Detroit (Motown), 2025

After decades of population decline, Detroit is once again growing. And it is easy to see why. All over the city we saw clean streets and buildings, no graffiti and massive construction. We have not been to a more underrated city. They have fabulous museums, housing, restaurants, offices, and shopping.

We focused our visit at Motown headquarters (1959 – 1972) and were glad we did.

Berry Gordy, Jr. started Motown with an $800 family loan in 1959 which he paid back in a year with interest.

As they grew, they had many labels as in the 60s radio stations could only play two songs per label at a time.

They worked out of his residence.

Besides teaching the artists to perfect their music and dancing, they were taught to walk, talk and carry themselves with class.

In the early days from Gordy’s dining room table they labeled, packed, and shipped the records.All furnishings are authentic.

This is the actual control room used for all production. Note that the worn out floor was where they constantly were tapping their feet.

And this is the actual production room where all the artists performed their music.

From Michael Jackson.

Interesting factoid – From Detroit you look south to Canada and drive south to enter Canada.