The Motown Effect- Short Documentary, Motown and Civil Rights

a documentary exploring the social impact Motown Records had on American society and Civil Rights during the 60's and 70's.

featuring interviews with:

Lamont Dozier
Randy Jackson
Paul Gambaccini
Fred Bronson
Chris Sampson
Audley Smith

brief history of the origins of Motown

background on the state of civil rights at the time

how the music of Motown influenced, and was influenced by society

Motowns impact in context to Martin Luther King

a look at the state of the music industry today, and how it compares



For my final year major production at Bournemouth University BATV television production course

[stefungie]

Randy Jackson hitting the nail on the head there saying music now wouldn’t have a shelf life of 2-3 years.

[dn]

my music teacher brought me here, i gotta say im not disappointed

[ivanvdk]

RIP Mary Wilson. 76 years old. thx Mary for those wonderful hits.

[jacquelinesento]

I'm a 56 year old white girl and I grew up on Motown. I 💕 loved it R&B. Disco soul train I'm so happy I grew up in 70s and 80s. Best music of all time came from Motown

[ItiyahIsrael]

Although the lyrics did not promote "Black" music, (per Berry Gordy), the sound was defintely rooted from the Black/churchy gospel/rhythmic culture. I remember when we first started hearing Motown on the radio. Back then, you knew immediately that the DJ was playing Motown because the sound was so distinct! Finally, no more did we have to listen to silly tinkering brass tunes that sounded more like TV commercial jingles!! Motown had the harmonic voices, the drums, bass and RHYTHM!!! Real music!

[sjparadiso]

In the early 1990's, working as a sound tech for Entertainment Tonight, we spent the day with Smokey Robinson in Detroit. He took us to his Auntie's house and he said to her, "Auntie, talk about all the kids in the neighborhood that could sing." She proceeded to point up and down the street and list off a who's who of names that grew up to sing at Motown. She said something to the effect that "God laid his hands on this neighborhood."

[djcoolcliff]

My Uncle Wah Wah Watson got his start there and played on many classic records!!! That’s him on Pa Pa Was A Rolling Stone on the rhythm guitar!!!! RIP!!!

[TheMertoman]

Berry Gordy wasn't thinking about social change.He was thinking about making money. Marvin Gaye had a hard time convining Berry to release Whats Goin On. and he refuse to pay the Funk brothers.publishing royalites. know your musical history kids.

[timmydimartino]

I was thinking these thoughts today and then this documentary proved my point. Thank you for making this. No music in American history is more important than Motown.

[DRCRANKNSTEIN]

born in Detroit in 1961 at Herman Keither Hosp. only 3 miles from Motown I am very PROUD! anybody else out there from this area and times?

[tizianoteston]

We love you MICHAEL J.JACKSON forever!!!! we miss you!!!! from

[junevertucci]

This was so good...could have easily watched an hour more. Great job.

[Astronomater]

being from eastern michigan, my family and the entire metro area grew up listening to motown and was much less segregated than a great deal of the rest of the nation. I am proud that motown artists brought everyone together and spread joy with their art.

[Wolfsky]

The music of Motown was just so " listenable" I for one, just didn't care at all about skin color & last names, or what " type " of music it was ; I just LOVED what I was hearing. for me too, listening to Motown made me want to go further & learn who James Brown / Otis Redding / the sound of Memphis : Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Carla these people were, & what their " sound" was. was just irresistible; the music was that good. 72 y/o

[janicebriggs]

Motown. Reigns The Boss Forever. This KIND OF Sweet Success in Music Industry won't ever be seen in a Single Pop Music Stable like Motown Records My life was influenced forever ..with each song melody and thumping Beat. Thanks to the Wizard, Berry Gordy for a wealth of great Hit Popular Music.

[jacquelineleighton]

There will never be another genre to top Motown 😎♥️

[sawleo]

A documentary that is an absolute jam. I got the VHS when it first came out. Talking about musicians; they set things on particular fire. I was so happy they finally, after twenty or so years, got the credit they deserved.

[pattimurphyrocks]

Motown has always delivered a level of excellence from the moment the radio stations played the records. I think it's because of the utterly impeccable performances and the abundance of beautiful, talented artists. They also changed with the times, writing many socially insightful songs. Motown's artists and their music are universally adored. Seriously

[andruwinter]

I live across the river from Detroit in Canada and I often walk the riverfront and just stare across and think to myself, wow this is where all that magic happened

[jdbize]

No mention of James Jameson the man that made the sound