- Aretha Franklin (Singer, Songwriter) Born 25 March 1942 Died: 16 August 2018 Born in Memphis, Tennessee, but raised in Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church area (near Linwood and Philadelphia). Known as the Queen of Soul, Franklin’s powerful vocals and gospel roots produced hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” earning 18 Grammy Awards.
- Stevie Wonder (Singer, Songwriter, Musician) Born 13 May 1950. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, but raised in Detroit’s Breckenridge Street area (near East Side). A child prodigy, Wonder shaped Motown with hits like “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” earning 25 Grammy Awards.
- Marvin Gaye (Singer, Songwriter, Musician) Born 2 April 1939. Died 1 April 1984 Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Detroit’s Old West Side (near Dean Lane). The “Prince of Motown,” Gaye delivered soulful hits like “What’s Going On” and “Sexual Healing,” blending social commentary and romance.
- Diana Ross (Singer) Born 26 March 1944. North End (near Belmont Street) Lead singer of The Supremes, Ross achieved fame with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and later a successful solo career.
- Smokey Robinson (Singer, Songwriter) Born 19 February 1940. North End (near Belmont Street) Founder of The Miracles, Robinson’s smooth vocals and songwriting produced Motown classics like “Tracks of My Tears” and “My Girl.”
- Eminem (Rapper, Songwriter) Born 17 October 1972. East Side (near 8 Mile Road) A global hip-hop icon, Eminem’s raw lyrics in songs like “Lose Yourself” and “Stan” earned him multiple Grammys and an Oscar.
- Jack White (Singer, Songwriter, Musician) Born 9 July 1975. Southwest Detroit (Mexicantown area) Frontman of The White Stripes, White’s garage rock hits like “Seven Nation Army” and his work with Third Man Records redefined modern rock.
- Alice Cooper (Singer, Songwriter) Born 4 February 1948. East Side (near Harper Avenue) The “King of Shock Rock,” Cooper’s theatrical performances and hits like “School’s Out” pioneered the glam rock genre.
- Suzi Quatro (Singer, Songwriter, Musician) Born 3 June 1950. Grosse Pointe A pioneering female rock star, Quatro’s hits like “Can the Can” and her role as Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days inspired women in rock.
- Berry Gordy (Songwriter, Producer) Born 28 November 1929 North End (near Oakland Avenue) Founder of Motown Records, Gordy wrote hits like “Reet Petite” and produced for artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, shaping modern music.
Detroit Michigan – architecture – books – Charles H Wright museum – churches – dine in the city – Eastern market – Ford Piquette plant – Henry Ford museum – Henry Ford story – instagram spots – Institute of Arts – Irish community – Michigan Central station) – Motown Museum – movies – murals – musicians – public art works – quotes about Detroit – Rosa Parks seat – Ten things – traffic lights – US cities that declared bankruptcy – Westin Hotel –
