The Motown Record Corporation, or Motown (also called Hitsville recording company), was founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, in January 1959. The record company became one of the most successful black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history.

The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy wardrobe, the group was highly influential in the evolution of R&B and soul music. Having sold tens of millions of albums, the Temptations are one of the most successful groups in music history. As of 2015, the Temptations continue to perform with one original member, Otis Williams.

With 12 #1 pop singles, numerous gold recordings, sold-out concerts, and regular television appearances, the Supremes were not only the most commercially successful female group of the '60s but among the top 5 pop/rock/soul acts of that decade. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard comprised Motown's flagship group.

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. A child prodigy, he is considered to be one of the most critically and commercially successful musical performers of the late 20th century. Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of 11, and he continued performing and recording for Motown into the 2010s.

The Jackson 5 was born out of Gary, Indiana, and was the hit group that would give rise to Michael Jackson’s solo career. The Jackson 5 group members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and the yet to be famous Michael. While they were family, and all Jackson children, Michael would be child that would make his mark on the world.