Chapter 2 Motortown

As the Gordy family settles into life in Detroit, how do they find things both the same and different from life in the South?

Week 3 (Chapter 3) - I Need Money (1953-1959)

Throughout Chapter 3 (I Need Money), multiple emerging themes become apparent. George talks about Gordy's experience working in his family's business. While it was work, and a way to support himself, ultimately the family business was a job, not a career, not a passion. Gordy's passion for music, more specifically jazz, and his "after hours" pursuits, are what guided him into the waters of a fulfilling career opportunity.

Additionally, George highlights a moment where Gordy realizes the power in regional music tastes in relationship to people's lifestyles - as many Detroiters loved Mississippi's boogie-woogie musician John Lee Hooker over nationally famed Jazz musician Charlie Parker.

Discuss a moment in your own life where you took a "job" as a way to make ends meet in order to pursue your career ambitions

-or-

Talk about a musical artist, band, group or genre of music that has significantly impacted Detroit, but may have not had as much national appeal.

Week 1 - Introduction and Chapter One: Big Dogs

Week 1 - Introduction and Chapter One: Big Dogs

Assignment - Deadline: Friday, February 5

Chapter 1 of the book provides an account of Berry Gordy’s family history in Oconee County, Georgia. After amassing a “fortune” of $2,600 from the sale of timber stumps, the chapter ends with Berry’s father leaving the ancestral home and heading to Detroit at the urging of relatives fearful for his safety due to the windfall. Briefly tell the story of why your family moved to Metro Detroit.

A. Post your response to this week’s question.

B.  Post two separate comments to one or more of your colleagues reacting to their posts for this week.