it to the heights of its former glory. By the 1980s, however, Motown had changed hands, and Berry Gordy eventually became an absentee owner. Yet, the music and legacy of Motown continued to thrive long after the departure of its beloved leader. The music of Detroit remained an integral part of American culture, a testament to Berry's unwavering determination and innovative spirit. Throughout the decades, Hitsville: The Making of Motown celebrates Berry Gordy's unyielding passion for creating great music, while revealing the complex and deeply personal journey of one of America's most beloved music labels. A true rags-to-riches story, the film delves into the inner workings of the legendary Motown, featuring exclusive interviews with Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and other surviving members of the Motown dynasty.