Less that two weeks away, Christmas 2021 is fast approaching. Which means (if we’re lucky), more shopping, more gatherings, more cooking, eating and more time with loved ones. Which in turn means –more holiday music!
This week, we’re offering a collection near and dear to our ears that includes classic and modern takes on holiday favorites by artists who recorded on the legendary Motown label:
From Stevie Wonder,Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5 to the Supremes, the Hitsville U.S.A. first gen hitmakers are doing their thing, as are next gen artists Ne-Yo, Boyz II Men, Kim Weston, Tiana Major 9 and more.
Wishing you all the best as we celebrate the season. Enjoy!
Hitsville USA in Detroit, MI (photo via wikipedia.com) by Nigel Roberts via newsone.com
The vision of an expanded space for the world famous Motown Museum is closer to fruition with the donation of $500,000 from the Hudson-Webber Foundation, Business Insider reported.
“Every time we get another one of these significant lead gifts in the campaign, not only does it encourage us as a team, but also sends a message to the rest of the funding community about this project, the importance of this development and also makes clear that this is real,” Robin Terry, chairwoman and CEO of the museum, told the Detroit Free Press when the foundation notified her about the award.
This donation comes after the museum received a $1 million donation from the Fred A. and Barbara Erb Family Foundation. In October 2016, the museum announced plans for a $50 million, 50,000-square foot expansion project. The new space will include more interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, retail shops and meeting spaces. Motown Museum Expansion Expansion Artist Rendering (photo via freep.com)
Museum-goers currently only have access to two houses on Grand Boulevard and the funds from the campaign will allow a third house with more exhibits to be built. The expansion will foster job creation and economic growth in Detroit, providing the local community with nearly 250 job opportunities.
“The Motown Museum project will increase the vitality of the surrounding neighborhood and will expand the museum’s ability to serve as an educational and cultural amenity for the city and beyond,” Melanca Clark, president and CEO of the foundation, told the newspaper. “We’re so proud to support an iconic Detroit institution that connects our city to the world.”
Motown founder Berry Gordy’s sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, established the original museum in 1985. Source: Motown Museum Receives Donation From Hudson Webber Foundation | News One
An artist rendering of the expanded Motown Museum in Detroit. (Image courtesy of Ford) article via eurweb.com Ford Motor Company and UAW-Ford have announced a $6 million investment towards a planned expansion of the Motown Museum in Detroit, reports Billboard.
The figure makes the auto giant and union the lead donors in a recently announced $50 million upgrade that will create a new Ford-branded theater, space for interactive exhibits and a recording studio at the tourist attraction.
“We are thrilled to play a role in the next chapter of a global music icon,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “The enhanced museum will not only upgrade the visitor experience, it also fits with our commitment to investing in the cultural heritage of Detroit and southeast Michigan.”
As part of the Ford/UAW investment, the expanded Motown Museum will include a new venue to be called the Ford Motor Company Theater, as well as a new interactive activity called the CARaoke Experience that will incorporate music with Ford vehicles. The donation will also fuel educational, music and other programming.
The Motown Museum is located in the Hitsville U.S.A. house where record company founder Berry Gordy launched his music empire in 1959. Scores of stars and hits were created there before the label moved to California in 1972. To read original article, go to: http://www.eurweb.com/2016/11/ford-donates-6-million-toward-motown-museum-detroit/#
