Artists
Motown's very first artist and lead singer of The Miracles. At just three years old his uncle Claude gave him his iconic nickname due to his fascination with cowboys and western films.
Who is Smokey Robinson.
Brian, Lamont, and Eddie made up this legendary three-man songwriting and production team responsible for nearly all of The Supremes’ number-one hits.
What is Holland–Dozier–Holland (or H-D-H)?
Stevie Wonder capstoned his legendary 1970s "classic period" with this massive, double-LP 1976 masterpiece that includes the tracks "Sir Duke" and "Isn't She Lovely".
What is "Songs in the Key of Life"?
During the height of the Civil Rights Movement Barry Gordy was very hesitant for Marvin Gaye to put out this classic that resonates with social-racial-political movements of later generations.
What is "What's Going On"?
This vocal powerhouse group made history in 1969 by becoming the first Motown recording act to ever win a Grammy Award, taking home the prize for their psychedelic soul hit "Cloud Nine"
Who are The Temptations?
From Buffalo, New York he e blazed onto the scene with rivals like Prince and love interest, at one point, to the late Tierra Marie. A 'super freak" full of energy, funk, and extension.
Who is Rick James?
This talented husband-and-wife duo wrote and produced the sweeping, romantic duets for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."
Who are Ashford & Simpson (Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson)?
Before her massive solo career, Gladys Knight led the Pips on this acclaimed 1967 album, which featured the original, gritty hit version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
What is Everybody Needs Love?
This epic 1972 track about a "store front preaching," soul-leeching father won three Grammys in 1973, scoring trophies for both the performing group The Temptations and its songwriting masterminds Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
What is "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone"?
The 1983 Emmy-nominated TV special celebrating this milestone anniversary famously featured Michael Jackson's moonwalk and a historic reunion of The Supremes.
What is Motown 25?
Signed to Motown at just 11-years old he lost his sight shortly after birth due to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Who is Stevie Wonder/Little Stevie Wonder
This epic 1972 track about a "store front preaching," soul-leeching father won three Grammys in 1973, scoring trophies for both the performing group The Temptations and its songwriting masterminds Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
What is "Papa Was A Rollin Stone"?
This festive 1970 holiday classic features a deeply soulful, spoken-word intro by Dennis Edwards on "Silent Night" and remains one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time.
What is The Temptations Christmas Card?
This song, originally from the Commadores' 1982 album "To the Max", was covered by Silk Sonic in 2022 based on a real-life love triangle, involving Cooper and Pilate.
What is "Love's Train"?
The historic 1985 Grammy Awards marked the only time in history that Motown occupied two of the five "Song of the Year" nomination slots simultaneously, thanks to "Hello" by Lionel Richie and this chart-topping track by Stevie Wonder.
What is "I Just Called to Say I Love You"?
Led by Diana Ross, they became America's most successful vocal group of the 1960s with 12 number-one singles including: Stop! In the Name of Love.
Who are The Supremes?
Originally, a photography studio purchased by Berry Gordy Jr. this is where Motown's earliest hits were recorded. Now famously known as "Hitsville U.S.A." it was originally known by this alphabetical moniker.
What is Studio A?
This 1994 sophomore album by Boyz II Men spent a staggering 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, propelled by the record-breaking ballads "I'll Make Love to You" and "On Bended Knee."
What is "II" (Two)?
This song by Martha and the Vandellas became an accidental anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, singing of urban youth raving and cooling off in the cities of New York, Detroit, during summer.
What is "Dancing in the Street"?
This 1982 funk anthem by the Dazz Band invited listeners to "slip up, slip down" and earned the group a Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
What is "Let It Whip"?
Originally part of a family quintet, he later became known as the "King of Pop" with his music and legacy trailblazing in the 80s and has stood the test of time even after his passing in 2009.
Who is Michael Jackson?
This legendary, uncredited group of Detroit studio musicians played the backing tracks for nearly every major Motown hit recorded in the 1960s.
Who are The Funk Brothers?
This 1978 Smokey Robinson solo release features a sultry, smooth title track that revitalized his career and single-handedly coined a brand-new, late-night R&B radio format. Sade, anyone?
What is Quiet Storm?
Originally written and sung by Smokey Robinson, this upbeat 1964 Temptations classic features the unforgettable opening line, "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day."
What is "My Girl"?
Lionel Richie took home the 1985 Album of the Year Grammy for this multi-platinum solo effort that featured the smash hit "All Night Long".
What is Can't Slow Down?