David Jobling
MOTOWN 50
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BE A PART OF HISTORY
MOTOWN 50 - TODAY, TOMORROW, FOREVER
Beginning in the summer of 2008 and running through 2009, Universal Music will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of America's greatest record label and global music icon: MOTOWN.
The Motown Sound went worldwide in the '60s, and that sound still resonates today. With more than 180 No.1 songs and counting, Motown hits continue to appear in commercials, TV and movies, and remain an influence on today's biggest pop and R&B stars.
But Motown stands for more than just the music it's a reflection of the hard work of dedicated individuals overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve great success. Berry Gordy Jr., a young African American man, founded Motown Records with a loan of $800 from his family. Through determination and support of the Motown family of artists, Gordy forged new grounds for minorities and made the Motown Sound a worldwide phenomenon inspiring so many artists and performers, writers and directors, producers... well the list would go on.
Most recently I'd cite the film musical Dreamgirls (2006), but only because so many people went out and saw that film. Obviously it was based on a Broadway show that was actually written in 1981 and in turn it was inspired by entertainment and show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others; Dreamgirls follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois, USA called The Dreams, who become music superstars.
So, in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown January 12th 2009, Universal Music is planning multiple new releases across all mediums throughout the next year. The cynics are already muttering how this is just an opportunity to sell records; as if they don't sell any on Elvis' Birthday or the Anniversary of his death, blah blah. However it's not such a bad thing to interact with the market in the way they are doing. In fact Universal Music are engaging you to vote for your favourites.
A brand new 50th anniversary CD due December 2008, featuring songs voted for online by the fans of Motown is in the making and you can vote yourself. Universal Music plans to release many different versions of the compilation across the globe, reflecting each market's favourite songs and in turn celebrating the enduring popularity of Motown across the planet.
Australian fans of Motown have the chance to vote for their favourite Motown songs. The fifty most voted songs will become part of the Australian version of the new 50th anniversary CD. By voting you will also have the chance to win a trip to Hitsville, the home of Motown in Detroit. Simply click here to vote for your favourite Motown songs.
Keeping in tune with Motown, today marks the 50th birthday of one of its most successful artists, Michael Jackson. The sounds of Motown still echo through our lives with the iconic artist Stevie Wonder performing to sell-out crowds across Australia this October.
Beginning in the summer of 2008 and running through 2009, Universal Music will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of America's greatest record label and global music icon: MOTOWN.
The Motown Sound went worldwide in the '60s, and that sound still resonates today. With more than 180 No.1 songs and counting, Motown hits continue to appear in commercials, TV and movies, and remain an influence on today's biggest pop and R&B stars.
But Motown stands for more than just the music it's a reflection of the hard work of dedicated individuals overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve great success. Berry Gordy Jr., a young African American man, founded Motown Records with a loan of $800 from his family. Through determination and support of the Motown family of artists, Gordy forged new grounds for minorities and made the Motown Sound a worldwide phenomenon inspiring so many artists and performers, writers and directors, producers... well the list would go on.
Most recently I'd cite the film musical Dreamgirls (2006), but only because so many people went out and saw that film. Obviously it was based on a Broadway show that was actually written in 1981 and in turn it was inspired by entertainment and show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others; Dreamgirls follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois, USA called The Dreams, who become music superstars.
So, in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown January 12th 2009, Universal Music is planning multiple new releases across all mediums throughout the next year. The cynics are already muttering how this is just an opportunity to sell records; as if they don't sell any on Elvis' Birthday or the Anniversary of his death, blah blah. However it's not such a bad thing to interact with the market in the way they are doing. In fact Universal Music are engaging you to vote for your favourites.
A brand new 50th anniversary CD due December 2008, featuring songs voted for online by the fans of Motown is in the making and you can vote yourself. Universal Music plans to release many different versions of the compilation across the globe, reflecting each market's favourite songs and in turn celebrating the enduring popularity of Motown across the planet.
Australian fans of Motown have the chance to vote for their favourite Motown songs. The fifty most voted songs will become part of the Australian version of the new 50th anniversary CD. By voting you will also have the chance to win a trip to Hitsville, the home of Motown in Detroit. Simply click here to vote for your favourite Motown songs.
Keeping in tune with Motown, today marks the 50th birthday of one of its most successful artists, Michael Jackson. The sounds of Motown still echo through our lives with the iconic artist Stevie Wonder performing to sell-out crowds across Australia this October.
