New York has art; LA has film; Detroit has the music. A city made up of a melting pot of diverse cultures, across the 20th century it has forged stars and careers from all genres, from jazz and blues to rock, techno and, of course, Motown. Some of the greatest performers of all time have emerged from Detroit, some born in the city, others whose talents were fostered in the innumerable and infamous clubs of the Paradise Valley District. Marvin Gaye, Bill Haley, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Eminem, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Patti Smith and the White Stripes are just some of those whose musical roots and success can be traced to their time spent in the city. So in celebration of one of the greatest havens of musical talent on earth, we have pulled together a playlist of the Music of Detroit.
This article is part of a series celebrating Detroit, in partnership with Shinola.
