Actually, there were a few side houses/buildings that were used for production for some of Gordy's sublabels of Motown. I actually had the honor of meeting James Jamerson's son a few years ago. He relayed this story to me his father once told him; that the "Hitsville" house was the major leagues for Motown, and you worked your way up in the farm system to get a shot to record at the W. Grand Blvd. house. Some musicians made it, others didn't. Thank god the whole northern soul scene kept interest in the obscure alive. We're in the middle of working on a soul/r&b guide, and I've been up to my ears in Northern Soul comps.
But it is so humbling, way more than anything I experienced when I first started listening to electronic music. There was such a plethora of talent in this town that never got proper recognition (make your connection to the elctronic scene here) for good, honest quality songwriting. There's an excellent site that's been mentioned on here before, soulfuldetroit.com. It's well worth your time if you are interested in this era. Rant done. rt -----Original Message----- From: Fred Heutte [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 5:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: (313) Standing in the Shadows of Motown I saw the trailer for this before Bowling for Columbine. This will make it a Michigan three-run home run for me -- Bowling, 8 Mile and Motown. I took my friend from SF to the Motown Museum the day after the DEMF this year. She thought it was amazing. It still amazes *me* all that music came from that one room, supported by people working like mad in a bunch of houses down the street from GM. Fred
