Who was the first artist signed to Motown Records?
Record labels rise and fall in popularity, but few are afforded the legendary status of Motown Records. Founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr in Detroit, the label brought soul music to the masses, producing hit singles by iconic artists like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.Prior to Motown, soul music developed from gospel and R&B but was largely confined to local labels. Gordy, interested in music from a young age, began writing songs for leading soul artists and recording local talent. […]