The Anatomy Of A Hit:  Shop Around

The Anatomy Of A Hit: Shop Around

Author: Various Artists February 22, 2009 Duration: 4:55
Smokey Robinson tells the amazing story about Motown’s — and his group the Miracles’ — first million-selling single.

Marking a major milestone, Motown 50 captures the spirit of the legendary label's half-century. This podcast isn't just a retrospective; it's a collection of voices that built the sound itself. You'll hear directly from the founders, hitmakers, and iconic artists who defined an era, with conversations that feel more like private recollections than formal interviews. The series pulls from a rare archive, offering intimate discussions with figures like Berry Gordy, who envisioned it all, and songwriters like Smokey Robinson, who crafted its poetry. The stories of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the groups like The Temptations and The Four Tops provide the personal backdrop to the timeless music. Even the raw energy of The Jackson 5 and the smooth funk of The Commodores find their place here. Notably, the reach of Motown's influence is highlighted by a conversation with hip-hop pioneer Q-Tip, connecting the dots between generations. Each episode of this podcast feels like uncovering a lost session tape or a backstage conversation, focusing on the people and the moments that turned a Detroit record company into a global heartbeat. It's a celebration told from the inside, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the humanity behind the hits. Listening to Motown 50, you get the sense of being in the room where history was made, one song at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 31

Motown 50
Podcast Episodes
The Motown Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:17
Chairman Berry Gordy Jr. reflects on the Motown Legacy.
Motown's Moves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
Award-winning choreographer Toni Basil shares her love for Motown's moves.
Motown and The Big Chill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
Film director Lawrence Kasdan and his wife Meg discuss how they made the most of Motown music in the classic film The Big Chill.
Bravo Motown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:02
Renaissance man Henry Rollins praises Motown and founder and Chairman Berry Gordy.
The Anatomy Of A Hit:  Brick House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:53
OWWW! The Commodores' Walter "Clyde" Orange breaks down their big hit "Brick House," from concept to the top of the charts.
Motown Elegance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:10
Vibe magazine music editor Sean Fennessey discusses the elegance of Motown as well as his experience growing up with the sounds of Michael, Stevie, Smokey and Boyz II Men.