Chapter 4 West Grand Blvd. and Chapter 5 Party Bus
Chapters 4 and 5 cover the emergence of Motown and the activities of the Detroit Mafia and law enforcements responses to those activities. What did you find to be the most surprising revelation in those two chapters?
The most surprising aspect of those two chapters for me was the revelation that the mafia was so very cozy with a number of Lions players. I was particularly surprised to learn that Alex Karras was a part owner of the Lindell AC and was later suspended for betting on football. I thought the party bus was hilarious! It is hard to imagine a bus riding around the city with strippers and gangsters having a good time.
The mob being tied into sports isn't that much of a surprise as most criminal organizations will get cozy with any and everyone at a bar. My grandfather would tell me as a kid that a bar is a place where you can not only let go of the troubles the outside world gives you, but make connections no matter they be good or bad. And in this case, most mafioso types would use a bar as a way to connect and make future profits with different people, whether it be athletes, politicians, cops, etc.
I remember when I was a kid people would talk about how the Detroit Mafia had its hand in “everything” – businesses, sports and entertainment. Thus, it was not surprising that Karras was finally charged and suspended for betting on football, since it was no secret he was involved in this type of activity with his Mafia friends.
The party bus is probably what started the hotel culture of gambling parties. The casino games, shooting pool, sports betting, etc. plus the addition of alcohol and 'ladies of the night' made everyone comfortable and free flowing with their money.
While I wasn't fully surprised by the emergence of Motown, I was intrigued by the level of detail the author went into explaining not only each artist, but also the trials and tribulations they went through and how Berry Gordy used the Ford assembly line concept to stay successful and keep the money in house.
I, too, appreciated the detail the author included with each story thread. I grew up hearing these names, but Maramiss does a great job of painting a picture of all of the "power brokers" of the time. I also appreciated the amount of time allotted to telling the African American story in Detroit. That takes additional research since previous accounts often appear superficial or laudatory, without providing specific elements that humanize these subjects.
The level of detail in this book is astonishing. I am overwhelmed by all of the names the writer presents. I do appreciate his ability to weave so much detail into the story and keep it moving at a steady pace.
What surprised me about reading these chapters? I recall (I’ve got to stop starting every post with this phrase) in the early 70’s there was a book that posed the thesis that Motown was really financed and run by the Detroit Mafia. However, Maraniss shows in convincing fashion that Gordy had plenty of role models within his family and the Black community to learn from. In addition, experienced and educated family members had the wherewithal to be instrumental in the founding and operation of Motown. Sure – Berry Gordy had the vision, but the business would not have been a successful if it were not for the uniquely fortunate circumstances afforded to him as an African American man in this period of history.
I love the intrigue and various stories surrounding Motown's rise. You know you have truly made it when everyone says they had a hand in your success. The fact that Barry Gordy was able to integrate so many members of his family into Motown is a great thing. There are not many families that can come together in such a fashion.
The most surprising aspect of those two chapters for me was the revelation that the mafia was so very cozy with a number of Lions players. I was particularly surprised to learn that Alex Karras was a part owner of the Lindell AC and was later suspended for betting on football. I thought the party bus was hilarious! It is hard to imagine a bus riding around the city with strippers and gangsters having a good time.
ReplyDeleteThe mob being tied into sports isn't that much of a surprise as most criminal organizations will get cozy with any and everyone at a bar. My grandfather would tell me as a kid that a bar is a place where you can not only let go of the troubles the outside world gives you, but make connections no matter they be good or bad. And in this case, most mafioso types would use a bar as a way to connect and make future profits with different people, whether it be athletes, politicians, cops, etc.
DeleteI remember when I was a kid people would talk about how the Detroit Mafia had its hand in “everything” – businesses, sports and entertainment. Thus, it was not surprising that Karras was finally charged and suspended for betting on football, since it was no secret he was involved in this type of activity with his Mafia friends.
DeleteThe party bus is probably what started the hotel culture of gambling parties. The casino games, shooting pool, sports betting, etc. plus the addition of alcohol and 'ladies of the night' made everyone comfortable and free flowing with their money.
DeleteWhile I wasn't fully surprised by the emergence of Motown, I was intrigued by the level of detail the author went into explaining not only each artist, but also the trials and tribulations they went through and how Berry Gordy used the Ford assembly line concept to stay successful and keep the money in house.
ReplyDeleteI, too, appreciated the detail the author included with each story thread. I grew up hearing these names, but Maramiss does a great job of painting a picture of all of the "power brokers" of the time. I also appreciated the amount of time allotted to telling the African American story in Detroit. That takes additional research since previous accounts often appear superficial or laudatory, without providing specific elements that humanize these subjects.
DeleteThe level of detail in this book is astonishing. I am overwhelmed by all of the names the writer presents. I do appreciate his ability to weave so much detail into the story and keep it moving at a steady pace.
DeleteWhat surprised me about reading these chapters? I recall (I’ve got to stop starting every post with this phrase) in the early 70’s there was a book that posed the thesis that Motown was really financed and run by the Detroit Mafia. However, Maraniss shows in convincing fashion that Gordy had plenty of role models within his family and the Black community to learn from. In addition, experienced and educated family members had the wherewithal to be instrumental in the founding and operation of Motown. Sure – Berry Gordy had the vision, but the business would not have been a successful if it were not for the uniquely fortunate circumstances afforded to him as an African American man in this period of history.
ReplyDeleteI love the intrigue and various stories surrounding Motown's rise. You know you have truly made it when everyone says they had a hand in your success. The fact that Barry Gordy was able to integrate so many members of his family into Motown is a great thing. There are not many families that can come together in such a fashion.
ReplyDeleteI read that Post and got it fine and informative. Wedding Toronto Limousine
ReplyDelete