User reviews

This love letter of a doc celebrates the astonishing success of the Detroit-based record label during the '60s, when its artists included The Supremes, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. British co-directors Benjamin and Gabe Turner conduct interviews with founder Berry Gordy Jr and Smokey Robinson, who explain the assembly-line principles behind the hit factory. If Hitsville feels like a sanitised account, the Motown records featured - which crossed social and racial divides in America - remain gloriously life-affirming.

Very rarely is there a film or documentary that begs for more background and material to be presented, most are in need of serious editing to eliminate needless repetition or boring monologues by so-called subject experts or narrators. (Virtually any Ken Burns doc) However, Motown Records is such an incredible story with has so much material and so many fascinating stories about the talented performers, musicians, writers, arrangers and execs who made Motown Records well deserving of it's "Hitsville USA" slogan. Loved the footage that was shown but 1:52 isn't nearly enough time to the subject give proper credit it deserves.

Motown was the greatest assembly of musicians that the world has ever heard. Their music transcended time, cultures, generations and ethnicities. To this day it remains as some of the most popular and captivating music ever recorded. I loved watching the making of the music and especially the clips of the live performances. Little Stevie Wonder, Little Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations. The list goes on and on. Detroit will forever be known as Motown.

I mean...seriously... I thought I was fairly familiar with most of thees songs....but the mark of a great documentary is hearing something familiar in a new and different way....

I mean....the way they break down the arrangement of The Temptation's " My Girl" is a revelation....hearing those classical music arrangements...they were there the whole time and I never noticed it.....that's what this film does.....as Bill Hader's Stephane character would say..." It Has Everything"

My only beef...and it's a small one...is that the story ends mid-70's....so they don't even touch disco....or losing the Jacksons....no mention of the second wave of Motown in the mid-80's ....but then this would have to have been a mini-series...

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As a native Detroiter, I thought I knew everything about this iconic, trail- blazing, star-making machine. I couldn't have been more wrong! This documentary was brilliantly produced and directed. It provides access to the genius behind the machine - Berry Gordy and many, many of the artists who were there from the beginning -through personal interviews and a rare archive of actual recordings of staff meetings and jam sessions. We get the opportunity to see Berry Gordy's vision come to life as he models his company after a Ford assembly line, starting with identifying, and developing a multitude of talent, then bringing all the key components together, such as writers, musicians, sales people, choreographers, etiquette trainers, under one roof, called Hitsville, that goes unrivaled even today. Mr. Gordy candidly shares his risk taking ventures, successes, and failures, as well as times he was dead wrong about identifying what later became legendary hits. He shares his vulnerabilities when some stars left Motown and other times he had to relinquish the reins or risk losing major stars, such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Smokey Robinson, his life-long best friend, is there to support as well as tease his mentor and old friend. Berry Gordy and company have always made me proud to be a Detroiter, and I was never more proud than after viewing this documentary. Motown's legacy will never die.

Documentary of the remarkable story of Berry Gordy.

Berry was the musical genius behind the formative years of Motown, he provides on screen narration with large contributions from Smokey Robinson.

As a child Berry was always interested in making money and started selling newspapers to white-folk, he did well and pulled in help from his brother to increase sales. But this backfired, you see because 1 black youth was cute but 2 started to look like a threat.

Berry briefly worked at Ford and so we see how car assembly techniques influenced his music production. Berry's skill was song writing and taking talented artists and bringing out the best from them to become superstars. We also see how Smokey Robinson was a special part of the Motown story, he had the idea of producing their own records instead of taking a tiny commission from other companies.

The 'Hitsville USA' studio looked like an ordinary house, this was where they started recording. Motown sounded different and there was a reason, the secret was recording in their echoey bathroom. The film includes historic film footage, including photos and audio clips of meetings where the music making machine 'family' would decide which singles to release.

Don't think of this as a film about black music, more about the sound of America. Deserves an Oscar in the documentary category.

"Hitsville: The Making of Motown" (2019 release; 112 min.) is a documentary about the legendary record label and its music and artists. As the movie opens, we are eavesdropping onto a "Motown Quality Control Meeting", where Berry Gordy is urging his staff "we gotta maintain the highest quality!". We then go back in time, as Gordy talks about his upbringing: "I was a hustler, I wanted to make money!". When his "Berry Gordy's Record Store" closes, he finds work at the Ford assembly line: "I perfected my songwriting skills there", and where he also got the idea of making music "like an assembly line"... At this point we are 10 min. into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from documentary makes Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner, who previously brought us "I Am Bolt". Here they are bringing the beginnings and rise of the Motown sound. Motown of course is irreversibly linked to its founder Berry Gordy. Gordy, along with singer/songwriter/producer/best friend Smokey Robinson, do a lot of the talking, and what is striking is how much laughter fills the interviews. These guys were enjoying themselves then, and still are now. Along the way we get a tour of the original building that house Motown and where all the magic took place, and the building like amazingly small (note to self: next time I'm in Detroit, I just have to visit the Motown Museum). Songwriters Holland-Dozier-Holland get plenty of screen time, as do the Funk Brothers (a/k/a the Motown house band). Another striking thing is how so very young all of them were when the label rose in the early 60s: typically in their late teens or early 20s! One surprise talking head is none other than Neil Young, who was in a band called Mynah Birds that was signed for a while to Motown.

This documentary, which premiered on Showtime a few weeks ago, flew by in no time. There isn't really anything revelatory in it, but it's great hearing these stories again, and hearing and seeing these wonderful artists (check out the 1968 footage of Michael Jackson's original audition!). I saw "Motown The Musical" some years back in New York, and thought that was well done too. More amazingly, I saw the Funk Brothers in concert in 2003 in Oakland, CA, opening up for... the Dead! I'm not kidding. Bottom line: if you love Motown, or are curious about this slice of American music history, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it on VOD or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

Co-writers/directors Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner have delivered the definitive documentary about the musical phenomenon of Motown from its quiet birth by Berry Gordy in 1958 Detroit through its growth in global importance to its relocation to Los Angeles in the 1970s.

But the film is so much more than an overview of some of the most important singers and performers whose careers blossomed under the aegis of Berry Gordy (who narrates the film with Smokey Robinson!): it is a tribute to the impact that 'record company' had on the rise of black performers on the global stage. The script is witty, insightful, sensitive, and eloquent. The film shares films clips of performances by such stars as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, Little Richard, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, the Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye - and on and on.

The manner in which Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson open the survey of the history of civil rights is distinguished and is one of the most accessible demonstrations of that deeply needed transition in cultural equality that has been created. Very highly recommended on many levels.

Berry Gordy, the father of Motown, is a producer of this documentary so it's no wonder it delves into the history of Motown music with rose coloured glasses.

Where are the drugs, egos and inevitable ups and downs of the music industry?

Come in, no one is a saint so I suspect a lot of the negative side of the Motown journey has been omitted.

And after a while, Gordy's banter and giggling with his best friend, fellow music legend Smokey Robinson, gets a bit irritating.

They act like there were never tough times or disagreements, which is hard to believe.

Fortunately, the focus is on the music, and when you realise how many huge stars came from Motown, it's amazing.

Gordy had a knack for knowing what could be added to make a good song great.

He came along at exactly the right time - when teenagers were looking for rock songs to dance to and to cheer for, and when the civil rights movement was bringing black musicians out of the margins to mainstream audiences.

I enjoyed this doco and Motown of course should be lauded for its contribution to music.

I just wish it was a bit grittier and showed more of the dark side of music.

Of all the Motown documentaries I have seen, this is probably the best, maybe because Berry Gordy Jr., the man who created that legendary record company, was also behind the production. I admit that I was a bit skeptic, considering that a man as controversial as Gordy were the center of the film, but he is definitely the heart of the story, the motor of the enterprise and the visionary business man who followed his principles, convictions, dreams and his whims too. A true "influencer".

Many persons can still deny the importance of Motown, as many rock and roll fans, critics and historians who prefer to see that story from the point of view of white boys playing a guitar... but at this point who cares what they believe? The facts are there and those who have been open enough to listen and appreciate, know what role Motown played in music, sociology, politics and civil rights in the United States.

I guess that what makes it all more interesting is the fact that Berry Gordy is quite a host, a funny story teller who receives great help from his best friend, colleague and artistic accomplice William "Smokey" Robinson.

The film also leaves out all the feuds, gossips and sarcasm (for example, Mary Wilson has more screen time than Diana Ross, who only appears in archive stock). In this way the Motown story becomes a celebration of love, effort, friendship and collaboration, with revealing sides to the story: Gordy's inspiration to develop his business model, his own tender perception of the love he had for Ross always tied to business, his initial refusal to accept the genius of Norman Whitfield and Marvin Gaye, his failed attempt to conquer Hollywood with Ross, which in the long run meant the musical downfall of the company.

However, the legacy is intact, and "Hitsville" is a magnificent homage to all the men and women that rode along with Gordy in this journey of American success.

Pretty sure this docu was made so Gordy could explain why he was such a jack-ass to all those magnificently talented people.

The fact that they tried to "spin" his burn and churn into something brilliantly inspired by his days on a car factory's assembles line.

He def made Motown and the magic therein....and he destroyed it in the name of greed of wealth...every chance he could. It was nothing for him to stomp the spirit dead of the greatest ones that walked through the door...and eventually back out.

The cast is missing the heaviest hitters. And Smokey....well he's got nothing better to do.

Berry Gordy...it's too late to explain your terrible behavior.

There have been a number of music documentaries that have covered the era in focus but I give this documentary high praise not just for presentation but on the focus of what actually drove Barry Gordy to start the Motown enterprise and to grow it.

Let me explain upfront I don't have the musical background or training required for making a truly honest assessment of the documentary but being that much of the focus is on the human element behind the music I can point out some key things.

On the entrepreneurial side, learning from failures, perseverance, belief in oneself, and having a vision is embedded in the story. Having everyone in the enterprise share that vision and understand it even more so.

I appreciate how he gives his parents credit for raising him with the values needed to be a success. Civil rights is discussed but ultimately having a vision that is color blind is shown to be more important. The diversity he brought to his enterprise and the use of everyone's talents shines through as well.

The music is great too and making wish there was a Motown collection that I can purchase or a soundtrack to the documentary with all the full songs on it.

It is a helpful watch for anyone considering starting a business regardless of field. Barry Gordy shares credit with Smoky Robinson and others but for me it was clear he was the one driving the train..

P.S. Looking forward to comments from professional in the industry as well.

This is the best ive seen on the MOTOWN label,they cover it from womb to tomb and Barry Gordy is such a likable man.

Maybe some more attention could have been paid to the house band the Funk Brothers because they made the sound not Barry and without them not sure this takes off.

If you like music you will like this. If you don't like Motown you won't like this. If you don't like music don't bother to watch it.

It was a brilliant documentary that gave me a greater insight to one of the greatest record labels in the world. Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were and are a great double act.

Not just the greatest story of music production on earth but maybe the revelation of the greatest business model based on Love, nuturing and ironically the Detroit assembly line! Berry Gordy brought out the best in people, with Love, brutal honesty, guidance and heart.

One of Berry's best songwriters and producers, Norman Whitfield, started out for years as a secretary! Years later he was allowed into the Snakepit (the main studio) and produced magic such as "Heard it through the Grapevine"!

Two of the legendary songwriting team Holland Dozier & Holland couldn't even play musical instruments when they started as 18 year old interns with Berry! The guy is a legend as much as the music that was produced as a result of the environment he created. Great music and clips along the way of course that's a given but the insight into the men and women at this core is just incredibly charming, inspiring and heartfelt. The honesty and Love between the founders Berry and his first intern Smokey is literally a masterpiece of humanity at it's best.

Anyone with an interest in music and it's history should watch this. Motown was groundbreaking and historic for many reasons but the music is what stands out and it's told here front and center by the 2 main legends behind it. Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson host this epic adventure of how, what and who was behind the Motown label and the unique process Berry Gordy used to operate Motown like a production line. There's no shortage of archival footage and the stories behind how these songs came to fruition. Interviews, deep cuts from the in-house recordings of meetings along with lengthy commentary from Holland-Dozier-Holland makes this a must watch.

Fantastic documentary,really enjoyed watching. A two old chaps talking about the the legend recording studio. My favourite was Smokey a very positive,smiley guy. Keep it up. Amazing music ,quite emotional was for me to listen. Marvellous music stars with big names Marvin Gaye,Steve Wonder , Diana Ross etc. I must say this movie remained me " The Dream Girls" ,anyway,when I back home I turn on the radio and was a Marvin Gaye with his " What's going on " in the air ,how brilliant...

Motown was more than a reflection of the times; it helped create the times. This documentary did a good job of covering the basics with the time it was given, however that era of our history deserves so much more. So glad to have been a part of it. Volumes can be written about America from the 1950s through the 1970s and the part music played.

This was well done. I walked away with learning more about Motown than I knew before. If, I walk away from something and draw parallels into my own experience through understanding more about humankind, then this documentary goes to a deeper level for me.

At the end of it all, we are all uniquely individual, no matter how a movement/organization tries to mold and shape you. If I picked up on the theme, then you will find that the part in the credits fascinating. Who else would you expect to remember the words to Hitsville, USA (The company's song).

I will always cherish the songs, the artists, and the movement! They created something that became bigger than themselves with their own unique individual signature.

Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, the two founders of Motown Records USA, narrate this documentary. The incredible narratives about the Jackson 5's early beginnings, Stevie Wonder's remarkable start at the age of 12, his romantic involvement with Diana Ross, and the fierce rivalry among the renowned 1970s boy and girl R&B bands are absolutely captivating. The hit songs of the 1970s by R&B groups were often chosen for promotion across the country through private meetings attended by Berry, Smokey, and various office staff members. Between 1950 and 1980, radio DJs owned the airwaves, playing albums that were available for purchase at record stores, appealing to listeners of all ages. I was born in 1968. Streaming media and social media channels were not part of our lives back then.