https://youtu.be/sTbb39iNNqo
It is too bad that it will not be seen by a wide range of people just for the fact that it will only be shown on Showtime.
Typical. Hope they have four tops clips. The real Motown needs focused on like Shorty Long, Jimmy Ruffin. All people mention is the overrated Jackson 5, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. This better get a DVD release.
I know what you mean. This so far seems like a rehashing of the Motown 40 Special that aired in two parts on ABC back in 1998. They NEVER cover certain Motown artists. It would make the program more interesting if they did.Quote:
Originally Posted by Soulmusic4life
Let’s hope for the best, but it does seem like there’s some great footage. I’m sure Showtime is looking for the broader audience rather than specialist or fans like us who know a lot of the background already. I also hope that we get to see it [[soon!) in the UK. With any luck maybe on BBC2 as it seems like it’ll have the more general appeal than for BBC4. Or maybe Sky Arts, although Sky seems to have more of an association with HBO than Showtime.
The problem is this. Back in 1986, Showtime produced and aired a series of Motown Specials each focusing on an group or artists. I saw them, but most people did not because they were not subscribers to Showtime. I have to believe that there are even fewer Showtime subscribers today than even then because of all the different streaming choices we now have.Quote:
Originally Posted by alanh
Berry probably just suiting the truth to fit his view of the truth. He's not going to give us the real truth. What a con artist.
If this is what I think it's going to end up being, point me to the nearest Vomitorium.
Please.
I mean John Legend? Jamie Foxx? Please.............Quote:
Originally Posted by WaitingWatchingLookingForAChance
It wouldn't be so bad if they'd at least keep the focus on the actual Motowners who made Motown what it was. And not just the same 3 or 4 main artists.Quote:
Originally Posted by marv2
Marv: I did not see these Motown Specials. Do you recall the group or artists that were featured? How many were there? Never heard about them either.Quote:
Originally Posted by marv2
Thanks.
I wish someone like Ken Burns did a Motown documentary. You know it would have told the truth, the full story from all perspectives, and would have been a 4-part series 2 hours each.
While I am looking forward to this special, I know it’s going to have a Gordy spin on it and will shy away from anything controversial or anything that makes him look bad.
Yes. They did hour long specials on The Temptations, Four Tops , Stevie Wonder hosted. I can't remember if they did others that year.Quote:
Originally Posted by woodward
You are so right! Ken Burns would have been my choice to produce as well. Instead, you are going to get what we've always gotten. I highly doubt those artists that have never been mentioned on a special to get a mention on this one.Quote:
Originally Posted by bradsupremes
Woodward they did one on Marvin Gaye too as a part of that Showtime series:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGs0pOGq-OA
Thanks for the news Stubass. I've been looking forward to the Motown Documentary on Showtime & put it on my calendar for next month.Quote:
Originally Posted by StuBass1
I'm tired of them getting non Motown related people talking. Then leaving the legends out in the cold.
Again...the producers and Showtime are not making a documentary for a limited select group of Motown aficionados, but the larger audience, many of whom are not familiar with Mickey Stevenson, or even Berry Gordy. Thus, using contemporary artists that many more people recognize and are familiar with [[ Legend is quite well known just on his involvement with The Voice), or Foxx whose readily recognizable for his television and film work, or Dr Dre, and featuring them in the promos too to attract viewers who might not otherwise tune in...the intended goal being building an audience for the Documentary NOT familiar with everything Motown as those who participate in this site are...and isn't that the entire purpose...to expose Motown and tell the story to those not previously very familiar with the legacy and tell the story of the legacy ???...Those here already know what happened there... Sometimes, we tend to look at these things through a very narrow lens...Quote:
Originally Posted by Soulmusic4life
Subscriber stations like Showtime and HBO have huge international influence..can we say for instance "Game of Thrones"?
Good! Because I'm not watching! If they can't make a program for the people that supported them all these years, then and now, then screw it! Have fun.Quote:
Originally Posted by StuBass1
The quality of some of those clips are exceptional.
I doubt there will be any new info. They need memories from ALL those that were there ie. Brenda Holloway, Kim Weston, arrangers, road mgrs. and musicians etc. But who is going to dish the dirt on controversial issues - nobody. I will pass. Smokey, Diana, Berry blah blah blah. They def will not discuss Raynoma's involvement in setting up the company!Quote:
Originally Posted by bradsupremes
The reason the public at large don't know Miss Ray is because Motown producers of specials never talk about her. They don't even talk about Esther Gordy Edwards. What's wrong with educating people on who and how these people were important to making Motown a success? I will promise you again that the name "Jean Terrell" will not be mentioned!Quote:
Originally Posted by detmotownguy
I agree 120% and im looking forward to this special. You cant please everybody but if millions see this more people get to enjoy Motown music then thats a real good thing imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by StuBass1
Absolutely... Those who produced this special need to focus the story assuming those who are watching it have NO knowledge of Motown, other than the records they have enjoyed and the artists they are familiar with...and even younger viewers who know virtually NOHING about Motown and it's significance. I'm quite certain this will not be a way to recognize people long forgotten from an historical perspective that most people who participate here would perhaps like to see. That's what 200 page books are for, or a continuing series...not a documentary with strict content limitations that will NEVER be able to tell the ENTIRE story of the dozens, if not hundreds of artists executives, and others that all made a contribution to the Motown legacy... Just not enough time and not really the story most of the uninitiated will be tuning in to see...Quote:
Originally Posted by Roberta75
I was interviewed for the movie.Wonder if I ended up as an edit on the floor.
Right. The vitriol here aimed at a film that has not been seen is ... unfortunate. One poster early on expressed disdain and yet demanded a DVD release! Watch. Or not. The world will go on regardless. UNLESS Irene 'Granny' Ryan's undeniable contribution to Motown and popular music are not given at least 30 minutes. THEN we can riot in the streets.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roberta75
I would hope not since you are of the original Detroit Motown personnel.Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
I guess Marv I would like to see more of how Motown was built from scratch. Great to see that Ralph was interviewed. That is what I am talking about. I learned a lot from Esther Gordy Edwards in the early days @ the museum when I would bring my out of town clients there. They still talk about those conversations!Quote:
Originally Posted by marv2
Im hoping and praying that we see you in the documentery Ralph.Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
Fondly,
Roberta
Exactly and this is a 2 hour show not a three week miniseries. This is probably for mainstream audience not for die hard fans and if it brings Motown music to millions of new folks then thats a real good thing imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by StuBass1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimi LaLumia
Game of thrones had 17 million viewers.
https://mashable.com/article/game-of...atings-record/
Hope you made the cut Ralph...Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
That's funny...Quote:
Originally Posted by PeaceNHarmony
I always thought it would have been good if Motown would have set up some sort of retirement account when the guys were making long bread.
That would have been the right thing to do!Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
Mrs Edwards had great talking genes! LOL! She and Mom could stand for what it seemed like hours and just gossip, talk and gossip! hehehehehehe!Quote:
Originally Posted by detmotownguy
Would have been nice, but of course, but there were no such things as 401K's in those days...and the entertainment business was not like working for General Motors and retiring in 30 years with a pension plan, and the record industry was just not structured that way, nor were long term employees the rule of the day with artists jumping from label to label, producer to producer in most cases.... And I guarantee you...the lifestyle of entertainers as they were accustomed to was not conducive to taking some of their money and investing it. Can you imagine telling David Ruffin that he might not be able to buy that Rolls Royce because his money was being invested in a pension plan???... Unfortunately, most of the artists found it preferable to buy Cadillacs and other luxury cars to line up along West Grand Blvd and other flashy luxury items than to wisely invest their money as a few did but not most... Edwin Starr reportedly didn't even want to go to Motown after being used to going to Ed Wingates home at all hours of day and night to be handed cash from shoeboxes Wingate kept hidden in his house...Such was the life of most performers in those days before the megabucks became the norm...much the same as professional sports at the time before the huge contracts, agents, and financial managers got involved...Berry Gordy appreciated those artists who did choose to use their money more wisely. Nobody had to teach Berry [[or Smokey who actually listened to Gordy) to be smart with their money as Berry learned that at home by the way he was raised and taught by his entrepreneurial parents...and he actually congratulated James Jamerson and told him he was happy to pay him a nice salary when James chose to use his newfound money to actually buy his own house...a somewhat rarity for musicians in those days...Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
The reason for Ken Burns documentaries and many others is to go behind the scenes and uncover or discuss things in depth the public may not be aware of to understand what contributed to the issues/success etc. I hope this will be in depth or what’s the point? Brenda Holloway, Shorty Long, Raynoma, Pam Sawyer etc ...all important.