Berry Gordy, Jr., borrows $800 from his family saving club, Ber-Berry Co-op, begins Tamla Record Company in Detroit. Jobete Music Co. purchases house at 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, Michigan Motown record label established.

Motown releases its first hit, “Money (That’s What I Want)”, sung by Barrett Strong, written by Berry Gordy, Jr. and Janie Bradford.

The Temptations audition for Motown with the name The Elgins, but are signed as The Temptations. Stevie Wonder (Steveland Morris) signed with Motown. Primettes sign with Motown and become the Supremes.

Smokey Robinson becomes the Vice President of Motown Records.

The Motor town Revue leaves Detroit to tour the East coast and South. Groups include the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, Mary Wells, Little Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Contours, the Marvelettes, and the Choker Campbell Band.

Led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., more than 125,000 people march for civil rights down Woodward Ave. in Detroit. King first delivers “I Have a Dream” speech, which is recorded on the Berry Gordy’s label.

Motown Records employs an astonishing 125 People! Temptations have #1 hit with “My Girl” Motown releases its first eight-track tapes. Five Motown releases reach #1 on the top ten pop charts including “I Can’t Help Myself” by the Four Tops and “Stop In The Name of Love” by the Supremes.

Motown Gross 20 million dollars. Gladys Knight and the Pips, Tammi Terrell, and the Isley Brothers sign with Motown.

Motown reportedly projects $30 million in gross sales. Motown has five major labels – Tamla, Motown, Gordy, Soul and V.I.P.

Motown moves its headquarters from West Grand Blvd. to a new downtown office location at 2457 Woodward Ave. at the Fisher Freeway. Marvin Gaye’s version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” hits #1 on pop chart.

The Jackson 5 sign with Motown. Yes, Michael Jackson worked with Motown Records in Detroit. The Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next To You” reaches #1 on pop chart.

Michael Jackson appears on cover of Rolling Stone. Motown is a highly successful music company and an important element of the City of Detroit.