Hitsville U.S.A., Recording studio in Detroit, United States.
Description
Hitsville U.S.A. is a two-story building on West Grand Boulevard that served as the first headquarters of Motown Records and now opens as a museum. Inside are Studio A with recording equipment, office spaces, and an upstairs apartment that preserves the look of the early years.
History
Berry Gordy bought the building in 1959 and set up his first record label inside, which later became Motown Records. In 1972, Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles, and the house later reopened as a museum.
Culture
Artists like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder recorded songs here that later played on radio and television across the country. The rooms display gold records, costumes, and instruments from the years when the house served as an active recording facility.
Practical
The entrance is at the front of the house, and rooms connect through narrow staircases, making wheelchair access difficult. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour moves through several rooms and hallways.
Did you know?
The studio used a homemade echo chamber built under the staircase, which gave the sound a special depth. This technique was unusual for a small studio and contributed to the recognizable sound of many recordings.
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