Where Did Our Love Go?: The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound

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University of Illinois Press, 2007 - Biography & Autobiography - 250 pages
Nelson George's chronicle of Motown Records' rise and fall remains a classic account of an essential American music company and its dynamic founder Berry Gordy Jr.

Gordy's uncanny instinct for finding extraordinary talent--from performers and musicians to songwriters and producers--packed the label's roster with a who's who of historic artists and hitmakers. Here is the story of the Supremes and superstar Diana Ross, of the towering solo acts Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, of vocal groups led by the Temptations and Four Tops, of the phenomenal Jackson Five and Michael Jackson, and of singer/songwriter and Motown executive Smokey Robinson. Up front about Gordy's manipulative and complex relationships with his artists, George reveals the inner workings of how Motown conducted its business. He also offers portraits of the Funk Brothers and other musicians who played the unforgettable songs.

George's preface shows how Motown influenced a later generation of young artists and music moguls, including R. Kelly, D'Angelo, Sean Combs, and Russell Simmons.

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Contents

BIG DOGS
1
SHOP AROUND
27
PRODUCTION LINE
50
Copyright

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About the author (2007)

Nelson George is the author of several non-fiction books, including "The Death of Rhythm & Blues" & "Hip Hop America", both nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award, & three novels, "One Woman Short", "Seduced", & the "Essence" Blackboard bestseller "Urban Romance". An award-winning journalist, he is also an accomplished screenwriter (including "Strictly Business" & "CB-4") & an Emmy Award-winning producer of HBO's "The Chris Rock Show". He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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