Put on your dancing shoes and jump into the history of Motown, where Black artists laid the foundation for modern music.
There’s no bad time to celebrate the magic of Motown—but it’s especially meaningful when Black History Month rolls around every February. After all, so many of music’s foundational artists were Black, and it’s impossible to separate the legacy of Motown from their contributions.
We Michiganders are lucky to count the birth of Motown Records and the “Motown sound” among our state’s many accolades. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the genre, take a few moments to honor seven Black Motown legends (and legendary groups) who created iconic music in Detroit.
1. Diana Ross & The Supremes
It’s unthinkable to talk about Motown without mentioning Diana Ross, who has been a Motown legend since the very beginning. Ross’ first group, the Primettes, was formed in 1959—the same year Berry Gordy created what would become Motown Records.
By the end of the ‘60s, Diana Ross & The Supremes, as we know them today, had fully hit the scene, skyrocketing to success with hits like “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Simply put, there’s no “Motown sound” without Diana Ross.
2. Smokey Robinson
There’s no question as to why Smokey Robinson is called “The King of Motown.” A Detroit native, Robinson worked with Berry Gordy before Motown Records even existed and ultimately created hits of his own alongside his band, the Miracles.
Robinson legend status extends far beyond his performing, though: He also produced and even wrote many of Motown’s most well-known works, from “My Girl” by the Temptations (more on them later!) and the equally catchy “My Guy,” recorded by Mary Wells. He served as Motown’s vice president from the early ‘60s until the late ‘80s, so his impact is hard to overstate.
3. Stevie Wonder
Nobody doesn’t like Stevie Wonder. At least, nobody with great taste in music doesn’t like Stevie Wonder. From hits like “Sir Duke” to toe-tapping favorites like “Isn’t She Lovely,” Wonder’s illustrious career began in the Motor City, where he signed a contract at Tamla Records in 1961, when he was just 11 years old.
His early classics like “My Cherie Amour” were recorded with Motown, where he stayed for decades. Wonder, who was born in Saginaw, will always be inextricably tied to the Great Lakes State—and we couldn’t be prouder.
4. The Jackson 5
Before there was Michael Jackson, there was the Jackson 5. When folks are asked to name Motown legends, the Jackson 5 is usually a quick answer—after all, this sibling group cranked out hit after hit with songs like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
In fact, they were the only musical group in history to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with all of their first four singles. While the Jackson 5 (and their other siblings) went on to achieve varying levels of fame (and, some might argue, infamy), their path is rooted in Motown.
5. The Marvelettes
The Marvelettes might not be the most famous of Motown’s legends, but they certainly deserve a spot on the list. Not only was the Inkster-based quartet (originally a quintet) one of the original “girl groups,” but they also put Motown on the map with its very first #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1961 with “Please Mister Postman.”
The group’s original members included lead singer Gladys Horton, Juanita Cowart, Katherine Anderson, and Georgeanna Tillman. Sadly, the Marvelettes ultimately struggled to keep up with the success of other groups like the Supremes and faced internal conflicts throughout the ‘60s. They had officially disbanded by 1972, but their impact on Motown is unquestionable.
6. Marvin Gaye
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”—we could continue with a list of Marvin Gaye’s iconic performances, but we’d be here all day. From his solo work to his duets with popular female artists of the time, Gaye is sometimes called the “Prince of Soul.”
His impact on Motown reached beyond his musical talent. In 1971, he released his iconic album “What’s Going On,” which included direct references to poverty, the Vietnam War, and social justice causes. Though Motown executives were unsure about its release initially, the album was a massive success and set the stage for political and social commentary through music in the ‘70s and beyond.
7. The Temptations
Despite a few challenging early years at Motown during which they didn’t produce any commercial hits, the Temptations went on to become one of the label’s most recognizable and celebrated acts. After all, it’s hard to hear the opening notes to “My Girl” and not feel overtaken by the urge to sing along.
With the help of producer Smokey Robinson, the Temptations impressed audiences with their dance moves, stylish outfits, and beautiful harmonies. In the decades that followed, the “Tempts” grew in popularity and branched out into genres like psychedelic soul, enjoying a long career—and even still performing today with one original member. But it all started in Motown.
