Watch Hitsville: The Making of Motown

Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a 2019 documentary that charts the evolution of the iconic music label, Motown Records. The movie provides a detailed look at how the brainchild of Berry Gordy helped unearth and transform some of the finest talents in the music industry, including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson, among others.

The movie begins by exploring the history of Motown and includes some archival footage of its founding members. It also shows how Berry Gordy started with just $800 and created a music empire that went on to produce some of the biggest and most memorable hits in the history of popular music.

The first half of the movie takes the viewer on a journey through the early years of Motown, highlighting the trials and tribulations of its founders. It provides fascinating accounts of the struggles they faced in their quest to break into a music industry landscape dominated by white artists. The movie showcases how Gordy put his all into making the label a success and how his journey was fraught with obstacles, including antagonism from radio stations and the challenge of finding the right distribution channels.

The movie also sheds light on how Motown achieved a sound that was unique and compelling. Gordy hired Miller London, an audio technician, to perfect the sound of the music produced by the label's artists. London's revolutionary techniques proved crucial in creating the distinctive sound that made Motown so famous, and his story is explored in great detail.

Smokey Robinson, one of Motown’s most recognisable stars, is a central figure in the documentary. Robinson gives a firsthand account of his experiences with Motown and shares stories of the many challenges he faced as an African American artist trying to make his way in a predominantly white industry.

The second half of the movie chronicles the heyday of Motown in the 1960s, a period that saw the record label rise to international fame. There are interviews with famous singers who were nurtured at Motown, presenting insights into how songs like "My Girl," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" were created in the studio. There are many iconic moments captured including performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, the Motortown Revue, and candid scenes of life at the studio in Detroit.

Throughout the documentary, there is a sense of nostalgia for the golden era of Motown, a reminder of a time when the music industry was in the midst of changing forever. By the end of the movie, the viewer is left with a profound appreciation of how Motown changed the face of popular music.

In conclusion, Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a remarkable documentary that charts the rise of one of the most significant music labels in history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of popular music and provides a fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations of one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs of all time. The movie pays close attention to the details that made Motown a hit, including the unique sound that set it apart from other labels at the time. Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a must-watch for anyone who loves music and is interested in the true story behind one of the most iconic and groundbreaking record labels of all time.

Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a 2019 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.