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The Sound Of Young America: A Global Inspiration

Saturday 17ÌýJanuary 2009
1900 - 2000

The audio for this programme is no longer available.

Pete Mitchell looks at the far-reaching influence the Motown sound has had on artists and musicians around the world. Since its inception in 1959 the sound of young America has inspired many artists making music to this day - in some cases it has completely changed their lives.

Mitchell gathers together an eclectic mix of musicians to talk about the label. He talks to one of the world's greatest living contemporary jazz artists, Diane Reeves, who herself was born in the motorcity and rock legend Lenny Kravitz about how his life changed when he heard the Jackson Five for the first time

There're also contributions from singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow whoÌýcut her teeth playing in a Motown covers band,Ìýpunk queen Siouxsie Sioux, whoÌýwas inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder andÌýpoet Billy Bragg on how hisÌýfirst political stirrings were brought on by Motown.

American electro synth outfit Sparks speak on the string of brilliant Motown 45’s whileÌýPaul Weller explains how his Motown obsession still features in his music to this day.

There are also Motown musings from Incognito, Eddy Grant, Martin Fry of ABC, Alexander O’Neal, Nile Rodgers and Suggs.