Before Motown became a major cultural force it was just another regional label trying to scratch out a spot in the market place.
This video is really kind of fascinating because first Motown wasn’t even Motown yet: it was still called Motortown.
And this is an old-style 50’s revue, with a sometimes comic MC and the acts shuffling on and off stage.
The performers also aspired to elegance, something that would not be as common in music in the next several years.
What’s funny is, aside from the original name, is how some of the acts that would soon be major weren’t treated that way.