How would you describe Motown?

an upbeat, often pop-influenced style of rhythm and blues associated with the city of Detroit and with numerous Black vocalists and vocal groups since the 1950s, characterized by compact, danceable arrangements.

What made Motown unique?

The Motown Sound owes some of its uniqueness to the reverb effect created by pumping tracks through the label’s Echo Chamber, in the days before computers and synthesizers. True to his commitment to quality, Berry Gordy, Jr. would not slap a Motown label on every song his producers offered.

What style of music is Motown?

Motown music is a pop music style associated with Motown Records. In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr founded Motown, originally named Tamla Records. The record label helped define the sound of soul music and popularized the genre in the 1960s.

What is an essential element of a Motown song?

Contrary to popular opinion, the Motown sound had a grittier side, one brought out simply by accenting the horn and rhythm sections. The bass guitar may have been the most basic element of the Motown sound, even burbling under a song as sweetly strung and sung as this one.

How did Motown impact music?

Fifty years ago, when black musicians had a difficult time breaking into a music business that was divided by race, Motown changed everything. Catchy dance tunes blending R&B, gospel, swing and pop from Berry Gordy’s Detroit-based record company caught on nationwide.

Why is Motown important in the history of popular music?

Another area of modern pop music that Motown helped spearhead: vocals groups. The record label fashioned the concept of pop/R&B boy and girl groups, with tentpole acts like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Four Tops, the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas.

What is a Motown song?

Motown, or the Motown sound, is a style of rhythm and blues music named after the record company Motown in Detroit, where teams of songwriters and musicians produced material for girl groups, boy bands, and solo singers during the 1960s and early 1970s.

What instruments are used in Motown music?

Though the unique sound that is Motown was influenced by R&B and pop, the vocals closely rival those that are found in gospel music. Such strong vocals and the distinct sound of the blended sound of the tambourine, drums and bass guitar, make this a well-known style of music.

What was the fashion for Motown?

Bell sleeves, deep V’s, and jumpsuits took the now LA-based Motown label’s acts by storm. Women began wearing more accentuated jewelry and natural makeup. This was a reflection of the hippie movement of the late ’60s.

Why is Motown important in the history of popular music quizlet?

Motown established the sound and style of dress and performance that remains easily identifiable. It helped propel African Americans into the popular music mainstream.

What was one of Motown Records biggest accomplishments in society?

With 12 No. 1 Billboard hit singles, including “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” The Supremes is considered Motown’s greatest commercial success.

When was Motown most popular?

Motown enjoyed its greatest success between 1965 and 1968, when it dominated the Billboard charts. Although the company was never quite the force in the 1970s that it was in the ’60s (having lost several key performers), it was still a formidable enterprise with the Jackson 5, the Commodores, Wonder, and Ross.

What are the characteristics of soul music?

Soul music is a style of African American music. It developed from rhythm and blues in the USA in the 1950s and 60s.

Soul music is characterised by:
  • gospel influence – intense vocals, call and response.
  • an emphasis on the rhythm section.
  • large horn sections (trumpets, saxophones and trombones)

What was the fashion for Motown?

Bell sleeves, deep V’s, and jumpsuits took the now LA-based Motown label’s acts by storm. Women began wearing more accentuated jewelry and natural makeup. This was a reflection of the hippie movement of the late ’60s.

Who was Motown’s most successful act?

Diana Ross and The Supremes
Diana Ross and The Supremes were the most successful group or artist in Motown’s history by at least one measure — their 12 Billboard No. 1 singles. The trio’s run of hits started with 1964’s “Where Did Our Love Go” and stretched into the early 1970s.

What instruments are usually used in Motown?

Motown (music style)
Motown
Cultural originsc. 1964, Detroit
Typical instrumentsVocal harmony bass beat
Derivative formsNorthern soul progressive soul disco
Other topics

What artists are signed to Motown Records?

Motown/Artists

What were popular clothes in the 60s?

Ponchos, moccasins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed “bubble” sleeves were popular fashions in the late 1960s. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands.