Article Author:
Associated Press
Mike Householder
Detroit (AP) — Historic Detroit, where Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. built his musical empire 60 years ago. section now and ever.
Motown legend and Gordy's best friend Smokey Robinson unveiled the new and improved Motown on Monday night for an event celebrating the completion of his first two phases of the museum's expansion. He was one of those who visited the museum site.
Robinson, along with Otis Williams, Martha Reeves, and other Motown luminaries, will open the educational program and creative hub Hitsville Next and the newly-founded Rocket He Plaza Grand His opening. celebrated.
"Children who are not yet born know Motown," Robinson said in an interview before the event held near the museum's entrance. told the Associated Press. "Some of their parents weren't even born yet when we started doing this. But that's great."
performance of the Temptations classic "My Girl" and was introduced by Marcus Paul James, who played Williams on the show.
"I'm so happy to be part of something. This is here, Motown. (It) will outlast all of us," Williams said.
The museum will continue to be housed in the famous "Hitsville, U.S.A." building at 2648 West Grand Boulevard.
But his three Motown-era buildings nearby have been transformed into Hitsville Next, home to camps, workshops, masterclasses, and community events. This represents the first phase of the museum's expansion.
Phase 2 is Rocket Plaza, an outdoor plaza that serves as a community gathering place and welcomes visitors to the museum.
"This square is Motown's new front porch," said Robin Terry, chairman and CEO of the Motown Museum.
Gordy launched Motown in 1959. His sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, founded the museum in 1985 at the former Hitsville headquarters. Robinson and the Temptations, plus Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and many more. Before Motown moved to California in 1972, he had a hit there.
The museum is inviting the community to its Founder's Day celebrations on Saturday to mark the completion of the Gordy Edwards, reopening, and expansion phases.
And the museum on Sunday welcomes visitors for a tour of Hitsville, USA following the pandemic and construction-related closures.
