Rating: 
Summary: Hitsville USA - A Good Intro To Motown's Glory
Review: This book is a good reference about Motown containing details about the superstars and facts about some of the lesser known Motown acts (Paul Peterson!?!). which prevent The book is divided into two parts. The first half deals with the top 12 Motown acts and the second half deals with the the rest up through 1972. I learned quite a bit, especially about the second tier stars and the minor acts. The black and white pictures show these groups in classic poses and are stunning in the large format.There are a couple of things which keep this book from five star status. The author often glosses over things such as devoting one single paragraph each to Stevie Wonder's and Marvin Gaye's peak periods. I realize that this may be a bit out of the time frame covered by the book but even David Ruffin's and Eddie Kendrick's solo careers after 1973 got more of a write up. Also, the music itself doesn't get a lot of attention. This book could have used a discography and discussion on how certain songs were influential both then and now. Although there is a great color shot of Michael Jackson making a face, the color photos are not up to the standard of the B&Ws. They seem to be more from personal collections rather than the Motown archives. All in all, a good read and best read while listening to the great Motown music in the background.
Rating:
Summary: A Motown Enthusiasts Must Have Book
Review: This is a brand new, year 2001 soft back, 384 page book. It features a great 32 page full color section with 50 photos. More than 100 rare photos are included. A host of black and white vintage photos appear along with interesting text throughout the volume. Chapters provide in depth coverage of nearly 100 stars of the golden era of Motown. There is a wealth of information here. You'll find a Motown 1959 - 1972 "Defining the Sound of Young America" chapter included. Motown music fans will find this an interesting read and great reference.
Rating:
Summary: A Motown Enthusiasts Must Have Book
Review: This is a brand new, year 2001 soft back, 384 page book. It features a great 32 page full color section with 50 photos. More than 100 rare photos are included. A host of black and white vintage photos appear along with interesting text throughout the volume. Chapters provide in depth coverage of nearly 100 stars of the golden era of Motown. There is a wealth of information here. You'll find a Motown 1959 - 1972 "Defining the Sound of Young America" chapter included. Motown music fans will find this an interesting read and great reference.
Rating: 
Summary: The True Motown Family!
Review: We remember all the super stars from Motown and Bill brings us up-to-date with all members of those groups -- and also reminds us of many of the Motown artists that we often forget about. A very, very thorough presentation of all of the Motown family -- including some writers, producers and behind the scenes people. The photos by Weldon McDougal III are a real treat because many of them are candid photos never seen before. The reader can see that Weldon knew these artists personally and captured them in their natural environment. A very easy read because the individuals are listed alphabetically and we glean information that was not just put out by PR firms!! The Golden Years is a great gift with wonderful photos for displaying on the coffee table. Everyone has personal recollections when they hear a Motown song and this book renews our own memories of the unforgetable music that helped shape many generations!
Rating:
Summary: The True Motown Family!
Review: We remember all the super stars from Motown and Bill brings us up-to-date with all members of those groups -- and also reminds us of many of the Motown artists that we often forget about. A very, very thorough presentation of all of the Motown family -- including some writers, producers and behind the scenes people. The photos by Weldon McDougal III are a real treat because many of them are candid photos never seen before. The reader can see that Weldon knew these artists personally and captured them in their natural environment. A very easy read because the individuals are listed alphabetically and we glean information that was not just put out by PR firms!! The Golden Years is a great gift with wonderful photos for displaying on the coffee table. Everyone has personal recollections when they hear a Motown song and this book renews our own memories of the unforgetable music that helped shape many generations!
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