Where Did Our Love Go

Nelson George, one of America's most respected music writers, here presents a detailed yet concise history of Motown, or rather Classic Period Motown (1959-1971). The story of the label is as much the story of it's founder, Berry Gordy, as it is of the superb music created in the 1960s, and as such the first part of the book tells some of the history of the Gordy family, from their roots in the South to their move to Detroit and the deep, driving work ethic that was instilled into each generation - succeed, make money, be nobody's fool.

For a while it seemed that Berry Gordy would buck that trend as he drifts through various professions, even boxing, before settling on songwriting. Coming to realise that the only way to make money was to control every aspect of the business, from styling the artistes to writing, production and record distribution, Gordy's drive saw Motown emerge as the greatest black-owned business of its era. It was this iron control that enabled Motown to produce a long string of hit records that still endure to this day.

George isn't wearing rose tinted glasses though. He details all the ups and down, the harsh treatment of some singers, the ill-feeling created by what some saw as a lack of reward for their efforts. But, at its peak, Motown produced some of the greatest music of any era. The groups and singers who became superstars - Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5 - crossed over into mainstream entertainment, changing popular music forever.

Where Did Our Love Go? is a great, unsentimental look at one of the pivotal labels in music history, the people behind it and the singers who became famous because of it. Recommended to anyone with a love of music, especially soul music.