Chapter 7: Just Another Record Company

In this chapter, the author cites Berry Gordy’s ego, the neglect of keeping up with the latest musical trends, and the overexpansion of the company as the primary reasons why Motown ceased being an innovator in the entertainment industry. However, in reality, Motown Records continued to be a successful business with well-known recording artists throughout Berry Gordy’s tenure as CEO until he sold it to MCA Inc. and Boston Ventures for $61 million in 1988.

Why do you believe most narratives about the company tend to imply Motown met an unsatisfactory end?