Topic: Temptations

2 chapters across the catalog

94: Helping Our People
• 33:47 - 42:54

94: Helping Our People

Motown Quality Control and Artist Development Finishing School

In clips from an Oprah Masterclass, Barry Gordy explains the creation of "Hitsville USA" and his "no flops" policy. He details the roles of Maxine Powell, who ran a finishing school for artists, and choreographer Charlie Atkins in polishing the Motown image. Gordy emphasizes that while voice quality mattered, the "family" fit and personal character of artists like the Temptations were the primary factors in his success.