
January 12, 1959
Motown Records Opens
A little house in Detroit where some of the happiest songs ever were made.
The Story
In Detroit, Michigan, a man named Berry Gordy borrowed a tiny bit of money to start a music company.
He set it up in a small house and hung a sign on the front that read 'Hitsville U.S.A.'
He called the company Motown, after Detroit's nickname 'Motor Town.'
Amazing singers like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5 recorded songs in that little house.
Their happy, hand-clapping songs made kids and grown-ups dance all over the world.
Learn More
These links go to other websites — ask a grown-up before tapping.