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?
In the 1960s, I spent my formative years watching Motown acts on television and spending my $1/week [sic] allowance on the latest Four Tops, Temptation or Supremes 45rpm records. I believe most people want to act as though Motown eventually failed, because Berry Gordy was never forgiven for abandoning the city. In fact, if it was not for his sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, the original recording studio and offices may not have been preserved as the Motown Museum. Nevertheless, what Berry Gordy and all those associated with Motown accomplished is a remarkable, uniquely American success story. It does not serve history or Detroit well to think otherwise.
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