motown Archives - Rolling Out

The life of funk and R&B legend Rick James is about to be transformed into a limited series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Studio Group’s UCP is developing the project titled “Super Freak,” which is described as “a funkadelic mix of music biopic and true crime.” Rick James’ daughter, Ty James, one of the…

Stevie Wonder has quit Motown Records after almost six decades. The “Superstition” hitmaker was just 11 when he was signed to the iconic label and now he’s launched his own imprint So What The Fuss Music on Universal Music Group’s Republic Records. To kick-start his new record label, Wonder released the new tracks “Where Is…

Motown music legend Stevie Wonder’s medical condition is reportedly grave. One of the most prolific and influential songwriters in American history is going to require a liver transplant after unsubstantiated reports had swirled for months that he is suffering from liver failure, TMZ reports. The “Part Time Lover” and “I Just Called to Say I…

Motown legend, Diana Ross celebrated her 75th birthday with a star-studded bash on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Guests included Diddy, Berry Gordy, Kris Jenner, and Diana’s son and daughter-in-law Evan Ross, Ashlee Simpson and more. Video footage shared on Instagram showed her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross urging one of the megastars at the celebrations to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ Tracee said…

Gospel singer and social media sensation Lexi Allen is one of the funniest women in gospel music. When she’s not making people laugh via her YouTube skits that have garnered over 30 million views, you can faithfully find her hilariously encouraging the saints to get their butts to church every Sunday on her Instagram platform.…

When the officials at the Grammys announced that Jennifer Lopez would do a tribute to Motown, many on social media expressed concerns. But some decided to give Lopez a chance after Motown legend Smokey Robinson came to her defense days before the big event. Be that as it may, the actual performance caused a stir,…

So this is how far the mighty Motown has fallen. Most music fans remember that Motown, one of the most successful and prolific record labels of all time, once celebrated its 25th anniversary (in 1983) with the return of its legendary artists at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in L.A. The show was one of epic standards for…

Rapper Icewear Vezzo hails from 6 Mile in Detroit and is continuing the legacy of quality music to come out of the one and only Motown. We spoke with Vezzo about his hometown, his music and some of the struggles he has come through. Where did the name Icewear Vezzo come from? It was from…

Sam Austins is a name that’s mentioned often in Detroit. Austins is related to Motown legends Barrett Strong and Harold Bonhart. Bonhart is his dad and songwriter Strong is his uncle.The popular artist turned the Motor City upside down with his 2017 EP Angst and now he’s releasing his first single of 2018, “Fenty.” “Fenty”…

Often in a metropolitan city, there’s a slew of talent that creates the soundtrack to city-goers’ lives. With each show, both in-state and out, these artists build upon momentum while sharpening their craft. Detroit has widely been known as the birthplace of arguably the first major independent record label in music history, Motown. And while the…

Pete-Moore

Warren “Pete” Moore has died at the age of 78. The late-singer was a member of The Miracles with Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson and Robert “Bobby” Rogers. He also co-wrote hits such as “The Tracks of My Tears”, “The Tears Of A Clown” and “Ooo Baby Baby” for the group. Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.…

Ronnie McNeir, of the legendary Motown recording group The Four Tops, was recently honored in a street renaming ceremony by the city of Pontiac, MI. The street E. Wilson Street was officially renamed to Ronnie McNeir Street in front of many political leaders and the current mayor of Pontiac, the Honorable Deidra Waterman, as well…

Photo credit: Sterling Photography Singer, songwriter and actress Beth Griffith may be new to you, but she has been in the music industry since she was in the womb. Her father Johnny Griffith, was the legendary and multi-Grammy® Award-winning pianist and keyboardist. He was an original member of the Funk Brothers, the in-house band for…

Broadway is back in Detroit with Motown the Musical. Rolling out recently caught the show at the historic Fisher Theatre. Giving an intimate view of Berry Gordy‘s trials and triumphs, it tells the true story behind an entertainment industry mainstay. Over 40 classic hits birthed by the multimillion-dollar machine are performed with synchronized dance routines and vibrant…

Leon Ware, one of R&B and pop music’s most famous singers-musicians-songwriters, has died and music has lost a true legend that was widely respected and emulated. Ware was a Detroit native and was at the forefront of soul and R&B for decades. He gained fame first in 1967. It was then that he worked with…

Photo Credit: Montez Miller

Photo Credit: Montez Miller Legendary musician Stevie Wonder took Detroit to higher ground on Wednesday, Dec. 21 with the dedication of a street in his honor. Hundreds of devoted fans braved the winter temps to witness history as the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Woodward Avenue was renamed Stevie Wonder Avenue. Bodies were cold, but hearts were…

EP Entertainment/Motown recording artist Sebastian Kole is undeniably bringing back the feeling of love with his new album titled, SOUP. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter believes the music industry has become primarily entertainment-driven and is losing its valuable components. His gift for songwriting is quite evident and others took note early on in his career. In 2012,…

Steve “Face” Riley has been appointed the new general manager of Big Boy Music LLC and SUGO Music Group Distribution. In this role, he will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations, managing staff and signing new artists to the label. Riley’s goal for Big Boy Music is to become the new millennium Motown. Please…

Back in December of 2015, rolling out comprised a list of the Top 5 Chicago Artists to check for in 2016. BJ the Chicago Kid was at the top of the list. Based on the reception and acclaim he has received for his new release, In My Mind, it seems as though we created a proper…

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) along with Motown Gospel, honored gospel music’s most prestigious names and 2016 Stellar Awards nominees at the 7th annual ASCAP Morning Glory Breakfast reception in Las Vegas, NV at The Mirage Hotel & Casino on Saturday, February 20. 2016. The breakfast, an exclusive premiere event leading…