Motown, Soultown, and Your-town

Why you should listen to more Motown Music

by Devin Bowen

Motown Records was founded in Detroit, Mich., by Berry Gordy in 1959, and it would go on to alter the music industry forever. Famous, recognizable artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross helped pave the way for the Motown,  soul and R&B genre as we know it today. 

I’m a true believer that what you listen to can add an emotional connection to who you are. In my adolescence, I was easily drawn to wanting to change the world, and how I expressed that passion was with music. I was an angry, moody punk teenager listening to bands like Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys and Bad Brains until I had a brain-altering experience with a particular album. Marvin Gaye’s album, What’s Going On completely flipped my world. The shock and awe I felt — I was covered in goosebumps from how amazing this album was. Gaye sang with so much passion in his lyrics. It was everything I was searching for in terms of my beliefs, emotions, and love. 

Soon after that moment, I continued my journey to listen to more Motown and soul-based music. Five years later, I still feel the same way for Motown every time it blesses my ears. So, why should this genre and record label be added to that daily rotation on your playlist? Well, it truly does have that deep soul to soul connection that is missing in different music genres. The yearning, the funk, the passion — this is soul music. Motown really does have an artist or album for every occasion. Feeling freaky-funk? Spin Marvin Gaye’s, I Want You, or when you’re feeling like you want to have soft motivation? Spin Stevie Wonder’s, Music of My Mind. This genre will always be there for any emotional roller coaster you could be going through.

So just like Stevie Wonder, Motown and soul music will truly knock you off your feet. 

Devin Bowen is a journalism major and also the social media manager for the student run radio station, KRFH. She admires collecting vinyl records and exploring new artists. They hope to spread new experiences and influence a different perspective with music and culture through The Lumberjack. Contact them at dlb155@humboldt.edu.