Motown 50

The Motown Legacy

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:56:38 -0400

Chairman Berry Gordy Jr. reflects on the Motown Legacy.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: My Girl

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:18:22 -0400

The all-time classic Motown anthem "My Girl" is explored.

Motown's Moves

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:39:38 -0400

Award-winning choreographer Toni Basil shares her love for Motown's moves.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Skeletons and Dark-N-Lovely

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:44:25 -0400

Stevie Wonder talks about the inspiration behind, and the making of, the #1 hit "Skeletons" and the ballad "Dark-N-Lovely."

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Where Did Our Love Go

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:38:22 -0400

Original Supreme member Mary Wilson shares the story of creating the chart-topping hit "Where Did Our Love Go."

Motown and The Big Chill

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:02:10 -0400

Film director Lawrence Kasdan and his wife Meg discuss how they made the most of Motown music in the classic film The Big Chill.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:51 -0400

The Temptations' Otis Williams reflects on the group's timeless No. 1
hit, "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)."

Bravo Motown

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:24:18 -0400

Renaissance man Henry Rollins praises Motown and founder and Chairman Berry Gordy.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Brick House

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:50:58 -0400

OWWW! The Commodores' Walter "Clyde" Orange breaks down their big hit "Brick House," from concept to the top of the charts.

Motown Elegance

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:51:56 -0400

Vibe magazine music editor Sean Fennessey discusses the elegance of Motown as well as his experience growing up with the sounds of Michael, Stevie, Smokey and Boyz II Men.

It's all about the song!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:01:25 -0400

Award-winning songwriter, and Motown fan, Diane Warren is featured.

That Motown Swing

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:57:46 -0400

Saxophonist David Sanborn talks Junior Walker, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more.

Funky jazz and the Motor City

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:35:20 -0400

Medeski, Martin and Wood, the funky acid-jazz trio with deep Motown
influences, reflect on their personal Motor City music memories.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Love Hangover (Part 2)

Mon, 25 May 2009 10:56:54 -0400

Hip-hop pioneer Q-Tip celebrates his all-time favorite Motown track, Diana Ross' "Love Hangover."

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Love Hangover (Part 1)

Tue, 19 May 2009 16:51:57 -0400

In a rare collaborative interview, longtime Motown composers Pam Sawyer and Marilyn McLeod discuss the creation of their mega-hit "Love Hangover."

Motown built to last!

Mon, 11 May 2009 18:33:21 -0400

Modern Soul sensation Raphael Saadiq reflects on his earliest Motown
memories, favorites and working with the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Brotherly Fun

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:41:49 -0400

Listen to a rare and fun radio session from the early 70's featuring the original Jackson 5 - Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

Listening with Garth Trinidad

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:46:47 -0400

We put KCRW DJ, programmer, music guru and Motown fan Garth Trinidad to the test in this special Motown "blindfold listening" episode.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: I Want You

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:58:15 -0400

Marvin Gaye collaborator, the award-winning singer/songwriter Leon Ware, shares his stories and thoughts on the classic album and single, "I Want You."

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Stubborn Kind Of Fellow

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:54:44 -0400

On this exclusive episode, we dial back to 1966 as Marvin Gaye sits down with Detroit radio DJ Scott Regan and breaks down his first big Motown hit, "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow." It's the first time this intimate, relaxed interview has been heard in more than 40 years.

An intimate conversation with Marvin Gaye

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:11:01 -0400

During the 1960's, all of the stars of Motown talked to popular Detroit radio DJ Scott Regan, but none was more open than Marvin Gaye. On this exclusive episode, listen to a rare and intimate conversation between Scott and Marvin that covers everything from his early ambitions to Berry Gordy to his ultimate goal as an artist.

Musings on Marvin

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:35:58 -0400

The great American folk singer and guitarist Richie Havens shares his personal memories of the legendary artist Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye, would have celebrated his 70th birthday April 2.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Reach Out I'll Be There

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:51:37 -0400

Levi Stubbs and Lamont Dozier break down one of Motown’s biggest hits, the Four Tops’ worldwide smash “Reach Out I’ll Be There.”

The Temptations

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:04:57 -0400

Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and fellow Temps discuss their beginnings and illustrious musical career in a rare archival interview from the 1980s.

Vintage Stevie

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:01:56 -0500

In another rare archival interview, Stevie Wonder talks of his early days at Motown and the evolution of his music through the brilliant, then-new album Talking Book.

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Shop Around

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:42:01 -0500

Smokey Robinson tells the amazing story about Motown’s — and his group the Miracles’ — first million-selling single.

The nation’s capitol, The Motortown Review and President Obama

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:37:57 -0500

The New York Times political columnist Frank Rich links Motown to the upheaval of the 1960s through personal recollections of the Motortown Review in his native Washington, D.C., while adding perspective on the 2008 election of President Barack Obama.

The Four Tops

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:20:03 -0500

The late Levi Stubbs, in a rare interview from the Motown Archives, talks about what made the Four Tops tick.

Impressions of Motown

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:35:22 -0500

The multi-talented actor, musician, DJ, and producer shares his earliest impressions of Motown.

A Tour of Hitsville U.S.A., May 1963

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:30:59 -0500

On this rare interview Motown founder Berry Gordy and a Detroit radio host walk through Hitsville, on the cusp of the company’s runaway success.

Motown Reflections

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:39:24 -0500

Smokey Robinson talks about the early days of the label, Berry Gordy and the Motown sound.