Hitsville: The Making of Motown

Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a captivating and historically rich documentary released in 2019 that provides an intimate look into the journey, struggles, and triumphs of Motown Records – one of the most successful and influential music labels in history. The film gives a distinctive view of the music industry by focusing not only on the musical creations, but also on the business and interpersonal relationships that played crucial roles in shaping the iconic label.

Directed by Benjamin and Gabe Turner, the film presents an in-depth account of the label's founder and primary driving force - Berry Gordy Jr. As an acclaimed songwriter, entrepreneur, and a visionary, Gordy’s influence is both widely recognized and celebrated. The film takes an intimate peek at his personal life, upbringing, and uncovers how his unassuming beginnings in Detroit, Michigan led him to change the landscape of American music. Gordy’s shrewd mind understood not only the artistry involved in music but also the intricacies of running and maintaining a successful record label. His maverick approach altered the ways in which music was created and shared – propelling African American artists into mainstream media like never before.

The narrative is interwoven with the personal stories of many successful Motown artists and employees, including Smokey Robinson. Robinson, in addition to being a hugely successful Sony writer and performer, was one of Gordy's earliest collaborators and closest friends. His input provides not only an understanding of the creative processes behind some of the biggest Motown hits but also of the triumphant brotherhood between Gordy and himself.

Other key characters that significantly contribute to the storytelling include Miller London, who started as a sales trainee at Motown, eventually worked his way up to executive vice president running the entire operation. His stories provide viewers with an insight on Motown's unparalleled success.

Hitsville: The Making of Motown is filled with incredible music, from toe-tapping tunes to soulful ballads that echo with the rhythm and heartbeat of an era. The film features a plethora of archival footage and photographs, interspersed with contemporary interviews – bringing to life the cultural revolution that Motown sparked in the 1960s. Canvassing more than a decade of Motown’s eminent history, the documentary explores the impact of its cultural influence and how it helped shape America's social, cultural and political landscape.

What separates this movie from many other music documentaries is its emphasis on the evident camaraderie and family-like atmosphere that encapsulated Motown Records. At a time when racial tensions were running high in America, Motown Records cross-examined, challenged, and ultimately broke stereotypical boundaries, setting a remarkable example in the history of music and beyond.

More than just a documentary of a record label, it vividly depicts the rise of African American artists during the Civil Rights era and how Gordy’s business acumen, fueled by his unyielding faith in his “family” of artists and employees, led to Motown’s rise and continued resilience. Gordy's strategy of total artist development, where everyone from songwriters to performers was groomed meticulously not just for music, but for public appearances, interviews, etc. is testament to his comprehensive vision. This approach ensured that the label's acts were not only talented, but also consummately professional and marketable.

Hitsville: The Making of Motown acts as a historical text that paints a vivid picture of stark realities and morphs into a tribute to a revolutionary force that brought a major shift in the world of music. This film is not solely targeted towards Motown fans or music lovers, but towards anyone who appreciates the historical progression of art, culture and society.

Through laughter, music, and tears, the film captures the essence of Motown – showing viewers how a little Detroit-based record company called Motown Records grew into a music industry behemoth that forever changed the landscape of music, culture and business. Storytelling at its finest, Hitsville: The Making of Motown is a joyous and thought-provoking journey into the heart and soul of the label that made us all stop in the name of love.