| This book is a behind the scenes tell all of the Motown record label/institution. It all began in 1959 when Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and launched a record company. The company's name was Motown. Although the company was located in a poor Detroit neighborhood, a large sign was put in front of the studio stating "Hitsville USA". And so it began. The book details Berry Gordy's humble beginnings, his family life, his dashed dream of becoming a prizefighter, his amazing entrepreneurship of Motown and his much talked about relationship with Diana Ross.
With the Civil Rights Movement and the turbulent 60's as a backdrop, this book details in a fascinating way the rise to power of Berry Gordy, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and Motown itself. Filled with compelling characters, larger than life Divas, talented but tragic singers, this books shows the reader a side of Motown that only the true insiders experienced. Filled with salacious details such as the love child that Diana Ross hid from Berry Gordy, the identity of the artist who had a violent fight with Berry Gordy on the day JFK was killed and the identity of the famous Diva who was nearly run over by her singing rival. | ||
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Plot & Themes Job/profession/poverty story Yes Story of entertainer? - Singer/Dancer Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - Black Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () United States Yes The US: - Northeast City? Yes Century: - 1960's-1970's Writing Style Book makes you feel? - in awe - like laughing Graphic sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - Pictures/Illustrations? - A lot 11-15 B&W How much dialogue in bio? - significantly more descript than dialog How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life? - 26-50% of book |
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