David Ellis is passioniate about making music documentaries
Rolling out spoke with David Ellis, Motown Museum curator, about his most recent work, as part of our “Making Smoke” series, in partnership with Backwoods. What makes you hot? What makes me hot is my willingness to understand the artists’ point of view. My passion is making sure the artists are known, that their stories […]
David Ellis talks about working with Motown artists
Rolling out spoke with David Ellis, Motown Museum curator, about his most recent work, as part of our “Making Smoke” series, in partnership with Backwoods.
Apropos is keeping Motown alive with new hit ‘Spiritual Surgery’
International recording artist, Apropos has been featured on NBC’s The Voice, Complex, Entertainment Weekly, Elton John’s Rocket Hour, and more. He was born and raised in Detroit, the home of Motown Records. Apropos is set to release several independent masterpieces this year and has been acclaimed by Sir Elton John and Kem. Kem describes him as “having that […]
Director Al Nuke’s film ‘Detroit Dreams’ illustrates evolution of city’s musical sound
Rolling out’s Star Studio sat down with Detroit film director, Al Nuke, to discuss the concept of his film Detroit Dreams, the evolution of Detroit music over time, and where he feels Detroit stands in today’s entertainment landscape. Detroit Dreams premieres on May 1st, in Detroit, as part of a 7-city screening tour. The movie will […]
Smokey Robinson hates being called African American instead of ‘Black’ (video)
Do not call Smokey Robinson an “African American.” The Motown legend eschews the term in favor of calling himself “Black” and “Black American.” The incomparable crooner, songwriter, producer and one-time president of Motown elaborated on “The View” talk show on why he recoils from “African American.” It was during Robinson’s discussion about his poem, “Black […]
Can you feel it? The Jacksons reissuing digital editions of last 3 albums
Expanded digital editions of The Jacksons’ last three studio albums will be released on April 30. Epic Records and Sony’s Legacy Recordings have announced 1980’s Triumph, 1984’s Victory and 1989’s 2300 Jackson Street will be reissued with bonus tracks. On Friday, March 19, 2021, a new remix of “Can You Feel It” by producer and […]
Stevie Wonder explains why he’s moving to Ghana permanently
All-time music great Stevie Wonder declared with absolute resolve that he is moving to Ghana to live out the rest of his days. The 22-time Grammy-winner said he has grown weary of America’s infuriating and mystifying unwillingness to accept all of its citizens equally. Wonder, 70, whom most R&B artists and even pop singers revere […]
Mary Wilson, co-founder of The Supremes, has died at 76
Mary Wilson, one of the founders of Motown’s most successful music group, The Supremes, has passed away in suburban Las Vegas. She was 76. There is no word yet as to what caused Wilson’s death at her home in Henderson, Nevada. Wilson “passed away suddenly this evening,” is the only confirmation Variety magazine received from […]
Rick James’ ‘Super Freak’ biopic series being developed
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 leaves Motown, new label launches strong
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 […]
Stevie Wonder in very poor health
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 […]
Diana Ross celebrates her 75th birthday with a celebrity bash
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 […]
Lexi Allen on her gospel album ‘Just Listen,’ upcoming nuptials and God’s favor
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. […]
Jennifer Lopez blasted by Black Twitter for Motown tribute during Grammys
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, […]
Black Twitter loses it as J-Lo is picked to perform Motown songs at Grammys
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 […]
Icewear Vezzo on Detroit, Motown and having ‘Clarity’
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 […]
Detroit artist Sam Austins shows love to Rihanna on ‘Fenty’
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” […]
5 Detroit hip-hop artists who keep the culture lit
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 […]
Detroit vocalist Pete Moore of The Miracles dies at 78
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 legendary group The Four Tops, honored with street renaming
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 […]