Pop’s most important independent record label, Motown (part of Universal Music Group since 1988), is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It all started in Detroit on January 12, 1959, when Berry Gordy Jr. founded Tamla Records, which he soon renamed as Motown, an abbreviation of 'Motor-Town', in a clear homage to his city’s powerful motor industry. What Gordy never imagined is that his record label would be much more than that – it would become a real revolution that transcended music. Its catchy tunes filled the top spots on the playlists and everyone, black and white, danced to their rhythm on the dance floors. Motown became the sound of the fight for civil rights and against racial segregation. It was also its own style, an exquisite mix of soul, pop and funk with all the spiritual energy of black music. Names such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Jackson Five, Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations and Lionel Ritchie are just a few from a long list of artists with which this American label has graced the history of music.


THE FUNK BROTHERS BAND featuring TITO JACKSON

Jack Ashford  lead / percussion
Tito Jackson  guitar / voice
Larry Jackson  voices
John Shipley / Thomas Campbell  keyboard
Foley “aka” Joseph McCreary  bass
Derek Organ / Raymond Calhoun  drums
Félix Hernández  percussion
Angelo Earl / Mike Feingold / Jimmy Macon  guitar
Carmelo Scaffidi / Argentina  trumpet
Calvin Bennett  sax
Valencia Robinson / Jenean Cranert / Parnell Marcano / Lucy Shropshire  voices