by Nikita FrancoisBuzzFeedBuzzFeed Contributor Motown came to life in 1959 as a business venture by Berry Gordy Jr. With its headquarters in Detroit, MI, Gordy started by promoting solo artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder before branching out to sign groups, including the Temptations. From a powerful house band that artists used to strictly-organized operations, Gordy was able to reach massive success with Motown and pave the way for future artists to find superstardom. Gilles Petard / Getty Images 1. Mowton's Humble Beginnings and Berry Gordy Jr.