Story of Motown comes to Muhammad Ali Center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Legendary music label Motown brought its story from the Motor City to the River City on Wednesday, in the Muhammad Ali Center's newest exhibit.

The center hopes that melodies such as "Same Old Song" and "My Girl" will spark memories that bring you in. Jeanie Kahnke of the center explains, "It's called Motown in Black and White. We're very excited -- it includes photos, artifacts, albums, music video, gowns, jewelry, all kinds of things."

WDRB grabbed a first look as curators put the final pieces together. The exhibit covers parts of the third and fourth floors of the museum.

The pieces come from Al Abrams, Motown's first publicist, chronicling the early years of Barry Gordy's label from 1959 through the mid-sixties.

Kahnke says, "Motown is Muhammad Ali's favorite music. He loves it all, and there was a natural connection there." That's because Motown, much like Ali, crossed racial barriers.

Each piece tells a story, capturing Motown's signature soul sound with a pop flare.

Motown produced more than 100 Billboard top ten songs. The sound defined a generation, as music often reflects the society around it. Curator Casey Harden says, "The things I hope they leave here with is the nostalgia. They walk through saying, I remember seeing that on TV, or I remember that song."

Motown in Black and White opens this Friday and runs through November 10th.

If you're attending Worldfest this weekend, you can stop by the Ali Center booth and get $2 off the cost of admission.