The History of Motown

IT’S 1962, and Motown’s Hitsville USA studio is buzzing with energy. A young boy, barely 13, steps up to the microphone — Stevie Wonder. The tape rolls, and the sound of talent beyond his years fills the room. “Fingertips (Part 2)” is captured live, a performance that will soar to the top of the charts. The excitement is palpable; Motown has just launched one of the greatest careers in music history. History is being made tonight …

Follow the story of Motown with a book of authentic newspaper articles, curated by Historic Newspapers. This edition documents key milestones of the Motown record label — exactly as they were reported at the time.

Relive pivotal moments in Motown history, including:

– The earliest days of Motown under founder Berry Gordy in the 1960s
– Stevie Wonder’s early career at just 13 years old, and the meteoric rise of beloved artists such as The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, and The Jackson 5 throughout the 1960s and 1970s
– The fall of famous names, the label’s trials and tribulations, and Motown’s continued success into the 2000s

Choose from a range of book covers and personalise your copy with a name and message to create a unique keepsake. Whether for a Motown fan, a music enthusiast, or someone who remembers it all first-hand — you hold not just a gift, but a piece of Motown history ready to be passed on.

Archivist insight: We reproduce these newspaper articles from scan archives. In some cases, there’ll be blemishes and the reproduction quality might not be as clear or precise as it was in the original paper.

Origin: Printed in the UK

Cover: Hardback

Size: Tabloid (29.8 cm x 36.4 cm)

Pages: 160+

Paper source: Our books use responsibly sourced paper from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper manufacturers.