InfoAnda - After 50 years, Motown endures in ailing Detroit

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Pakistan president to visit Britain amid terror row | | 1 August 2010
British PM launches charm offensive in India | 28 July 2010
Australia gives Ledger posthumous acting award | 8 December 2008

Thought-propelled wheelchair developed in Italy | 7 March 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : After 50 years, Motown endures in ailing Detroit

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: After 50 years, Motown endures in ailing Detroit AFP - 2 hours 49 minutes ago DETROIT, Michigan (AFP) - - Fifty years after the birth of Motown, the music lives on as a legacy for a city that has seen more than its share of hard times in the past decades. ADVERTISEMENT The Motown record label launched in January 1959 by onetime auto worker Berry Gordy with a loan of 800 dollars from his family became a worldwide phenomenon that still influences today's music. The Detroit label quickly became the largest producer of 45 RPM singles, with more than 180 number one hits, and grew into the largest black-owned business in the United States. From a tiny studio in Berry's home on Grand Boulevard, Motown produced songs that became a virtual sound track for American baby boomers: from the Temptations' joyful "My Girl", to Marvin Gaye's landmark "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", to Smokey Robinson's soulful "The Tracks of My Tears". Motown discovered 11-year-old Stevie Wonder singing on a street corner, and launched the careers of stars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Jackson 5 with its child star Michael Jackson. The anniversary is being marked by a series of events this year at Detroit's Motown museum and elsewhere by Universal Music, which now owns the Motown label. A half-century after its founding, Motown is still seen as a force in the music world and in Detroit that many say helped break down racial barriers. "I think Motown is one of the most positive things the city has produced," says Suzanne Smith, a Detroit native and history professor at George Mason University who authored a book on Motown, "Dancing in the Street", named after the hit song. "It's an African-American success story that continues to inspire people." Gordy was inspired by his experiences, including his work on the assembly line at a Lincoln-Mercury automobile plant. "Every day I watched how a bare metal frame, rolling down the line would come off the other end, a spanking brand new car," he said in a 2007 speech. "What a great idea. Maybe, I could do the same thing with my music." Motown, which drew mainly from home-grown Detroit talent, created music that crossed racial boundaries. "The common denominator is the universality of the lyrics. The simplicity of the lyrics," says Audley "Kano" Smith, chief executive of the Motown Museum located in Berry's former home and studio. He said Motown evolved with the times including a period of tremendous upheaval in American cities. "I think that Motown was clearly one of the most important social movements that existed in tandem or parallel to political activism in the streets that as well as things that were happening," said Audley Smith. "When you think about the lyrics of Marvin Gaye's (Vietnam War protest song) 'What's Goin' On?' or Steve Wonder's social anthems about the struggles going on in the cities, and the passion in which those lyrics expressed the concerns of everyone. "By the same token when Martha Reeves sang 'Dancing in the Street', that was for everyone, and that kind of music resonated across racial and economic lines." Some argue that Motown became a victim of its own success and that it lost its soul when it moved from Detroit to Los Angeles and became part of big music conglomerates. "Motown is as symbolic of dreams frustrated as it is to great music," writes Nelson George in book "Where Did Our Love Go? The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound." "Motown is no longer about the specific accomplishments of a Detroit-based record label but about a musical moment in time," writes Suzanne Smith. She said Motown logically grew out of Detroit, with its long music tradition in jazz, and the large black middle class that emerged from the auto industry. "There was a configuration of things, the public school system was strong, music education was strong, so Detroit was uniquely able to produce this phenomenon," she said. Now, she says, "the Motown sound primarily acts as a commercial trademark used by corporations to evoke a nostalgia for the 1960s." Still, Motown veterans say the music lives on. "Motown is a classic sound that has stood the test of time," says Dennis Coffey, a guitarist who played on many Motown recordings as part of largely white backup band "The Funk Brothers." Adds Frances Nero, a singer who recorded on the Motown label from 1965 to 1967, "It's a sound that's here to stay and will be appreciated, maybe for another 50 years." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Edison Chen not ready for lead roles after scandalAP - 2 hours 20 minutes ago Miley Cyrus fights scalpers with paperless ticketsReuters - 2 hours 22 minutes ago After 50 years, Motown endures in ailing DetroitAFP - 2 hours 49 minutes ago "Idol" champ Sparks ready for "battle"Reuters - Sunday, June 21 FBI tried in vain to stop 'Deep Throat' filmAP - Sunday, June 21 Enlarge Photo The Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan. Fifty years after the birth of Motown, the music lives on as a legacy for a city that has seen more than its share of hard times in the past decades. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Schwarzenegger in mid-air jet drama Chubby people live longest: Japan study Botox helps Australian stroke victim to walk again Clones of 9/11 hero dog unveiled in Los Angeles F1 governing body 'not surprised' at sport's split View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Sunday, 21 June 2009
Suicide truck bomb kills 50 in northern Iraq
Tsvangirai shouted down by Zimbabwean exiles in London
Apple CEO received liver transplant: report
German bank opposes massive loan to Porsche: minister
Fierce Tehran clashes between police, protesters
Suicide truck bomber kills 67 in northern Iraq | International |
Iraq truck bomb kills 46 near Kirkuk
Singapore says would act if North Korea ship has WMD | International |
Lawsuit brings murky West Bank land deals to light
Excerpts from address by Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai booed for come home plea | International |
Foreign soldiers among dozens killed in Afghanistan
Malawi authorities seize ex-president's passport | International |
Abbas talks Palestinian unity with Syria's Assad
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Excuse me! Lobby wins on burps
Taliban gains money, al-Qaida finances recovering
AP NewsAlert
Heroes' welcome for NKorean football team
Steve Jobs received liver transplant: report | Technology |
Obama asks men to be better fathers than their own
Heroes' welcome for NKorean soccer team
American Journalist Held Captive By Taliban For 7 Months Safely Escapes
WSJ: Apple CEO Steve Jobs had liver transplant
Pakistan says it's wrapping up Swat campaign
Red panda at ND zoo has rare set of triplets
Two Marines Charged In The Murder Of An Army Nurse
Schwarzenegger's Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Sri Lanka arrests 2 local UN staffers
Thousands remain without power following storms
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Excuse me! Lobby wins on burps
Fighter jets hit militants in Pakistan's Waziristan
Sotomayor Quits Women-Only Club
iPhone 3GS Hits Stores In U.S., 7 Countries
At Least One Dead, Several Injured In Illinois Train Derailment
US, regional powers may meet on NKorea next month
Moderate quake shakes central California
U.S. Customs, Agriculture Agencies Find New Pest In Guatemala Pineapple Shipment
Analysis: Obama offers split verdict on economy
U.S. Robot Sub Dives Into Ocean's Deepest Spot
Mistakes by US force 'likely' caused Afghan deaths
Louisiana Lawmen Seek Escaped Murder Suspect
Pot Goes Up In Smoke, Turns Into Energy In Florida Incinerator
Michelin may open India factory in 3 years: CEO
Sandra Bullock finally has top film at box office | Entertainment |
Hollywood studio Paramount axes top executives | Entertainment |
Novelist Kaye Gibbons faces yet another hurdle
FBI tried in vain to stop "Deep Throat" film
Madonna's adopted daughter said to leave Malawi
Variable iTunes pricing a moneymaker for artists
Britain's Brown determined to stay on
British hostages' families 'clinging to hope'
Iran's Mousavi calls for purge of lies | International |
Ecuador threatens to expell oil firms
Streaming music service Spotify basks in praise
Singapore says would act if North Korea ship has WMD | International |
Brazil takes radar plane off Air France jet search
Truck bomb kills more than 70 in northern Iraq
Dalai Lama says favors democratic leadership | International |
Thousands march in Spain to condemn killing blamed on ETA
Top cleric may be playing role in Iran unrest
Attack on key U.S. Afghan base kills two soldiers | International |
Japan eyes bigger military as tension rises: report | International |
Suicide truck bomber kills 67 in northern Iraq
China police rescue trafficked children | International |
Iraq truck bomb kills 64
Foreign soldiers among dozens killed in Afghanistan: officials
Australia PM challenges opposition over allegation | International |
Mousavi ready for "martyrdom"
Two British hostages feared dead in Iraq | International |
Nigeria militants say attack two Shell oil pipelines | International |
Gunfire, euphoria: week that shook Iran
New York Times reporter escapes Taliban captivity
Variable iTunes pricing a moneymaker for artists | Technology |
Cambodia in war of words with Thailand over border
Fed to stamp out idea of early rate hike: analysts
Croatia needs Chinese investments, Hu Jintao told
New net timer could save sea turtles from drowning
Japan's Yano makes move for breakthrough Asian major win
Obama may need firmer hand on health care debate
City in central China rocked by violent riots: residents
Streaming music service Spotify basks in praise | Technology |
Unseen Dali drawings to be shown in Buffalo
Senior spelling title goes to Virginia man
Northwestern honors journalist freed from Iran
Pa. borough raises orange flag for street crossers
Obama praises drug deal, declares 'turning point'
Edison Chen not ready for lead roles after scandal
Miley Cyrus fights scalpers with paperless tickets
After 50 years, Motown endures in ailing Detroit
Miley Cyrus fights scalpers with paperless tickets | Entertainment |
Crisis won't stop Latvia's midsummer night party
"Idol" champ Sparks ready for "battle"
Idol champ Sparks ready for battle | Entertainment |
Barbecues and baking: relief of Vietnam's Net addicts
Madonna's star power in Malawi
FBI tried in vain to stop 'Deep Throat' film
Spain launches 'Spanish language day' worldwide
Sandra Bullock finally has top film at box office
Israeli president applauds Iran street protesters
Death toll from Iraq's Kirkuk blast rises to 73 | International |
Xstrata 'in merger approach to Anglo American'
British parliament to select new Speaker
Pakistani aircraft hit militants near Afghan border | International |
Iraq bodies are British hostages: government sources
Israel's Barak sees chance for peace progress | International |
Israel's Barak sees chance for peace progress
Iraqis happy at U.S. pull out, but fear more attacks
Barak says Israel must be respected as Jewish state
Islamists vow to fight any foreign troops in Somalia | International |
Two NATO soldiers killed in attack on Afghan base
Iran death toll mounts as leaders take aim at West
Yemeni who killed Jew gets death sentence | International |
NKorea criticizes US nuclear protection of South
Thousands donate hair to fix Myanmar pagoda road
NY senator has little time to prep for 2010 race
Factory blast kills 16 workers in eastern China
Report: Sri Lanka may extend president's term
Japan whaling town gets season's first catch
New Zealand expects big rise in swine flu cases
Infant Killed When Someone Rolled On Top Of Her
Rockets hit US base in Afghanistan, 2 troops dead
Myanmar jails Suu Kyi supporters for pagoda prayer
Thousands Of Concert-Goers Stranded In Michigan
One Dead, Five Hospitalized After Ammonia Leak At Poultry Plant
Indonesian fugitive businessman arrested for graft
4 hurt in winds as tropical storm nears Taiwan
New Poll Finds 72% Of Americans
Apple's Jobs Had Liver Transplant
House Impeaches Federal Judge
Body Of American Boy Found In Switzerland
Airbus to deliver first China-made airplane
Japan's key Tankan survey to post big leap
Philippines' Arroyo backs Asian IMF: report
S.Korea exports fall 13.3 pct in 1st 20 days of June
China-driven commodities rally nearing end
South Korea May start-up/failure ratio at 2-yr high
Yeoh says she'll star in John Woo kung fu movie
McGregor: 'Angels' no challenge to Catholic faith
Director: No wide China release for 'The Reader'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01