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

She followed in the footsteps of Motown stars Stevie Wonder, The Ronettes and Darlene Love from the '60s.

From Salon

Back then, the setlist was all R&B covers and Motown hits - but Springsteen was a nervous performer.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

He was among the founding members of the hit-making Jackson 5, which came together in the 1960s under the tutelage of domineering patriarch Joe Jackson, then caught the eye of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. After being introduced to the nation by Diana Ross, they put forth the beloved “bubblegum soul” singles “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.”

From Los Angeles Times

Motown was ignored during award season for decades.

From Los Angeles Times