January 12th marked the 50th anniversary of Detroit’s Motown – this was the day on which Berry Gordy received an $800 loan to incorporate his Motown Record Company. A year-long celebration is planned, which was kicked off with the declaration of the day as “Motown Day” at a ceremony featuring many government officials and a range of celebrities, including members of Rare Earth, Martha and the Vandellas, the Four Tops, the Miracles, the Funk Brothers, and more. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is also participating in the celebration with an exhibit that opened on January 1. Numerous releases are planned for the year, including a documentary film, DVDs, and album releases from the Motown archives.
Over the past 50 years, the label has had nearly 200 hits, and has featured the talents of an incredible list of artists, engineers, and producers. Motown founder Berry Gordy sent a message to the kickoff celebration reading, “Motown music was for everybody, and it grew out of love. It has spread around the world and has become part of the culture and consciousness in all seven continents, and it all started right here.”