Motown : The Golden Years: The Stars and Music That Shaped a Generation [Paperback]

Bill Dahl (Author), Weldon A. McDougal III (Author)

Book Description

Series: Music of the Great Lakes | Publication Date: October 2001

This is the book for lovers of Motown! Author and Motown historian Bill Dahl has expertly compiled this comprehensive guide to the musical combination of pop and gospel, known as Motown. This new compilation features an A-to-Z listing and biography of nearly every Motown group since its beginning in 1959. Also included are never-before-published photos. Enthusiasts will now have a chance to own a complete encyclopaedia of groups and artists, along with information about their music, including a discography and price guide. Dahl has written liner notes for hundreds of recordings and is also a regular contributor to many record publications, including Goldmine. Includes a -32-page colour section containing many never-before-published photos and a complete encyclopaedia of groups, artists, plus discography and price guide for all Motown acts

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873492862
• ISBN-13: 978-0873492867
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,338,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Records

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Motown Enthusiasts Must Have Book, November 20, 2001

By 

Irvin Goodman - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motown : The Golden Years: The Stars and Music That Shaped a Generation (Paperback)

This is a brand new, year 2001 soft back, 384 page book. It features a great 32 page full color section with 50 photos. More than 100 rare photos are included. A host of black and white vintage photos appear along with interesting text throughout the volume. Chapters provide in depth coverage of nearly 100 stars of the golden era of Motown. There is a wealth of information here. You'll find a Motown 1959 - 1972 "Defining the Sound of Young America" chapter included. Motown music fans will find this an interesting read and great reference.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Hitsville, January 8, 2002

By 

Robert Berman (Cheshire, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motown : The Golden Years: The Stars and Music That Shaped a Generation (Paperback)

I got this book during the Christmas season and I can honestly say it was my best gift. Although I have always liked Motown, the subject is not one I would have requested a book on. Thank you you-know-who for disregarding my list this year. There is so much information here that I'm sure the author, for sanity sake, decided it was best to put it in an encyclopedia-like format. So, "M" for example, under Superstars, would list Martha and the Vandellas, the Marvelettes, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. This is not to suggest that because it's in that format, it'a a cold, reference book. Mr. Dahl presents each artist, songwriter, or musician's bio in a very readable, story-like way. And on some major artists, like the writers Holland-Dozier- Holland, they have their few pages, but in addition are incorporated into others' stories. In my family I'm considered the musical trivia expert, but a page didn't go by that I didn't learn something new and fascinating about an artist or the history of Motown. And there's a large section covering I believe every single person who even walked through the doors of Motown! I'm exaggerating, but it's an amazing list along with their stories of course. I was especially impressed with how Mr. Dahl brought out Berry Gordy's story of imagining the impossible and then bringing it to fruition. Oh yes, I forgot to mention there's a ...-load of great photos.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduce You To Other Motown Singers Forgotten., December 14, 2001

By 

MeMyselfandI (MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Motown : The Golden Years: The Stars and Music That Shaped a Generation (Paperback)

Great Book. This is the first book that deal with other Motown singers and songwriters and producers who have been forgotten. They focus on other stars besides The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, in this book they introduce you to other great Motown singers, great pictures, rare, never before seen pictures, this is a most for motown fans.