Motown Museum

When I was a kid one of my most memorable experiences was taking a trip with my Dad to the Motown Museum. Since I grew up in Detroit listening to Motown music, the idea of going to the museum was very exciting. Little did I know what this museum has to offer. I left this museum with a new appreciation for music, and a better understanding of what music is all about and how much goes into making it.

The gallery at the Motown Museum is an awesome way to go behind the scenes and feel as if you’re actually there watching the magic unfold. The gallery displays costumes and uniforms actually worn by performers like the Supremes, the Temptations and Michael Jackson. I’ll never forget how it felt to be arms length away from Jackson’s infamous outfits and sparkly glove.  The original sheet music to Motown’s most memorable songs are on display, including sloppy sketches of lyrics that would one day make some of the most famous songs ever written. Never before seen photos cover the exhibit making you feel as if you’re a part of the jam session you see taking place. Posters and flyers the record label used to spread the word are on display, and the dates of events make you feel as if you are right there in that time, waiting to purchase your tickets. In that moment, you feel like you’re a part of Motown, right there with the artists.  

Another cool part of the museum is the echo chamber.  In the 1960’s, special effect sounds were created in this echo chamber. The museum exhibits the exact chamber the artists used to make their songs. Visitors are encouraged to clap and sing to Motown songs in the echo chamber, making their own music, the same way the artists did. It’s really hands on and I loved being able to actually be a part of making music while I was there.

Visitors are also able to check out the control room equipment originally used to record popular songs like “shop around.” It was very exciting to learn exactly how lyrics and instruments were recorded separately and then later put back together so each part of the song could be perfected.

Motown’s first recording studio, “Studio A,” was the hang out and recording spot for many famous artists. Here at the museum, the recording studio is set up the exact same way it was for the artists of the 1960’s. Visitors are able to stand in the exact same spot as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and many other stars as they recorded some of the most popular songs of all time. It’s an amazing experience to be able to stand in the exact same spot as your idols.

The Motown Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Detroit but even for those who live in the Detroit area, it can be on awesome experience. The best way to understand something that happened is to actually live it. Since we can’t go back to 1960 and relive the magic of Motown, it is nice to know we get the next best thing; the chance to go back and relive it by walking through the exact same rooms and making music the same way the artists did.