From Publishers Weekly
Although clear and concise, Motown adds little to what the public already knows about the record company that had hit after hit in the '60s. The familiar main events are covered in detail: Marvin Gaye leaving Motown because owner Berry Gordy allowed only one of his performersSmokey Robinsonartistic control over recordings; the departure of the talented writing and producing trio of Holland, Dozier and Holland because of royalty disagreements; jealousy on the part of other Motown groups when Gordy concentrated on Diana Ross's career, even at the expense of her group, the Supremes. The trivialists of record release dates, television appearances, even marriages, births, deathscarries the book. Some rare publicity photographs are also included.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Taraborrelli writes about Motown Records from its inception in the late 1950s to its present-day empire. After an introduction, he divides the book into five sections: each begins with a chronology of events at Motown and then includes sketches of such performers as Smokey Robinson, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5. Although gathering together many interesting photos, the author takes the uncritical perspective of a fan, characterizing the Motown sound as "the most exciting and absorbing popular music of the postwar epoch." Compared to other recent books on the subject, this book adds little to the understanding of the Motown phenomenon. Still, it will probably appeal to diehard fans. David Szatmary, Con tinuing Education, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
