Motown

Detroit's nickname Motor City inspired the name Motown. This topic is part of Music Industry within Music. This page currently draws on 18 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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Motown trivia questions

Motown Records was founded in which U.S. city?

Answer: Detroit

Bonus fact: Detroit's nickname Motor City inspired the name Motown.

Who founded Motown Records?

Answer: Berry Gordy

Bonus fact: Gordy founded Tamla Records in 1959, which became part of Motown.

What nickname was given to Motown's original Detroit headquarters?

Answer: Hitsville U.S.A.

Bonus fact: The house on West Grand Boulevard became the center of the Motown sound.

Which Motown singer recorded several famous duets with Marvin Gaye?

Answer: Tammi Terrell

Bonus fact: Their hits included Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

In what year did William 'Mickey' Stevenson join Motown as its first Head of A&R?

Answer: 1959

Bonus fact: Stevenson assembled Motown's famed house band, the Funk Brothers.

"Motown: The Musical" tells the story of which record label?

Answer: Motown Records

Bonus fact: The show uses songs associated with many of Motown's biggest stars.

Which Motown founder is the central character of "Motown: The Musical"?

Answer: Berry Gordy

Bonus fact: Gordy built Motown from a Detroit startup into one of the most influential labels in popular music.

The book for "Motown: The Musical" is based largely on whose autobiography?

Answer: Berry Gordy's

Bonus fact: Gordy wrote the show's book and drew heavily from his memoir about creating and running Motown.

Stevie Wonder became a star with which record label?

Answer: Motown

Bonus fact: He signed with Motown as a child prodigy.

Diana Ross first became famous as lead singer of which group?

Answer: The Supremes

Bonus fact: The Supremes became Motown's most successful vocal group.

Marvin Gaye was a major star of which record label?

Answer: Motown

Bonus fact: He became one of Motown's most important singers.

Which dance move became strongly associated with Michael Jackson after a 1983 television performance?

Answer: Moonwalk

Bonus fact: He performed the moonwalk during Billie Jean on Motown 25.

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