The Rise and Fall of Jackie Wilson: "Mr. Excitement"

Jackie Wilson was a force of nature on stage. With his soaring vocals, energetic dance moves, and undeniable charisma, he earned the nickname "Mr. Excitement" and became a pioneering figure in the transition from rhythm and blues to soul.

The Birth of Techno: A Detroit Innovation

Forget Motown, Detroit's got another beat! In the 1980s, a futuristic sound emerged from the city's post-industrial landscape: techno. Pioneered by three high school friends known as the Belleville Three (Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May), this electronic music blended European synth-pop with the soul of Detroit funk.

Eminem: The Rap God of Detroit

Eminem, the Rap God, emerged from the gritty streets of Detroit with a lyrical fury that shook the hip-hop world. His controversial rhymes, fueled by anger and honesty, tackled poverty, addiction, and his tumultuous upbringing. He burst onto the scene in the late '90s, captivating audiences with his raw talent and unapologetic style.

The White Stripes: Detroit Rock Minimalists

Jack and Meg White, Detroit's enigmatic duo, proved that rock and roll power comes from raw essence, not bells and whistles. With just a guitar and drums, they stripped rock down to its core, igniting a garage rock revival in the late '90s.

Forget the Summer of Love, Detroit in the late '60s was all about raw power!

Imagine being a rock star without knowing it! That's the story of Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit musician whose soulful songs in the '70s went unnoticed in the U.S. But across the ocean, in apartheid-era South Africa, he was a legend, his music a symbol of hope and resistance.

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, was more than just a singer with an incredible voice; she was a cultural icon whose music resonated with power and emotion. Born in Memphis but raised in Detroit, Aretha's gospel roots shone through in her soulful delivery and powerful vocals. Hits like "Respect" became anthems for the civil rights and women's movements, her voice a symbol of strength and empowerment.

Amp Fiddler, a name synonymous with Detroit soul and funk, may not be a household name like some of his collaborators, but his impact on music is undeniable. This keyboardist, producer, and songwriter has been a driving force in the city's music scene for decades.

John Lee Hooker's "Boogie Chillen": A One-Man Blues Revolution

John Lee Hooker's iconic "Boogie Chillen'" is more than just a blues classic; it's a snapshot of Detroit's vibrant Black music scene in the 1940s. Hooker, a Mississippi native, arrived in Detroit in 1943 seeking work in the booming wartime industry. He found a home in the bustling clubs along Hastings Street, the heart of Black Bottom/Paradise Valley.

George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic: Funk from the Mothership

Prepare to get funked up! Though they formed in New Jersey, George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic collective have deep roots in Detroit. This sprawling, ever-evolving group of musicians brought an explosive blend of funk, rock, and psychedelia to the world.

Smokey Robinson: The Soulful Poet of Motown

Smokey Robinson, with his smooth vocals and poetic lyrics, is more than just a singer; he's a master storyteller who shaped the sound of Motown. Born and raised in Detroit, he co-founded The Miracles, crafting timeless hits like "Shop Around" and "Tears of a Clown."

Ray Parker Jr.: Beyond "Ghostbusters"

Ray Parker Jr. may be best known for his iconic "Ghostbusters" theme, but this Detroit native's musical journey runs much deeper. Born and raised in the Motor City, Parker's early career was steeped in the city's rich musical landscape. He honed his skills playing with legends like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, soaking up the sounds of Motown and funk that would shape his signature sound.