Motown: explained! What to expect from a Motown tribute act.

One of the most common enquiries we get is for a soul artist or tribute act to appear at a 'Motown night' or a 'Motown tribute' to appear at a 'soul and disco night.' Over time, Motown has become a bit of a generic term for any kind of soul, gospel, disco type of music that fits. However, Motown is an American record label not a genre or a musical style or an adjective.

For example, if you were looking to host a 'Motown night' or a 'Motown theme' party and you wanted a 'Motown artist' to perform, you would be looking for performers who were signed to and have released music under the Motown label.
Most tributes to the 'sound of Motown' are vocal groups who specialise in covering hits produced by the label such as;
Hitsville - The Sound of Motown,
American Dream Motown Show,
Hitzville presents The American Drifters

These groups each have a full and faithful set list dedicated to the music produced by the Motown label and some of it's most popular artists. Other tribute acts such as Lionel Richie are a common request and although he was indeed a Motown artist, a lot of his solo music was released post 1980 and after the Motown heyday of the 60s and 70s that most people tend to associate with the Motown sound. With this in mind, he probably wouldn't be the best choice for an explicitly 'Motown' theme.

If you're considering Motown, you're probably thinking Soul aswell and The Gillettes are have a fantastic set list incorporating the best of Motown's artists in addition to Soul music.

So whatever the occassion, a tribute to the greats of Motown is a universally recognisable and enjoyable option.
And when your guests question you or meekly ask 'but what is Motown?' you are well equipped to explain!