Berry Gordy with Motown and Rosemary Trombley from CKLW had a ton to do with that.
She played black music to a white audience. CKLW was such a powerhouse that at one point they were the highest rated station in several states and a couple Canadian provinces.
RE: CKLW.
Across the Detroit River in Windsor but so much coverage in the US and musical influence. Great memories of my Boomer growing up years.
I grew up with CKLW and the Motown sound imprinted on me strongly. Have you ever checked out the CKLW WEBSITE for the original Big 8? For awhile there was Plannine’s charts which listed the top 30 singles and albums for almost every single week since the mid 60s. I could go through each week’s chart and remember almost every one, almost as fun as listening. So many obscure ones that never got airplay since.
The intro to “It’s a Shame” is the happiest guitar riff in history. They should be in the HOF.