Standing The Test of Time

In the near future, I want to own a record label that withstands the test of time. As long as I can remember, Motown music has played a huge part in my life and it’s hard to believe the music has been around for more than 50 years.
Motown music has touched the lives of many people and has influenced current artists of our day. In today’s R&B music, we hear the influence of Motown, whether it’s the backbeat of the drums, the continuous shake of a tambourine or simply the handclap. A select few artists or groups come to mind when I think of Motown, Destiny’s Child, John Legend, Maxwell, and Raphael Saadiq. These artists are relevant because they have staying power and music that will last forever. Destiny’s Child is reminiscent of Diana Ross and The Supremes, while in recent day; we haven’t had a male group that mirrors the greatness of The Temptations.
I believe Motown’s impact can be contributed to its writers, the singers and the musicians. The singers carried as much weight as the writers and musicians because they had to interpret the lyrics and bring them to life. One must remember that most of Motown’s artists in the early days were just coming out of high school and were singing a song they had never experienced, that takes talent.
My ideal record company would mirror the impact of Motown, however my artists would have more creative control and freedom to write and produce their own music. It was very evident during the heyday of Motown that once an artist was given full creative control, their music became more mature and are still classics today. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson were very vocal in needing that opportunity to create their own music, unfortunately for Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, Michael Jackson had to leave Motown in order to create his own music and as a result, he became the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen.

http://www.caller.com/news/2011/oct/21/motown-strikes-gold-all-over-again/

http://www.musicradar.com/news/bass/bass-legends-motown-session-giant-james-jamerson-508816

Added Bonus: My personal interview with the late Weldon A. McDougal III (Motown promotions and professional photographer)

http://j5collector.blogspot.com/search/label/Weldon%20McDougal