Hitsville: The Making of Motown (12A)

From Motown’s beginnings in its ‘Hitsville USA’ headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, follow the rise of one of the most iconic record labels in history: Motown Records. This documentary directed by Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner features interviews from label founder Berry Gordy, legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson and many more of the label’s iconic artists.

In 1950s Detroit, Michigan, Berry Gordy founds a record label that would go on to have huge international success and a major cultural impact. Hitsville: The Making of Motown looks at Motown Records’ beginnings in a former photographer’s studio, that came to be known as Hitsville USA, through to its rise and relocation to Los Angeles.

During a time when America was clouded with race riots and assassinations of civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr, Motown Records grew in popularity. Among its artists were The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many other musicians that became enormously influential musical icons.

This documentary features rare footage of performances and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at the record label. Watch exclusive interviews with Berry Gordy, as well as many of the label’s most beloved artists, including Smokey Robinson, and those that it came to inspire, such as John Legend. Benjamin Turner (I Am Bolt, The Class of ‘92) and Gabe Turner (Training Days, I Am Bolt, The Class of ‘92) direct this window into the history of Motown Records.

Cert: 12A

Running time: 1hr 52mins