#MotownDidItFirst: Soul & Funk in the 60s

The ’60s were an exciting time for rock music! Young people emerged from the shadows of mindless consumerism and white picket suburbia to form an exciting new kaleidoscope of counterculture. They were marching for civil rights, experimenting with mind-expanding psychedelics, indulging in “free love”, starting communes, and learning all about what in the world “transcendental meditation” is. The soundtrack to these experiences was rooted in soul, funk, folk rock, and jazz fusion. Each of these genres emerged from the hearts and minds of young black musicians in urban cities, inspiring all who listened. 

At the epicenter of this new sound was Berry Gordy Jr., who founded Motown Records in “Motor City”, Detroit, Michigan in 1959. This unique soul-based record label’s business and artistic aspects operated under African-American control to tastefully curate the best of the best in black soul music, bringing “The Sound of Young America” to the masses.

Soul music rose to popularity during a time of music political evolutions in America while segregation was painfully slow in dissolving. With the stark contrast of both racial tension, and the “peace and love” hippie counterculture of the late ’60s, there was no more ideal time for people to not only hear and appreciate black voices but black experiences in America.

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“The Motown Sound” came straight from the writers of “Hitsville, USA” (the nickname for Motown’s headquarters). It was silky smooth in delivery and perfectly polished for mainstream consumption. Soul music is all about African-American culture and identity. The sound combines gospel and R&B elements, using lush vocal harmonies, call and response style choruses, orchestra strings, melodic bass lines, and a tambourine accented backbeat. 

From 1961 to 1971, Motown dominated the charts with songs like “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” by Diana Ross, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," by Marvin Gaye, "Fingertips" by Stevie Wonder, and “My Girl” by The Temptations. Motown continuously delivered. Each hit became more vibrant, dramatic, atmospheric, and ultimately inspired the sounds that paved the way for the evolution of funk to come! These strong musicians were passionate, proud, bright, and lively. 

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s original “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” - the perfect example of soul music hitting the mainstream (I like this version more than Diana Ross’)

The Beatles covering “Please Mr. Postman” - this song was the first Motown song to reach the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. The Beatles cover drives home the exciting popularization of the excellent songs coming out of Motown!

It’s hard to imagine pop music without the songs like “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes (Motown Records), “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas (Motown Records) or "Respect", and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin (Columbia Records). These soul tracks defined entirely new levels of pop music, innovating styles and sounds that seem to be universally loved by music lovers of all genres. 

I consider soul to be the most compelling genre emerging from the 60s because of it’s timeless nature. Certain songs from this era seem like they could come out today. Marvin Gaye’s work specifically, stands out to me. His album “What’s Going On’, tells the story of a Vietnam War Veteran who comes home from war to see civil unrest, poverty, and pain in his country. The themes in “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), “Mercy Mercy Me” and “What’s Going On” has a very poignant and timely message both then and now. Even his romantic songs, such as “Let’s Get it On”, and “Sexual Healing” have a certain meditative, and reflective element to them that really show off his conscious intention of portraying a certain mood and tone. These lyrics, vibe, and overall sound certainly depicted something very modern. There was something really special about Marvin Gaye like he was “ahead of his time”.

Marvin Gaye, “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - The music video wasn’t released until 1994 but shows how continuously poignant his music is throughout time

Once soul became pop, it transformed into funk in the ’70s! With funk music, we get exciting shout vocals, massive horn sections with stacked staccato lines, kinetic bass lines, and the undeniable danceability that exists within the groove pocket - very rock & roll!

Soul music and Motown Records have been extremely impactful and prevalent, creating a strong core for many elements of modern pop music. Motown continues today with artists like Erykah Badu and her hit "Bag Lady" in 2000, and Migos tying The Beatles in 2018 for the most simultaneous Hot 100 entries among a group. Migos even made a music video imitating a ‘70s style T.V performance for their song “Walk It Talk It”. 

I love that they are continuing their legacy of generating compelling hitmakers to this day! Motown’s social sites use the hashtag #MotownDiditFirst and I agree! 

Migos, “Walk It Talk It” - Their ‘70s inspired music video 

Jonali McFadden