The founder of Motown Records was born and raised in Detroit, moving through a variety of occupations before becoming a giant in the music industry. His experience as an auto assembly worker shaped his belief that creating stars could follow the same principles as making cars, and in 1959 Gordy set out to prove his point. Building on the foundational talent of the Miracles, Gordy soon assembled a stable of artists that included Mary Wells, the Temptations and the Supremes. For many years, the Motown Record label was the highest-earning African-American business in the nation, launching the careers of countless talented stars. Gordy created the distinctive look, sound and excitement of what is now simply known as Motown.