Motown History [Books]

Motown Encyclopedia by Graham Betts. This title includes a comprehensive list of biographies for all 684 artists who have released music under the Motown Records label (from 1959 to 2014). It also includes biographies of songwriters and producers working for Motown, as well as entries for every Motown release that charted in either the US or UK Top 10 pop charts. (Michigan Electronic Library)

The Motown Story by Don Waller. This title follows the early development of Motown Records under Berry Gordy Jr. It includes interviews with Gordy along with other members of Motown's executive staff. (Michigan Electronic Library)

Where Did Our Love Go? The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound by Nelson George. This title not only focuses on the rise of Motown Records, but focuses on the executive decisions of Gordy and other members of Motown leadership. This title also reflects on the negative relationship Gordy had with many of the label's recording artists, and the business decisions that would lead to the end of the "Motown era." (Michigan Electronic Library)

One Nation Under a Groove: Motown and American Culture by Gerald Early. This title focuses on the cultural and social dynamics that influenced the creation and development of Motown Records. It also discusses the changing social and racial dynamics of the United States during the 1960s-70s, the era of Motown's greatest cultural significance. (Michigan Electronic Library)

To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown: An Autobiography - Berry Gordy Jr. This title is the autobiography of Berry Gordy Jr, where he gives his perspective on founding Motown Records and leading the record label through its era of success. He includes details about his relationships with the artists and reflects on the changes to how he ran Motown Records as the label grew. (Michigan Electronic Library)