#music-history

Motown Detroit: Where the Jackson 5 Recorded at Age 11

There is a two-story house painted white and blue in Detroit that looks like an ordinary family home. Address: 2648 West Grand Boulevard. It was the first headquarters of Motown Records, bought by Berry Gordy in 1959 for USD 23,000 (financed by an USD 800 family loan). Inside is Studio A. Small room, worn wooden floor, 1877 Steinway piano still working. It was in this studio that Michael Jackson, age 11, recorded "I Want You Back" in October 1969. And "ABC". And "The Love You Save". And "I'll Be There". This guide takes you there: 90-minute tour, USD 18 admission, how to get there from DTW in 25 minutes, where to sleep (The Foundation Hotel or Shinola), where to eat real Detroit-style pizza, and how post-bankruptcy 2013 Detroit became one of the most interesting cities in the US for Black music history. Plus: how to extend to Chicago (5 hours by car) or Toronto (4 hours) and close a complete Motown route.

Curadoria Voyspark · May 24 · 🇺🇸 Detroit