Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a documentary film that explores the founding, growth, and eventual global impact of Motown Records, one of the most important and influential record labels in the history of popular music. The documentary is directed by Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner, and is narrated by Andre Braugher.
The film features exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in Motown, including Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and more. It also delves deep into the personal and professional lives of Motown's key players, including founder Berry Gordy and his family.
Through rare footage from Motown's archives and personal collections, the film showcases the creativity, passion, and determination that drove Gordy and his team to create some of the most iconic music of the 20th century. It explores the label's early years in Detroit, from Gordy's humble beginnings as a songwriter to the formation of the Motown Sound and the label's success in breaking down racial barriers and crossing over to the mainstream.
Hitsville: The Making of Motown also provides a fascinating look at the label's behind-the-scenes operations, including its famed "Hitsville" recording studio and the team of musicians and producers who helped shape the Motown Sound. It also examines the label's tumultuous relationship with the civil rights movement and the challenges it faced as it entered the 1970s and beyond.
Overall, Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a stirring tribute to the groundbreaking label and the artists and creatives who helped make it a cultural phenomenon. It offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Motown and its enduring legacy as a symbol of innovation, diversity, and excellence in American music.