On January 12th, 2009, Motown will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sound that changed America and the world. Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. Motown artists' music communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society around the world, touching all people of all ages and race. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture.
With more than 180 No. 1 hit songs worldwide and counting, that influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop. Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company's founding and the timeless music of Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & the Jackson 5, Lionel Richie & the Commodores, the Marvelettes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips and all the others that have made Motown a soundtrack to people's lives. Universal Music Group and EMI Music Publishing will mark the historic Detroit label's musical achievements with a series of initiatives from CD/DVD releases to television event. Upcoming throughout the celebration are releases of classic Motown Television specials in a series of DVD collections and INSIDE MOTOWN, a multi-part documentary on how the company was built. Upcoming details will be announced as each new package or event approaches.
Ask just about anyone what their favorite Motown hit is and most will have a hard time picking just one. From "My Girl" by the Temptations to Marvin Gaye's haunting "What's Going On," Motown songs - and the talented artists and musicians who produced them - have touched the hearts of music fans worldwide over the last 50 years. Beginning this month and throughout the entire year, Borders will celebrate Motown's 50th anniversary with a prominent in-store display of Motown music selections along with related items, such as anniversary T-shirts. In addition, the retailer is devoting a special page on Borders.com dedicated to Motown's anniversary, and will host both past and present Motown artists including Boyz II Men, Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Duke Fakir of The Four Tops for in-store appearances and signings in Los Angeles and Detroit.
Borders invites Motown fans to attend free in-store events in Los Angeles and in the Detroit area, which will give customers the opportunity to come together to celebrate their passion for the music that helped shape our popular culture. Boyz II Men, who were recently nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for their Decca debut album "Motown: A Journey through Hitsville USA," will sign CDs and answer questions at the Westwood Borders store in Los Angeles Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. In addition, Duke Fakir of The Four Tops and Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas will greet fans, answer questions and sign CDs at the Borders store in Dearborn Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
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