MOTOWN
Find out more about the vibrant rhythm and soulful melodies of Motown music, a genre that defined an era and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Motown Records and subsidiaries was founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. Motown is a distinctive and influential genre of music that emerged in the early 1960s from the Motown record label, predominantly based in Detroit, Michigan. Characterised by its soulful and rhythmic sound, Motown seamlessly blends elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop, creating a timeless and infectious musical style. The genre is renowned for its catchy melodies, tight-knit instrumentation, and the use of sophisticated vocal harmonies. Motown artists, such as The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape with their chart-topping hits, reflecting themes of love, resilience, and social consciousness. Motown’s legacy endures as a key chapter in the history of popular music, leaving an indelible mark on generations of listeners worldwide.
Jean-Paul’s loves the infectious rhythm and timeless melodies that resonate with audiences with Motown music. The songs are always guaranteed to get the crown up and dancing.
Read some interesting facts about Motown and some influential artists.
Berry Gordy
The Temptations
The Supremes
Stevie Wonder
Lionel Richie
Here's some interesting facts about Motown which maybe you didn't know!
#1
Founder Berry Gordy was once a professional boxer before he went to serve his country in the Korean war which paid for his fighting ambition.
#2
In 1966 Berry refused to sign the Jackson 5 as he didn’t want to work with any more children.
It wasn’t until 1967 when he finally agreed to sign the Jackson 5 with persuasion from Gladys Knight.
#3
Motown was the first label to offer a program where they taught artists to perform.
#4
The biggest UK Motown singles were Stevie Wonder’s “I just called to say I love you “and “Hello” by Lionel Richie.
#5
Lionel Richie – Oscar winner for best original song “Say you, say me” from the 1985 musical drama ‘White Knights’. Although you wouldn’t find the single on the soundtrack due to disputes with the record company ‘Motown’.
#6
Michael Jackson introduced his iconic ‘moonwalk’ in 1983, during a live performance of Billie Jean for the Motown 25: yesterday, today, forever concert special.
#7
Did you know Meatloaf was once signed to Motown, they performed with Shaun Murphy as ‘Stoney and Meatloaf’.
#8
At the age of 11, Stevie Wonder received a life-changing opportunity when Ronnie White of ‘The Miracles’ personally brought him and his mother to audition for Motown in 1961. Impressed by Wonder’s talent, Motown wasted no time in signing him up!
#9
In 1983 Diana Ross (formally from The Supremes) performed for over half a million people in Central Park, NYC to raise money and ended up donating a quarter of a million dollars out of her own pocket. This performance was considered to be her most memorable performances to date.
Did you know, Dreamgirls was believed to have been based off the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes.
#10
When the Four Tops signed with Motown in 1963 they became the most iconic and successful R&B groups of the era.
Motown
Current Setlist
- Is this loveJean-Paul Noel-Cephise – Blue Tick Blues
- The Contours – Do you love me
- Barett Strong – Money
- The Temptations – My Girl
- The Temptations – Ain’t to proud to beg
- The Spinners – It’s a shame
- The Supremes – Come see about me
- Tavares – More than a woman
- KC & The Sunshine Band – That’s the way I like it
- Michael Jackson – Off the wall
- Diana Ross – Upside down
- Luther Vandross – Never too much
- George Benson – Give me the night
- Otis Redding – Love Man
- Franki Valli – Grease
- Lionel Ritchie – All night long
Do you have an event coming up?
Not only does Jean-Paul specialise in Motown, he also loves singing Soul, Blues, Jazz and Doo-Wop.
He can be available for a public pub gathering, private parties and functions. A night guaranteed to get the crown signing and dancing. Enquire below to find out more.
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