Motown Hit With Layoffs as it Loses Standalone Label Status

Motown Records, the iconic American record label founded by Berry Gordy in 1958, has laid off an unknown number of employees as it re-integrates under the Capitol Music Group umbrella.

The label, known for its chart-topping hip-hop and R&B artists, recently underwent a restructuring after becoming a standalone entity in March 2021.

A spokesperson confirmed the layoffs, stating that some positions had become duplicative as Motown returned to CMG.

"These employees are leaving the company, and our People, Inclusion, and Culture department is helping them find new opportunities - either within or outside of UMG," the statement read.

The future of the label was thrown into uncertainty after ex-chairwoman and CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam departed from Motown in November. Habtemariam oversaw Motown's move from New York to Los Angeles in 2014 when UMG dissolved the Island Def Jam Music Group and moved Motown to the Capitol Tower.

In 2015, Habtemariam signed Motown's partnership with Atlanta-based Quality Control, which brought top artists like Migos, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty and City Girls to the label. This partnership led to Motown becoming a standalone label before returning to the CMG umbrella.

The layoffs at Motown are similar to those made by other music companies in response to the uncertain global economy. Quality Control, Motown's partner, was recently acquired by HYBE America in a deal worth over $300 million, although its recordings remain within the UMG family.

Michael Jordan Shatters Records With Jaw-Dropping $10 Million Donation to Make-A-Wish

Photo Courtesy Make-A-Wish 

Basketball legend Michael Jordan broke a record with a $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish in honor of his 60th birthday.

 
The gift is the largest from an individual in the charity's 43-year history and reflects Jordan's 30-year commitment to the cause.

"For the past 34 years, it's been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids," the six-time NBA champion said in a statement. "Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration."

The organization hopes Jordan's donation inspires others to help grant the wishes of the many children on its waiting list.

"Michael using his birthday as a chance to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his loyal dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses," said Leslie Motter, the charity's CEO. "We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true."

Jordan, now the owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, has been an integral part of the organization's efforts since he granted his first wish in 1989.

He has granted hundreds of wishes to children worldwide and has become one of the all-time most requested celebrity wish-granters. In 2008, he was named Make-A-Wish Chief Wish Ambassador.

His donation will establish an endowment to help fund the wishes of children with critical illnesses in the future.

"I can't think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true," Jordan said.

R&B Pioneer Huey 'Piano' Smith Dead at 89

Legendary R&B pianist and early rock 'n' roll pioneer Huey "Piano" Smith has died at the age of 89.

Smith passed away in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His daughter, Acquelyn Donsereaux, confirmed the news to the New Orleans Times-Picayune/Advocate.

RIP #HueySmith whose trilling piano style was a major influence in New Orleans (and beyond) rock & roll in the 1950s. #RockinPneumonia #DontYouJustKnowIt, etc. Also had the original track for #SeaCruise snatched away to create a Frankie Ford hit. A godlike NOLA master... pic.twitter.com/gjCUuDBpP2

— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) February 15, 2023

Smith was best known for his boogie-woogie piano style and recorded with many New Orleans musicians in the 1950s, including Little Richard, Lloyd Price and Earl King.

RIP #HueySmith: "Don't You Just Know it," 1958: https://t.co/Cy3zNX9oIh

— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) February 15, 2023

His most famous recording, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu," was a minor hit in 1957 but had a lasting influence on music for decades to come.

The track was covered by many artists, including Johnny Rivers, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, the Beach Boys, the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett and the Grateful Dead.

Smith also wrote and recorded the 1958 single "Sea Cruise," which became a platinum-selling hit the following year when Frankie Ford replaced Smith's vocals on the track.

Smith's band, the Clowns, recorded several other popular tracks, including "Don't You Just Know It," which was inspired by a catchphrase often used by their then-driver Rudy Ray Moore.

Moore, an entertainer and vocalist, went on to create the persona of Dolomite, leaving a lasting impression on the world of hip-hop and Black cinema as the driving force behind the creation of "blaxploitation" films.

RIP to Huey "Piano" Smith, legend of R&B who helped shape the sound of rock & roll.

Dr. John performed this Huey "Piano" Smith medley on his Gumbo album. https://t.co/wAJKbgnive

— Dr. John (@akadrjohn) February 15, 2023

In the early 1980s, Smith moved to Baton Rouge and mostly left music behind. However, in 2000 he returned to the stage to perform at the Rhythm and Blues Foundation gala in New York City.

He received the foundation's Pioneer Award, which recognizes "the artistic contributions and excellence of legendary Rhythm & Blues artists who have impacted the world through their music."