Adam White (1)

This is beautifully presented pictorial history of the Motown label started by Berry Gordy in 1960 - but so very, very heavy and cumbersome! I have a divot in my thigh and an aching wrist from reading this all afternoon. The Hitsville film, which prompted me to buy Adam White's book, was far more accessible!

I grew up with Motown, which will always be my first musical love, but never really knew much about how the 'sound of young America', promoted in the UK by The Beatles and Dusty Springfield, came about. Now I'm filled with admiration for Berry Gordy, his 2ic Barney Ales, and of course the 'stable' of incredible artists, including The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. What a time for music!

The colour photos of album covers, singles and the artists themselves in this book are eye-popping - and kept prompting me to search for records on eBay! - but the history is also well written, with quotes from various members of the Motown 'family'. Worth the money and the wrist strain!… (mehr)