Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Record Corporation on January 12, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. With just an $800 loan from his family, he transformed a small Detroit photography studio into "Hitsville U.S.A.," the birthplace of what would become one of the most successful and influential record labels in music history.

Before founding Motown, Gordy worked at the Lincoln-Mercury plant and wrote songs for local Detroit artists. His experience in the auto industry influenced his approach to music production, applying assembly-line efficiency to the recording process. This systematic approach would later become known as the "Motown Sound."

Initially named Tamla Records, Gordy expanded and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in 1960. The name "Motown" combined "motor" and "town," paying homage to Detroit's reputation as the Motor City. The label's first hit came with Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" in 1959.

Gordy's vision extended beyond just creating music. He established a unique artist development system that transformed young talents into polished performers. This included etiquette classes, choreography training, and vocal coaching. Under his leadership, Motown launched the careers of legendary artists like Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5.

As founder and president, Berry Gordy Jr. ran Motown Records until 1988, when he sold the company to MCA and Boston Ventures for $61 million. His creation of Motown not only revolutionized the music industry but also played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in popular music, making R&B music accessible to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Today, Motown remains a testament to Berry Gordy Jr.'s entrepreneurial spirit and vision, having produced more than 180 No. 1 hit songs worldwide and forever changing the landscape of popular music.

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