Motown

[ moh-toun ]

noun

1. Also called Motown sound. an upbeat, often pop-influenced style of rhythm and blues associated with the city of Detroit and with numerous Black vocalists and vocal groups since the 1950s, characterized by compact, danceable arrangements.
2. a nickname for Detroit, Michigan.

Motown

/ ˈməʊˌtaʊn /

noun

1. music combining rhythm and blues and pop, or gospel rhythms and modern ballad harmony

Word History and Origins

Origin of Motown¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from Motown, proprietary name for records released by the Motown Record Corporation of Detroit, Michigan, shortened from Motor Town, in reference to Detroit's major role as a motor vehicle producer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Motown¹

C20: from Motown Records of Detroit; from Mo ( tor ) Town, a nickname for Detroit, Michigan, centre of the US car industry

Example Sentences

Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the seminal Motown group the Jackson 5, has died.

From Los Angeles Times

Maze, which went by Raw Soul when it formed in Philadelphia in 1970, eventually moved to San Francisco to connect with soul icon and Motown great Marvin Gaye, who suggested the band change its name.

From Los Angeles Times

Ross glided through her set of Motown oldies and disco bangers with the airy nonchalance she’s been emanating for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Fakir was one of the tightly harmonized voices behind such indelible Motown hits like ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ and ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There.’

From Los Angeles Times

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving member of beloved Motown group The Four Tops, has passed away at the age of 88.

From BBC