Hitsville: The Making of Motown

If you like music you will like this. If you don't like Motown you won't like this. If you don't like music don't bother to watch it.

It was a brilliant documentary that gave me a greater insight to one of the greatest record labels in the world. Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were and are a great double act.

Motown was the greatest assembly of musicians that the world has ever heard. Their music transcended time, cultures, generations and ethnicities. To this day it remains as some of the most popular and captivating music ever recorded. I loved watching the making of the music and especially the clips of the live performances. Little Stevie Wonder, Little Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations. The list goes on and on. Detroit will forever be known as Motown.

Of all the Motown documentaries I have seen, this is probably the best, maybe because Berry Gordy Jr., the man who created that legendary record company, was also behind the production. I admit that I was a bit skeptic, considering that a man as controversial as Gordy were the center of the film, but he is definitely the heart of the story, the motor of the enterprise and the visionary business man who followed his principles, convictions, dreams and his whims too. A true "influencer".

Many persons can still deny the importance of Motown, as many rock and roll fans, critics and historians who prefer to see that story from the point of view of white boys playing a guitar... but at this point who cares what they believe? The facts are there and those who have been open enough to listen and appreciate, know what role Motown played in music, sociology, politics and civil rights in the United States.

I guess that what makes it all more interesting is the fact that Berry Gordy is quite a host, a funny story teller who receives great help from his best friend, colleague and artistic accomplice William "Smokey" Robinson.

The film also leaves out all the feuds, gossips and sarcasm (for example, Mary Wilson has more screen time than Diana Ross, who only appears in archive stock). In this way the Motown story becomes a celebration of love, effort, friendship and collaboration, with revealing sides to the story: Gordy's inspiration to develop his business model, his own tender perception of the love he had for Ross always tied to business, his initial refusal to accept the genius of Norman Whitfield and Marvin Gaye, his failed attempt to conquer Hollywood with Ross, which in the long run meant the musical downfall of the company.

However, the legacy is intact, and "Hitsville" is a magnificent homage to all the men and women that rode along with Gordy in this journey of American success.

Very rarely is there a film or documentary that begs for more background and material to be presented, most are in need of serious editing to eliminate needless repetition or boring monologues by so-called subject experts or narrators. (Virtually any Ken Burns doc) However, Motown Records is such an incredible story with has so much material and so many fascinating stories about the talented performers, musicians, writers, arrangers and execs who made Motown Records well deserving of it's "Hitsville USA" slogan. Loved the footage that was shown but 1:52 isn't nearly enough time to the subject give proper credit it deserves.

There have been a number of music documentaries that have covered the era in focus but I give this documentary high praise not just for presentation but on the focus of what actually drove Barry Gordy to start the Motown enterprise and to grow it.

Let me explain upfront I don't have the musical background or training required for making a truly honest assessment of the documentary but being that much of the focus is on the human element behind the music I can point out some key things.

On the entrepreneurial side, learning from failures, perseverance, belief in oneself, and having a vision is embedded in the story. Having everyone in the enterprise share that vision and understand it even more so.

I appreciate how he gives his parents credit for raising him with the values needed to be a success. Civil rights is discussed but ultimately having a vision that is color blind is shown to be more important. The diversity he brought to his enterprise and the use of everyone's talents shines through as well.

The music is great too and making wish there was a Motown collection that I can purchase or a soundtrack to the documentary with all the full songs on it.

It is a helpful watch for anyone considering starting a business regardless of field. Barry Gordy shares credit with Smoky Robinson and others but for me it was clear he was the one driving the train..

P.S. Looking forward to comments from professional in the industry as well.