A (Not So Common) History Lesson

Gladys Knight & The Pips (Diana Ross &) The Supremes Marvin Gaye The Temptations Most people have heard of the Oscar-nominated film "Dreamgirls". Most people (or so I would assume) know that it is loosely based upon the 60's/70's girl group the Supremes. Now, I haven't seen the movie, but I have read enough about it to know that the story tells something of an up-and-coming group making their way through the music business. This isn't a post about the movie, but rather the basis of the movie, The Supremes. You see, in class last week, a student had mentioned that she watched a Motown special the previous weekend. Her friend, sitting next to her, asked her what Motown was. I think that I have to interject at this point that I grew up listening to Motown groups, since my parents listened to Motown groups. I must have had some strange look on my face, when she asked what Motown was. I asked if she had heard of Marvin Gaye (no), The Supremes (no), or anyone else I could think of from that era. No, No, and No. I was shocked. This weekend I procured a burned CD of various Motown artists to let my kids explore this very important chapter in America's history. This morning, as they came into the room I had Motown music playing. They were swaying a little back and forth, and generally enjoying the sound. It was the first time that I had played English-language music in my classroom in over three years. They were surprised that I would ever do such a thing! I asked again how many knew of Motown groups, and only half raised their hands (one student said his dad used to listen to that 80's stuff from time to time). I proceeded to tell the story of why Motown was founded, and the exposure it gave Black artists who previously had no commercial outlet for their music. It was well-received, making me pretty content I was able to impart a little knowledge on my younggin's. This is why I love my job!