Michigan
The most influential city in Michigan is Detroit, because it is known as the "state of the art" place for individuals that want to pursue music as a career. From 1959-2007, the popular music genres in Detroit were techno, punk rock, and of course the Motown sound. Motown Records dominated the musical world and many acts including Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson were signed to the legendary record label. Moreover, if the musician or producer wasn't from Detroit originally, they moved there so they can have a better shot at earning super-stardom. Berry Gordy said in many interviews that if it wasn't for Smokey Robinson, Motown may have never be existed. Fortune Records, an independent record label that was launched in Detroit, was known for its doo-wop, gospel, rock, and blues sound. Jack and Devora Brown owned the record label and acts such as Nolan Strong and Andre Williams.
