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Tamla's Record
A year ago from today, Berry Gordy founded Tamla Record. It was named Tamla Record before Motown's Record was even a thought in his mind. -
Money (That's What I Want)
This was the first song released with Tamla's Record. They recorded "Money (That's What I Want)" at Hitsville, with Barrett on vocals and paino, and Benny Benjamin on the drums. -
Tamla Recods to Motown's Record
Berry Gordy, incorporated Tamla's Record to Motown's Record Corporation. The meaning behind Motown is a combination of "motor" and "town," which also became a nickname for Detroit. (where Motown's Record is located) -
Mary Wells' Debut Single
At Detroit's 20 Grand nightclub Mary sang her song "Bye Bye Baby" and after he heard her sing, he was impressed and signed her on this day and produces her song. It is also one of the first released on his second lable. -
Marvin Gaye Signs into Motown
First time Berry hears Marvin Gaye sing was at the Motown's 1960 Christmas Party. His first single release follows May 1961. Written and produced by Marvin, "Let Your Consciene Be Your Guide." -
The Miacles' Frist National Hit
Their first national hit was "Shop Around," released after Berry Gordy summons them to the studio at 3 a.m. to re-record the song. In the re-record, Berry himself plays the panio. -
The Supremes Sign to Motown
Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Betty McGlown come together to Detroit to form the Primettes as a sister group. -
Little Stevie Wonders Gets Signed
He gets signed after an impressive audition at Hitsville by the 11 year old playing several instruments. Little Stevie Wonder is blind, but he can sing, play bongos and a harmonica. -
The Temptations Debut Single
The Temptations are formed of two Detroit singing groups, the Primes and the Distants. Otis Williams, Elbridge "Al" Bryant and Melvin Franklin are from the Distants. Eddie Kendrick and Paul Williams are from the Primes. -
Motown's First Number 1
They end the year with their first number 1 on the pop charts: "Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes. Please Mr. Postman is sang by Katherine Anderson, Wyanetta Cowart, Georgeanna Tillman and Georgia Dobbins. Also on this day they topped the Hot 100. -
First Holland/Dpzier/ Holland Teamwor
The first song from Holland/Dozier/Holland Teamwork was "Dearest One." That was the first song they ever wrote together. -
First Top 20 Single for Gordy Label
The Gordy label gains its first Top 20 success with "Do You Love Me." It took Berry two hours to create this song, which is lyrically addresses his onetime lack of sex appeal because he couldn't dance. -
The Motertown Revue Begins
This "Motertown Revune" was the first package tour of more than two dozen cities. Began in Washington D.C. -
Marvin Gaye Enters the Charts
Stubborn Kind of Fellow debuts on the Billboard R&B Best-Sellers in October, climbing into the Top 10 and crossing in December to the Top 50 of the Pop Charts. -
Holland/Dozier/Holland Chart Success
They open us 1963 by recording "Locking Up My Heart" with the Marvelettes on January 8th. "Locking Up My Heart' is a slow starter after its February release, and even competes with the flipside, "Forever,' for airplay. Bot eventually reach the Top 30 Billboard R&B charts. -
The Four Tops Sign to Motowns
The Four Tops - Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Lawrence Payton, Abdul "Duke" Fakir - are not new when talking to Berry Gordy in 1962 about joining Motown. They have been harmoinsing together for ten years, on the road with singing star Billy Eckstine.
