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Motown

The Sound of Young America
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( 76 ratings, 16 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Motown: The Sound of Young America offers an official, visual history of Berry Gordy's legendary record label that transformed music and American culture. It explores the personal stories and creative genius behind Motown's roster of iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, the Jackson 5, and more. The book delves into the success of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team and reveals insights from personal archives and accounts, celebrating the label's unparalleled influence and its stylish, sophisticated sound.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is perfect for fans of Motown, enthusiasts of music history, and those who appreciate richly illustrated cultural biographies. It appeals to readers interested in American music heritage and the stories behind some of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

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Now in paperback, the definitive visual history of Motown, the Detroit-based record company that became a music powerhouse.

The definitive visual history of Motown, the most successful independent record company in the world

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The music of Motown needs no introduction. Berry Gordy's record label became a style unto itself, producing hit after suave, sassy and sophisticated hit, and shaped the careers of so many of the greatest musicians of all time. The label produced more US number-one hits than the Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys combined.

Now, and with fresh new insights and an incredible visual narrative, the official, visual history of this momentous contribution to music and American culture is told in full. This book delves deep into the success stories of Motown's powerhouse creative team, including the Holland-Dozier-Holland triumvirate, and unpicks backstories of the Motown musicians envied by many, and covered by the rest.

The roster includes Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, the Jackson 5, The Temptations and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. Motown: The Sound of Young America is dense with information and materials gathered from the personal accounts and archives of many of the key players. It is a spectacular labour of love befitting an incredible story.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

MOJO calls it 'an essential Motown work' providing an illuminating look into a familiar story. Shortlist praises its vibrant, colourful presentation, likening it to a splash of sunshine and rainbow jackets. Tatler describes the book as a 'riotous and political celebration' of the American brand. The Herald named it Book of the Year, celebrating it as 'the visual equivalent of a Temptations single'. Other accolades highlight it as a 'treasure trove of archive images' and a 'definitive and comprehensive account' suitable for pop music enthusiasts.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500294857

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 277.0mm

Weight: 1720g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Adam White has written about music and the music industry for more than forty years. He scripted a US radio documentary, 'The Motown Story', which was Grammy-nominated in 1983, was editor-in-chief at Billboard, and co-authored The Billboard Book of No. 1 R&B Hits. He was vice-president of communications at Universal Music Group International from 2002 to 2012. Barney Ales was Berry Gordy's indispensable right-hand man and the company's ultimate insider. Ales rose to become executive VP, but stayed in Detroit in 1972, when Gordy moved Motown to California. Three years later, Ales rejoined the company, and he served as its president from 1975 to 1978.

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