Does Gen Z Know 50s & 60s Motown? (Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye)

[@sinjin4563]

She should have acknowledged that Smokey Robinson pretty much helped develop Motown with Berry, that his group were the first major act on the label and that he also co-wrote and produced a ton of legendary songs on the label including what they showed My Girl. He wasn’t just another artist.

[@TheLauren87]

I didn't know this so yes this information is so important to keep putting out there

[@NoReplyAtAll9]

Just saw Smokey last year. Fine as hell and unreal. 🎉

[@Malaika924]

I am so glad that I was taught to appreciate all kinds of music from different time periods. It's so frustrating that they aren't familiar with such influential artists.

[@Calzone.]

Definitely sad that these guys don’t know about Motown, I’m 23 and every one of these songs took me back to my childhood dancing in the living room with my mother, father, and siblings. This is a piece of black culture that I feel like we’re losing and it’s sad

[@kathyp1563]

They seemed to sing along with a lot of the songs. I was impressed that they were familiar with as many as they were familiar with. But, yes, children should dance in their living room with their family to old music.

[@toneyisaiah3556]

@@Calzone. Motown label had offshoot labels also.

[@lennaertvanmierlo2955]

Funny how that one girl keeps mentioning “the simplicity”. There’s nothing simple in motown music, all the arrangements are far more complicated than most music written today. No autotune, no synths, all real musicians playing every single note.

[@jspihlman]

Not to mention the "Wall of Sound" used by producer Phil Spector. Quintessential!

[@nymeria1160]

Not to mention the hours upon hours of rehearsals for both singing and dancing it would take for these acts to appear simplistic.

[@aaronnewman19]

it is simple and that’s okay. simplicity doesn’t mean bad. it doesn’t even necessarily mean easy. they were going for simple, but there were obviously hours upon hours of training and development that went into it for it to appear simple. drums, bass, keys, guitar, maybe a horn section, background vocals. no added programmed instruments, no added vocal stems, no extreme amounts of post production, just a raw, stripped, authentic sound. that’s simple in the best way possible

[@annschram8552]

Parental failure

[@loriannrichardson7644]

Does she not know about harmonizing, call-and-response, layering of voices and instruments, adlibs, etc., etc.

[@RyanKeels]

Seeing the Black children not knowing this piece of their history hurt me. Passing down information is how we survived in this country, let's stay On Code yall

[@thezu9250]

They know the songs. They just know the names.

[@jammybams3292]

That part

[@michellelaguerre8760]

As a Haitian American, I did not know these songs because they were not played in my house. I did watch. Soul train on TV , They played mostly disco music

[@leodegas7731]

As a 62 year old man, I'm happily surprised at how much these kids do know and how accepting they are to this music i grew up with. Considering all the music in the world and since the 60s, they easily could have not known this music. Good for them. The future seems Brite with these Gen z's in this video.

[@urbannetics_apparel3005]

As a member of GenX I love this. I hope that you keep on introducing the younger generation to these great musical artists. Next you have to introduce these young folks to the Neo-Soul era.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

The girl who commented on "My Girl" that it was the way she wanted the man who falls in love with her to feel, had it exactly.

[@nicnack74]

The historical relevance cannot be understated. Motown is integral to what girl groups are today. It is singularly responsible for Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie and more. Please keep learning kids. Know your history.

[@michaelwarholak6241]

As a Detroiter, I’m thrilled this video happened. Would have loved to have some Four Tops representation, but it’s alright. Love it!! Seen Stevie Wonder twice, cried both times haha

[@sudelaine8653]

Yes! The Four Tops, led by Levi Stubbs. Godawful name, but what a VOICE!

[@Marty4650]

Michael..... if they tried to include a song from every great Motown act.... the video would be four hours long! Back then, Motown was known as "Hitsville USA" and "The Sound of Young America." The hits kept coming. And coming, And coming.

[@00ghostcobra]

MoTown is the single most important record label in the history of American music...

[@doejoe5010]

Fact!!!!

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

Not even top 5.

[@jekanyika]

@@jamespohl-md2eq What is your top 5?

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

@@jekanyikaBlue Note. Vanguard. Elektra. Columbia/epic. Capitol. Atlantic

[@jibsmokestack1]

@@jamespohl-md2eq Bluenote is the greatest I agree with that

[@craigmorris4083]

Marvin, he was a friend of mine and he could sing his song, his heart in every line. Marvin, sang of the joy and pain. He opened up our mind, and I still can hear him say, "Oh, talk to me, so you can see what's goin' on."

[@vernonwijngaarde1493]

This is "nightshift" by the Commodores. With this song they honor Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. Love this song

[@00TheRealTC]

_Gonna be some sweet sounds, comin' down on the night shift_ . Any mention of Marvin Gaye in any context immediately brings this song to mind.

[@adamsaustria2005]

I need to say this, K-pop’s system is literally influenced by the Motown System

[@Sad7seven]

True...

[@kyanothesacredfoo222]

All music is influenced by something and american music is sometimes the first used, bc America is like what everyone else wants to be. I'm not saying it's the best, I think Canadian and European/other worlds are better bc of their simplicity

[@adamsaustria2005]

@@kyanothesacredfoo222also true

[@keytokwangya]

So true

[@tiffanykim2773]

It's actually not and just because you say it doesn't make it through. The kpop system especially 1st generation was vastly different from Motown. If you had said there's music in Kpop that is influenced by Motown then yeah at certain points with certain artists then maybe but then again Western artists have been writing for the kpop industry for years and some but not all of those writers much like western artists are very heavily influenced by older artists. Which of course includes Motown artists. Music like fashion is very heavily integrated. It's hard to say where what started since many artists today sample, borrow or are inspired by older artists as well as various genres of music. Hence why I say your point is not valid but hey it's your personal opinion probably not based off of any actual facts so I'm not very surprised 😊.

[@Kikireigns_]

As a black gen Z seeing other black gen Z people not knowing about Motown is so cringe...like how y'all don't know at least one song or a group/artist ??!! This era is a pivotal part in Black American history and culture.😅😭

[@FrozenNicole]

right it was so cringe seeing all the black gen z say "I never heard of the Temptation" lol like who are yall parents lmao

[@taskinulhaque7366]

Exactly these kids don't listen to Motown songs at the cookouts lol

[@mackl8305]

Crazy seeing the black kids don’t know this. Who’s raising these kids?

[@nesrie]

They're singing along. They know the songs and artists, just not the label or the visuals.

[@RomansAlterEgo]

These kids weren’t raised like us

[@kjam4236]

I think the fact that these kids did appreciate music from the past was heart warming let's face it there are kids who don't appreciate old school music and wouldn't dare listen to it doesn't matter where they are from... Great video!

[@thy_bex]

bruh… i’m a gen z (born in 2002) and the fact that these peeps don’t know who these LEGENDS are, imma go cry now. i’m so sad about this 😭

[@TW2Vlog]

Pause. No one told them what Motown is. That's not even on them. SOMEONE FAILED THESE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

[@salmineo4132]

Black American history is consciously ignored

[@nabrna3663]

Right! I blame their parents

[@brandyroseann]

@@salmineo4132nothing to do with black history it has to do with parents.

[@RodneyWright3]

This statement ☝🏾

[@edjohnson9472]

Facts who failed them

[@gentleall]

I grew up with listening to these artists, and to this day I can't stomach rap and hip-hop. It was genius what they did from vocals to writing to style and performance. This was too cute. Thanks for sharing.

[@laurafoote214]

me too, i can't listen to any kind of music they have out now, when we had true talent there's no comparing.

[@btetschner]

15:58 "..this channel has taught me that I really love music videos" - Sofia THAT is a victory Jada, congratulations!

[@sean253]

Have you guys done an episode on funk yet? Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, James Brown, Rick James, Carl Carlton, etc.

[@mymylauren]

There gonna be be in for a rollercoaster ride .

[@Cassxowary]

@@mymylaurenthey’re* they are contraction, not a location/situation (there) or belonging to them (their)

[@eurofritz4617]

I was going to post links to the Funk reactions for you but wow, there are none. You are so right, they need to do an episode stat.

[@mymylauren]

@@Cassxowary you’re right . My bad

[@toneyisaiah3556]

@@sean253 What about Westbound records?

[@elysehernandez9861]

As a Boomer these songs and performers take me wayyy back! I used to attend Motown reviews at the Fox theater in Brooklyn NY. We got to see all the greats in person. It was truly awesome!

[@MusicalBrother1900]

The fact that I'm a Gen Z (22 y.o) and my dad raised me on Motown and the entire 60s era of these artists makes me happy I love music from that time period and I take so much influence from said time period and it what makes me who I am today when I listen to music. I knew all of these songs and artist to a tee and it makes me happy I'm such an old soul for music. So thanks dad for molding my music taste for what it is today.

[@Omggbreeee]

That part im sick of ppl saying just because there gen z thats y they dont know it

[@jacenjustice]

If you grew up in the 60's/70's, or early 80's you know theses songs. If you grew up in the the early 90's, you've heard these songs growing up. 2000's afterwards..., you know these songs from a movie.

[@Omggbreeee]

I was born 2000s n know all of these n not just from movies lol I actually grew up hearing them

[@Omggbreeee]

I wouldnt say that about every body everyone grows up differently has nothing to do with age its how ur taught

[@toneyisaiah3556]

@@jacenjustice Motown wasn't just music. It was a lifestyle.

[@everettsalmans104]

As a gen z white boy, classic Soul, Funk, R&B has always been my favorite genre. Makes you feel good, makes you want to get on up and dance, move your feet, shake your money maker. My radio show at our community college I have a sort of Wolfman inspired show called "Soultown" where I go by the "Soul Man". Play a lot of Motown, Stax, Atlantic, and many more. From Kansas and we have the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) got a honorable mention for my show which was kinda cool considering at the time i had only had my first 2 shows by then. I've always been known for being an old soul and love the older music, never had any of my requests played at school dances since they "don't fit the modern gen."

[@thomasripley1548]

@@everettsalmans104 you win the Venus flytrap award for DJs...ha. I grew up with motown and surf music.the the beatles came to America and it all changed.....

[@patknight2640]

They need to understand that there was no auto tune. Just pure wonderful voices

[@SonicBoomC98]

If your kids don't know some of the MoTown, Stax, and other Soul and Funk artists, you failed them

[@Marty4650]

They should teach Motown in our public schools. This WAS AMERICAN HISTORY!

[@kyleb5169]

They are too busy teaching political agendas instead of actual history and education

[@anthonysmith5838]

You really need to do a longer version of this with Gen Z. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their reactions to what they thought they didn't know. This was not lost on them.

[@scabbedwings6548]

The person who puts it together also needs to really do more in depth research for the history and musical connections associated with label and its artist. I mean it was a fun episode and it's cool to see Gen Z react to the music and artists, but the producer and/or editor didn't even get Berry's name correct.

[@Roberto_79]

You barely scratched the surface of Motown… This episode needed to be about an hour long

[@nabrna3663]

Right. Defo need a part 2

[@marcussmith6805]

Facts.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

I agree

[@fayesouthall6604]

Agreed 👍

[@Swecan76]

I bet they would recognize Marvin Gaye's song "Sexual healing". That song everyone must have heard at some point.

[@patrickadams7120]

After watching this i am now convinced we need a Try Not To Sing....Motown edition....please try Stevie Wonder - Signed,Selaed,Delivered I'm Yours The Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There Diana Ross and the Supremes - Stop In The Name Of Love Rick James - Superfreak The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love The Supremes - You Keep Me Hanging On The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back The Contours - Do You Love Me Martha and the Vandellas - Jimmy Mack Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted Edwin Starr - War The Marvelettes - Please Mr.Postman Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

That would be awesome

[@cimarronwm9329]

I would love to see that, but but everyone would epically fail.

[@obscuredbythecloud1175]

Watching Zion discover these songs is beautiful to see and it takes me back to when they were new to me. There's nothing like hearing amazing music for the first time.

[@Svdionysos]

Back then music videos weren't the biggest part of music. It was all records and radio broadcast, so the sound was EVERYTHING

[@beachgemblue]

Ryker was having the time of his life 😂

[@aquanp]

i was born in 2009 (14 years old) and i know every person or group on this list. It really does have a lot to do with how your are raised and the music you listen to. For example my parents are black and listen to a lot of soul and motown music. although it is heartbreaking to see people that are older than me not know motown or music ledgends.

[@janekayser-alexander5790]

This is a wonderful video. I'm a boomer in Detroit. Let's educate our young people.

[@LighthawkTenchi]

Growing up in Michigan in the 80s-90s, Motown was still everywhere, and I still love it.

[@JodiesSideEye]

I didn't want this to end. As a Xennial it was so nice seeing them discover artists that have been parts of their lives longer than they knew and seeing them put the puzzle pieces together about how this music shaped the pop and rnb industries.

[@monicaborde5602]

I Loved watching this. I am from Detroit.(Motown). I am 68 years old. I currently live only a few blocks from The Motown museum. When I was young. I remember seeing these Artists. Standing on the front lawn of the Motown House waiting to go in and record. Sometimes you could hear them practicing. During the 60s you would hear groups of mostly young men walking down the street or standing on Conners. Singing. I remember hearing them at night from my bed. Beautiful voices. Oh the memories.

[@laurengriffin2986]

My kids WILL KNOW this music and these people, it's wild that some of them don't even know what Motown was! I'm peak Gen Z and know who each and every one of these people are.

[@mandyprescott2279]

I absolutely love Motown. I grew up listening to it, and I'm proud that these kids are as familiar as they are with this awesome music!!!

[@seaprincesshnb]

This is what people sound like without autotune. That is what they are reacting to in the realness.

[@TrueLibraGirl]

How could you not play Let’s Get It On for Marvin? They would’ve be shook 😂

[@montprice6722]

Exactly

[@angelh1743]

Because Let's Get It On didn't come out until 1973 which is past the Motown era (1961 - 1971).

[@TrueLibraGirl]

@@angelh1743 Did you even watch the video or look at the thumbnail? Boyz II Men is on the list & they’re from the 90s. El Debarge is from the 80s. Lionel Ritchie solo career was also in the 80s. So your unsolicited response is wrong & makes no sense 😩😂

[@angelh1743]

@@TrueLibraGirl So REACT makes a mistake of adding Boyz 2 Men. As the title states "Does Gen Z Know 50s & 60s Motown?" I watched the video. did you not read the title b4 responding?

[@TrueLibraGirl]

@@angelh1743 or maybe whoever wrote the title (or editor) made the mistake since there are clearly more artists NOT from that period in the video besides Boyz II Men… but I guessed you conveniently missed THAT part of my comment 🥴 Regardless of what the caption said, it still makes ZERO sense that you WATCHED the video THEN commented that nonsensical answer 😂 That makes it even worse 🤦🏾‍♀️😂 And you got the nerve to be questioning me like you’re right 🤭😂

[@basementstudio7574]

I'm in my 60s and am a bass player in a classic Motown/Soul band. My kids are in their late 20s. We threw a party just for the heck of it and I was doing the DJ thing. To my surprise all their friends knew the words to just about all these late 50s, 60s, and 70s songs I played over a 3 to 4 hour period. There is hope for the future. :)

[@jeffg.8964]

I’m in your age bracket, grew up in the 60-70s, with the AM radio on at home and in the car all the time. Grew up on Motown, R&B, soul. Every songs jogs a memory from then. A tragedy if today’s kids miss out on this music.

[@richardkawucha1232]

At 73, I grew up not only with Motown, but in Motown (born/raised) here. We had the greatest performers and music. You kids sure are missing a lot.

[@TheeTwanSolo]

My 17yr old daughter & my 9 yr old son both know this music by heart. I'm 45 & raised them on the music that I was raised on.

[@fayesouthall6604]

I was raised on Motown and Disco by my mum 😊

[@TheeTwanSolo]

@@fayesouthall6604 you have a smart mom. You should hug & thank her for raising you right!

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@TheeTwanSolo thank you! My father loved jazz and that took more time to make me appreciate it. Kids today have so much more to think about. It’s no wonder that they don’t know the artists more than the songs.

[@TheeTwanSolo]

@fayesouthall6604 I like some jazz myself. I'm an old school r&b guy who's also a huge hip hop fan. Being raised on old school r&b, I love listening to hip hop artists that sampled songs I love. In some cases, through hip hop, I've discovered old songs that I never knew about by searching for who they used to sample the beat from. I like every genre of music except bluegrass & I'm from the home of bluegrass, Kentucky, lol. I will say that as of late, blues is what I'm gravitating towards.

[@dashawnmoore1999]

I’m biracial born in ‘99, my grandmother on my mothers side is white and she made sure I knew all of the Motown classics, I’ve even seen Smokey Robinson as a kid. She showed not cuz I’m black, but because it’s great music all around to everyone. It touches everyone’s heart. These kids are cringe.

[@taustin6524]

Some of these songs are 50-60 years old and STILL better than a lot of what’s being touted as “music” today. While they may not have known it was called Motown or the history behind the label, they DID know most of the songs and loved the music; which is a testament to just how good this music really is.

[@paulmarden3301]

If you don't know who Stevie Wonder or the Jackson 5 are, your parents have failed you. My 15 year old nephew knows who they are and we live on the other side of the world from America.

[@chipclatto8831]

It is stunning how clueless todays kids are! Too busy on TickTock!

[@GoofyJamal-jt4ph]

@@chipclatto8831I am 11 yrs old and I agree with you although I do know numerous Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie wonder.

[@rockerctereo2851]

Yes they are terrible parents, I mean cmon now

[@DapperZach]

I am so glad that you are finally featuring Motown on this channel. Great songs For me, Marvin Gaye's best songs are "Heard it through the Grapevine" and "The Ecology" but "What's Goin' On" is classic. I am disappointed that Motown moved from Detroit to LA and changed the great Detroit map label

[@pepoppins]

Where are Gladys Knight and those darlin' Pips????? Midnight Train to Georgia! WHOO WHOO

[@michaelwashington4408]

They were treated like a B list group while at Motown while they left

[@generalinformation3507]

The Isley Brothers were motown artists for a minute. Back in those days everybody wanted to be on motown🎶

[@kassweeks3215]

i don’t know if it’s bc i was raised by boomers or was born in ‘03 but i absolutely love motown and was very shocked when they asked, “what is that?”

[@RandyJGJ]

I was born in 98 and these folks make me feel old. Who doesn’t know about Motown, Jackson 5 and Diana Ross? Gotta be staged. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@jessicaavery1080]

Sadly there are quite a few millennials out there that don't know it, so I can believe gen z doesn't.

[@asvagar8163]

i usually listen to metal, but motown makes me chill out in another level

[@TAMUlady]

THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST EPISODES. PLEASE DO MORE INTRODUCTIONS OF OLD TO THE NEW. SO MANY HAVE NO CLUE

[@kmoore2008]

Omg the kid saying he never heard of the Jackson 5 made me so frustrated 😂😂

[@alicemarie3506]

The actual "simplicity" is NO AUTO TUNE, PURE TALENT

[@rashmita916]

And clothes!!!!!!

[@michikogordon1]

I can understand some of the kids not knowing some of the music, but how is this music not being played in the two Black kids homes? 😢

[@christhompson6010]

Now that is sad. should be part of black history.

[@taquoriadunlap8407]

Some kids don’t actually pay attention to the music their parents play. My granddaddy and mom always had to use the surround sound so I couldn’t if I tried.

[@robinsmith8252]

Former teacher here. I played original Motown or 70's and 80's music in my classroom. My students told me that the songs were remakes. HUGE teachable moments and lessons on deck. Parents came in and sent notes telling me about their child telling them about the "new" music they heard. We all loved it.😂

[@tjhill8093]

I'm so glad i grew up with this music because the music now doesn't even hold a candle to the 60's 70's 80's 90's Hell even early 2000's

[@laurabailey1054]

So true

[@BozeDoesGodsWork]

There’s plenty of good artist out there but you won’t find them signed to any “big time” record label

[@killboggins]

In fairness, Motown has the best songwriters, the best session musicians and the best technicians in the business. All that under one label. That won't happen again. They're too spread out

[@DJofSparta]

As a Millennial Detroiter who grew up listening to Motown, this was rough to see.

[@samanthao5018]

No matter the song, Motown songs just make you smile and groove to the song.

[@QueenRainbowFem]

Im a 80s baby and honey Motown made what music what it is today

[@davidhutchinson5233]

This is great. Motown just makes me think of my Dad. He promoted so many acts in the 60s and early 70s from Motown....and I had the privilege to meet a lot of them when I was a kid. Very lucky I was.

[@StephanieTruelove-z5n]

Notice how the guys singing beautiful songs without any nasty language. Real gentlemen, something thats missing today. And the ladies singing were beautiful ,elegant, classy and had real talent. Another thing to notice is how those ladies presented themselves with real style and class, they didn't get on stage and shake their naked butts they didn't need to , they had actual talent.

[@jazshas]

Amen!

[@mimigrace707]

As a gen z, who loves 60’s,70’s,80’s music this hurt, I love Motown

[@cutieelise]

Why was that one girl shocked to find out that “My Girl” was a hit song from Motown?😭 like don’t people know that?

[@ivansubiantoro1919]

I genuinely believe that the world needs to thank african-american music & musicians bcs a lot of the music that comes after the 50s is all because of early influences by black artists 👏

[@Vulcanerd]

Black artists have been absolutely massive contributors to American and global music and art, for sure. Jazz, rock, R&B, rap/hip hop ... just to name a few.

[@MEDEDOME]

Thanks for covering my generation of music. I was born in 59 the year Motown took off. Love all these brothers and sisters you shared. This music is timeless. We were grooving too and digging all these tunes as kids and teens and young adults and nothing has changed much. Still listening at 65.

[@realSimoneCherie]

Say what you will but they are all OPEN MINDED - and that’s why they can fully appreciate quality when they hear it.

[@Nonayabizness360]

My husband and I graduated in 1990 and we grew up in a Neighborhood of immigrants just outside of Detroit from Yugoslavia , Italy , Serbia, Ireland and a few other countries. Many of our grandparents were treated with racism and so none of us cared about the color of someone’s skin we were just trying to understand what our friends grandparents were saying because they all spoke broken English. I am so proud and grateful that Mowtown was a huge part of our lives and when Mowtown was over real music was over. Bring back Mowtown.

[@bridgetsclama]

I was born in 1960 and my mom loved listening to dance music, so I cut my teeth on Motown. My son, born in 1980, grew up listening to everything and when Marvin Gaye put out Sexual Healing, he went on a Marvin Motown binge, and eventually integrated all of Motown. I'm so proud lol. People would get in my car and the radio was set on pop or techno...his on the oldies or had a Motown group in his CD player lol.

[@allisonbruce2810]

As a 2001 gen Z I could literally sing every one of this and it hurt my soul that they didn’t know these…

[@kassweeks3215]

same from 2003

[@talkinglesh7121]

As a millennial, I approve of this video, educate these young'uns, we were educated by Gen X about real music, whether we wanted to learn or not, now its their turn.

[@frequentiis]

as a millennial, born in 1985, we did always go back into the 50s, 60s, 70s, for music, movies, culture, we were spoiled tho, since we were the very last generation before the internet, yup, social media not letting GenZ dig into the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s

[@FUBAR1986]

From the 50s through the 90s we were absolutely spoiled with the best music ever in any genre… just spin the dial on the radio find a station and you couldn’t go wrong….. what the happened to music?

[@damianmartinez3315]

I'm embarrassed that I'm a part of Gen Z.. but Motown is my favorite era of music. My absolute favorite song is my girl by the temptations

[@melaninqueen2413]

same. I'm part of Gen Z (2000) and I was born and raised in Michigan and grew up with this type of music

[@Common_Tator]

Back when actual talent was popular.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Do they know that MTV refused to play black artists until Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' showed them how much money they were missing out on???

[@emaleigh2801]

Zion is ADORABLE in this video. Just giving in to the music and living his best life

[@Tinalu83]

This whole video is ADORABLE 🥰 These kids are bringing me so much joy!

[@RoberinoSERE]

Motown was the music Americana of my pre teen and teen youth, It was magic and still is today for me. Even the old jim crow southern youths loved it.

[@FoxBD]

Them:"What's Motown?" Me:"Ouch, it's before my time but even I know all these." Seriously though even if you dont hear it in audio, these are top songs of their time that are even in recent movies & tv shows. Also was hoping they'd show Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers. So underrated yet inspired many including the Jackson 5.

[@BrandyStaples-d8l]

When anyone says they don't know Motown, I just say "Yes you do."

[@tiffanycaldwell5311]

As a Millenial, I have been making my business to teach my daughter about blues and r&b. Old skool and my era and new skool. It is inportant that this music contiunues to live on. We can't let this die out.

[@rsuriyop]

Late 60s/early 70s Motown is simply irreplaceable. Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Spinners, Delphonics... you name it. They simply can't be beat!

[@mrsnet6654]

Jackson 5

[@DirectionerKelso1202]

I’m a Millennial but I have been obsessed with Motown for my whole life. I love the Temptations with my entire soul.

[@Fleshox19-uz3qt]

Check out the video version of them singing A song for you on KZbin. Just in case you ever need a reminder of their melodic majesty.

[@YouT00ber]

Every American needs to know Motown. Classic Americana. One listen and the kids get it.

[@AmosAmerica]

This is an important post. I feel that with today's hourly barrage of new music and sampling, our youth will not grasp music history in the same way kids may have from earlier generations. This music primer gives me hope. It seems given some introductory information, kids may go down the rabbit hole and research to find out more about America's rich 20th Century musical history and discover how it impacts what they are listening to today. Maybe their parents music is not so square after all, lol! Well done React!

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

see kids? real music, none of that robotic electronic auto tune singing, these are real voices, real talent real passion ! dynamic soulful .

[@lisamarcelle4416]

Black kids should know what is Motown records. Heartbreaking to see them not know what that is 🥲

[@purposefulwhit3626]

We need to take their parent's Black card. This is just as important as know who MLK is.

[@andreabrown4541]

​@@purposefulwhit3626who??? Just kidding!

[@janamusic4697]

It's sad to see the non-black kids knew more about Motown than the black kids. What went wrong?!? 😂

[@davidlynn3631]

Do you really think these kids really would know about 60,s and 70,s music let be for real 😅

[@janamusic4697]

@@davidlynn3631 if you know nothing about motown as a black American, something definitely went wrong...

[@jinakaye]

Throwing in DeBarge was a nice touch. A lot of people forget they existed…even with James DeBarge marrying Janet Jackson. Is there going to be a part 2? The women of Motown maybe? Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, Kim Weston, Valerie Simpson, India.Arie, Ashanti, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, Stacey Lattisaw, Siedah Garrett, Shanice, Queen Latifah, Debelah Morgan, the Pointer Sisters, Shontelle, Zhané, and Syreeta Wright…ijs!

[@StellaWaldvogel]

Music wasn't overproduced the way it is now. No click tracks, no autotune, none of that. People had to make it on real talent. That's why this music touches one generation after another.

[@maestramayra1]

I blame their parents.

[@WHSchoolMusic]

To be fair, this music is more from the generation of the grandparents of these kids.

[@lexi219]

@@WHSchoolMusic Motown was at its peak while my mom was in early elementary school, but I still grew up listening to this music. Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder are eternal.

[@AGrace-ff3cu]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamesjulian2807]

YES!!!!!

[@anthonypatterson1074]

It would be wrong to blame the parents. You can download the music from anywhere.

[@fandhtwoohs8129]

Hopefully, these kids will have the urge to delve deeper into the older era. Their minds will absolutely explode when they find James Brown, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett.

[@signe2023]

OMG yes! And, Big Mama Thornton haha! And Janis Joplin, and Elmore James, and on and on the music from the 60's- ' 80's

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

If you don't know Motown, don't ever claim to know music.

[@elainelee7250]

I am 60 years old. We had the best music from the 60 and 70 .

[@edwardlongshanks827]

We also had some pretty crappy music during that time. Unless you were a fan of things like Muskrat Love by Captain & Tenille.

[@packnetadaija]

This does kinda hurt to see these people not know Motown. I’ve actually been to the Motown museum and it’s really cool! Granted I’m from Michigan but still

[@MrFmccarty]

Being their age when this music was new brings tears to my heart. I lived in the greatest time ever! Being in love and living is something indescribable

[@e.brivonyt7955]

They must be born after 2002 or something. Early gen z knows MoTown. Especially if they are black. We grew up with that music in our households

[@noggie3934]

These little babies!! Their parents must have lived in the town that didn't allow music.