Join us as Shawn breaks down the music and cultural legacy of Motown, the other major players of the 60’s/70’s, some tea from the industry at the time, and the glorious neo-soul movement still taking place today! Episode notes:
Motown: founded in Detroit MI by Berry Gordy in 1959. Studio: The Snake Pit. Example artists: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, The Contours, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, The Spinners, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Isley Brothers, Mary Wells, The Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, The Commodores. Sonically: complex arrangements and songwriting, variety of instruments (“is that an oboe??”)
Stax-Volt: founded in Memphis TN by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton in 1961 (formerly Satellite, distributed by Atlantic from 1960-1968.) Studio: Muscle Shoals. Example artists from Stax-Volt and Atlantic: Booker T and the MG’s, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, The Drifters, The Clovers, Wilson Pickett, Roberta Flack. Sonically: gritty, “one take” feeling, heavily blues-based in style and arrangement.
Philadelphia International: founded in Philadelphia PA by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971. Studio: Sigma Sound. Examples artists: The O’Jays, The Intruders, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, The Stylistics, The Delphonics. Sonically: “soul with a tuxedo,” lots of strings, pre-disco elements of bass/percussion, male vocals and harmonies similar to doowop.
Some documentaries we mention:
Luther: Never Too Much (2024)
Sly Lives! (Aka the Burden of Black Genius) (2025)
Summer of Soul (Or…When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Jan 18 20261 ora e 7 min