motown
what it is
Motown Records is a record label founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. It was the first record label owned by an African American to primarily feature African-American artists. The label is primarily known for a style of soul music with a distinct pop influence also known as ''The Motown Sound''.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make motown a playlist
turn these 38 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is motown?
Motown Records is a record label founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. It was the first record label owned by an African American to primarily feature African-American artists. The label is primarily known for a style of soul music with a distinct pop influence also known as ''The Motown Sound''.
What are good motown albums to start with?
Try Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye, The Ultimate Collection by The Temptations, Gold by The Supremes, and The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding.
Who are some women making motown?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/motown/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making motown, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-19