More than half a century ago, the Motown sound had its roots in Detroit, the “Motor City.” How did Motown music start and why? What defines Motown music? What are the major characteristics of Motown? What is its relationship to soul music? Professor Clague will discuss the rich history of Motown music and the impact it had on other music genres. Join Professor Clague for a trip down memory lane to hear What’s Going On?

Mark Clague is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs; Director, U-M Gershwin Initiative; Co-Editor-In-Chief, MUSA; Associate Professor of Musicology and Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of Michigan. He researches music-making in the United States, with recent projects focusing on the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the music of George and Ira Gershwin. His interests center on questions of how music forges and shapes social relationships in such subjects as American orchestras as institutions, critical editing, the art of sound as simultaneously a transcendent emotional expression and an everyday tool for living.

This is the fifth lecture of a six-lecture series. The subject of the series is Music in Detroit and Michigan: The Legend Continues. The next lecture in the series will take place April 7, 2022. The title is Jazz in Post-WWII Detroit: The Performers and their Contributions. Learn from well-known experts about an array of interesting subjects, with an interactive Q&A period following each lecture.

Preregistration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the lecture will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the lecture.