Did All of the Artists Dropped from Motown Records Find Success Elsewhere?

Motown Records, the iconic label founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, has been the cradle for numerous legendary artists. However, not all artists that were once part of this prestigious roster found success with the label. What about those who were dropped? Have they found success elsewhere in their careers?

Neil Young and The Mynah Birds: A Case Evaluation

Beyond the glamorous stories of stars like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder finding success, there are tales of other artists whose paths diverged after being let go from Motown. The Mynah Birds, an overlooked band signed to Motown in the early 1970s, provides an interesting case study. One of their members, Neil Young, is famously the founding member of Buffalo Springfield and later went on to a successful solo career. Neil's journey, however, is not the only one among those who were dropped from the label.

From Motown to Stardom: Neil Young's Boom Location

Neil Young's early career with The Mynah Birds in Motown was short-lived, but his journey with Buffalo Springfield and as a solo artist demonstrates the potential for success after being dropped from the label. Following that, he continued his musical narrative with landmark albums such as 'Harvest' (1972) and 'After the Gold Rush' (1970) before eventually establishing himself as an individual artist. This journey showcases the fact that not all dropped artists are destined for obscurity.

The Michael Jackson Phenomenon

Another example to examine is Michael Jackson who left Motown in 1975. Despite the tumultuous end to his contract with the label, Michael quickly found his footing with his iconic album 'Off the Wall' (1979) and a successful solo career. The transition from Motown to a more international stage further propelled his meteoric rise to superstardom, cementing his place as one of the most successful and influential musicians in history.

The Diana Ross Saga

Diana Ross, too, left Motown with The Supremes in 1970. After a series of successful solo albums, she eventually left Motown in 1972 for Records Inc., a venture co-founded with Berry Gordy. Her career continued to flourish with a series of successful solo albums during her time at Records Inc., helping her remain a significant figure in the music industry. This demonstrates that sometimes, a change of scenery can lead to new opportunities and continued success.

Stevie Wonder and His Turnaround

Stevie Wonder's departure from Motown in the early 1970s marked a defining moment in his career. While his departure was initially controversial, it ultimately allowed him to pursue a more artistic and diverse path in his career. This transformation brought him an array of accolades and Grammy awards, solidifying his position as one of the world’s most respected and influential figures in music.

Conclusion: The Diverse Paths of Dropped Artists

From the success of bands like The Mynah Birds and the solo careers of Neil Young, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, the narrative of artists dropping from Motown is complex. It is not a straightforward linear journey, but a series of branching paths that often lead to surprising levels of success. Each individual's story is unique, influenced by a combination of talent, ambition, and opportunities. These examples demonstrate that while being dropped from a major label can be challenging, it does not necessarily mark the end of a successful career.

The stories of these revered artists leave us with a message: Success can come from any direction, and sometimes, a change in direction can be the key to unlocking it.