Berry Gordy’s Broader Musical Aspirations
Berry Gordy was a music mogul who founded the iconic Motown record label in 1959. He had a vision of creating a sound that would appeal to both black and white audiences, and he achieved this by signing a variety of artists from different genres. One of the most notable signings was Rare Earth, a rock band from Detroit. The signing of Rare Earth to Motown was a demonstration of Berry Gordy’s broader musical aspirations, as it showed his willingness to embrace different styles of music.
Motown’s Expansion into Rock Music
The signing of Rare Earth to Motown marked an important milestone in the label’s history. Prior to this, Motown had primarily focused on soul and R&B music, but with the addition of Rare Earth, they began to expand their repertoire into rock music. This move demonstrated Berry Gordy’s ambition to create a diverse range of music that could appeal to all audiences. By embracing different genres, he hoped to create a sound that would be universally accepted.
A New Direction for Motown
The signing of Rare Earth also signaled a new direction for Motown. With the addition of the rock band, Berry Gordy was able to broaden the label’s reach and attract new fans. This move allowed Motown to become more than just an R&B label; it became a multi-genre powerhouse that could appeal to all types of listeners. By embracing different styles of music, Berry Gordy was able to create an empire that would last for decades.