Soundcheck Smackdown: Motown versus Stax

Soundcheck | May 3, 2010

It’s been 50 years since Berry Gordy secured the now-famous $800 family loan that he would use to create Motown Records, the world's then-largest black-owned corporation that transformed American pop music and race relations. The history of soul music also rests on the shoulders of Memphis-based label Stax Records, which passed its own half-century mark last year. Today, we tee up a Soundcheck Smackdown debate for the ages. Which was the greatest soul label: Motown or Stax? Joining us are Steven Greenberg, CEO of S-Curve Records, and music writer and BET network personality Touré. We take your calls and comments.

Tell us: Which was the greatest soul label: Motown or Stax? Leave a comment

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the great debate

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