My Tour of Detroit’s Motown Museum: The Magic of Hitsville U.S.A.
Detroit, Michigan ✈
When I stepped into the Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan, I knew I was about to experience a piece of American music history. Located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, this small yet iconic building—known as “Hitsville U.S.A.”—is where Motown Records began and where some of the greatest hits in music history were created.
The History Behind the Museum
The museum itself occupies the original home of Motown Records, a label founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. A Detroit native, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family’s savings fund to launch the label. Motown Records revolutionized American music by introducing a unique blend of pop, soul, and R&B that appealed across racial divides at a time when segregation was still a societal norm. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1985, allowing visitors to step back in time and see where it all began.
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“It’s not just a place to learn about music history—it’s a place to feel it. From the humble beginnings of Berry Gordy’s vision to the global phenomenon that Motown became, every corner of the museum tells a story of perseverance, innovation, and the power of music to bring people together.”
Berry Gordy and the Birth of Motown
Berry Gordy’s vision for Motown Records was ambitious yet straightforward: to make music that could unite people of all backgrounds. Gordy established Motown as not just a record label but as a factory of hits. His “Motown Sound” emphasized strong melodies, tight harmonies, and a polished production style. Gordy famously referred to Motown as the “Sound of Young America,” and it lived up to that name.
The museum does an excellent job of highlighting Gordy’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. One of the rooms in the museum showcases artifacts from Gordy’s early life, including his work at the Ford Motor Company assembly line, which inspired his assembly-line approach to producing music. This system enabled Motown to churn out hit after hit, establishing itself as a dominant force in the music industry.
Touring the Museum
The guided tour of the Motown Museum takes visitors through the two-story house that served as Motown’s headquarters. Inside the museum, there’s a display illustrating the scale of this expansion. A model of the entire block highlights how each house served a different purpose. For example, one house was dedicated to artist development, where performers like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder learned choreography, etiquette, and public speaking. Another house served as Motown’s finance department. It was fascinating to see how Gordy used each building to craft not just music but an entire ecosystem that groomed artists into stars.
The Introductory Film
Before delving into the exhibits, visitors are treated to a short film that sets the stage for the tour. The film is screened in a small theater and provides an overview of Berry Gordy’s life, the founding of Motown, and the cultural significance of the music produced there. Archival footage, interviews with Motown artists, and snippets of classic songs like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” make it a compelling introduction. It also highlights Motown’s role in breaking down racial barriers, emphasizing how the music resonated with audiences across the world.
The film does a great job of preparing you for the rest of the tour, making you appreciate the magnitude of what happened in this unassuming house on West Grand Boulevard.
The first floor features exhibits on the label’s history, including photographs, documents, and memorabilia. One of the standout displays is the original Steinway piano used in countless Motown recordings. It was restored by none other than Paul McCartney, a testament to the lasting influence of Motown music.
There are many other iconic artifacts on display at the Motown Museum, including a fedora and a single sequined glove once owned by Michael Jackson. These items were donated to the museum by Jackson himself and are displayed prominently, symbolizing the connection between the King of Pop and his Motown roots.
Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 were pivotal figures in Motown’s history. The Jackson 5 signed with the label in 1969 and quickly became one of its most successful acts, thanks to hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.” The display of Jackson’s iconic glove and fedora serves as a reminder of his humble beginnings as a child prodigy and the immense talent that emerged from Motown’s artist roster.
Gordy’s Apartment: A Glimpse Into Humble Beginnings
The second floor houses Gordy’s personal apartment, where he lived while building the label. Walking through his modest living quarters, I was struck by how humble the beginnings of this global phenomenon were. It’s a reminder of how far determination and creativity can take someone.
The Motown Offices
Another memorable part of the Motown Museum tour is the chance to step into the original offices of Motown Records. These rooms were the nerve center of the operation, where business decisions were made, marketing campaigns were planned, and artists' careers were launched. As you walk through the offices, you get a sense of the hustle and energy that must have been present during Motown’s peak years.
The Candy Machine and Stevie Wonder’s Sweet Tooth
One quirky feature in the office area is the vintage candy machine, which has become a beloved part of the museum’s history. According to the guide, this candy machine was a favorite of a young Stevie Wonder, who signed with Motown as a child prodigy at just 11 years old.
Stevie, who was blind from birth, developed a knack for memorizing where each type of candy was located in the machine. He would tap the buttons with confidence to get his favorite treat. As the story goes, Stevie’s sweet tooth sometimes led to playful trouble, as he was known to sneak into the office to grab a snack without anyone noticing—except, of course, for Berry Gordy or an observant staff member.
Studio A: The Heart of Hitsville U.S.A.
The highlight of the tour for me—and for most visitors—was Studio A. This small recording studio, tucked away in the house’s back section, is where magic happened. Hits like “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes, and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye were recorded here. The room remains virtually untouched, with its original equipment, microphones, and even the wooden floors where musicians tapped out rhythms.
Our guide gave a detailed account of how songs were recorded here, explaining the teamwork between artists, producers, and The Funk Brothers, Motown’s house band. From Smokey Robinson and The Miracles to Marvin Gaye, it felt surreal to imagine these icons standing in the very spot where we were.
To end the tour on a high note, the guide invited everyone to join in a group singalong of the timeless classic, “My Girl.” It was impossible not to smile as the familiar bassline kicked in and we sang the opening lines together. Some of the more enthusiastic visitors even joined in a little dancing, swaying to the rhythm just as Motown artists might have done during a recording session. The guide’s infectious energy made the moment feel celebratory, uniting everyone in a shared love for the music.
This singalong wasn’t just a fun activity—it was a reminder of how Motown’s music brings people together, transcending time and place. Leaving Studio A, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the experience. It was the perfect way to close the tour, ensuring that everyone walked away with a smile and a tune in their heart.
The Stars of Motown
One of the most remarkable aspects of the museum is how it celebrates the artists who made Motown famous. The walls are lined with photos of legendary performers like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Each display is accompanied by stories of their rise to fame and the role Motown played in their careers.
For instance, I learned that Diana Ross and the other members of The Supremes were originally called The Primettes. Their journey from a local Detroit girl group to international superstars is an example of Motown’s nurturing environment and Gordy’s knack for spotting talent.
The museum also pays tribute to the songwriters and producers who worked behind the scenes, such as the legendary team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Their songwriting genius was responsible for countless Motown hits, many of which are still celebrated today.
Motown’s Legacy
The museum doesn’t shy away from the challenges Motown faced, including its eventual move to Los Angeles in 1972. While this relocation marked the end of Motown’s Detroit chapter, the legacy of the music created at Hitsville U.S.A. continues to resonate worldwide.
There’s also a section of the museum dedicated to Motown’s impact on the civil rights movement. Music from the label often served as the soundtrack to pivotal moments in American history, providing hope and unity during times of division.
The Future: A New Expansion
One of the most exciting aspects of the tour is hearing about the museum’s plans for expansion. Adjacent to Hitsville U.S.A., construction is underway for a new state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the museum’s features. This expansion will include interactive exhibits, a performance theater, and educational programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists.
The new building will complement the original Hitsville house, blending modern technology with the rich history of Motown. The expansion is part of an effort to ensure that the Motown Museum remains a vital cultural destination for years to come. Knowing that this legacy will continue to grow is a fitting tribute to the enduring power of the music and the people who created it.
Visiting the Motown Museum was a deeply enriching experience. It’s not just a place to learn about music history—it’s a place to feel it. From the humble beginnings of Berry Gordy’s vision to the global phenomenon that Motown became, every corner of the museum tells a story of perseverance, innovation, and the power of music to bring people together.
If you’re planning a trip to Detroit, I highly recommend setting aside time to visit the Motown Museum. Whether you’re a die-hard Motown fan or someone curious about American cultural history, it’s a must-see destination that will leave you humming a tune and reflecting on the power of creativity.
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