Detroit is the birthplace of techno, which
started in the 1980s
which the city had become famous – Motown Records. On a quiet, tree-lined residential
street, less than five minutes’ drive from our inner city hotel, lies the nondescript house that was once home to this world-famous music establishment. It would perhaps remain unnoticed to most passers-by, if not for the small sign on its lawn, marking it out as the original home of Motown Records. It was owned by the legendary record producer Berry Gordy, who launched the careers of soul greats such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Martha and the Vandellas. We are guided round by Peggy, who
missed her calling as a Motown singer. She serenades us with hits from the 60s and 70s as she walks us around the tiny museum, pointing out the tiny orange sofa where Marvin Gaye used to curl up after late night jamming sessions, and the vending machine
which still contains original chocolate from the 70s, including the Babe Ruth bars that were Stevie Wonder’s favourite. “They were always kept in the same slot, so that little, blind 11-year-old boy knew just which buttons to press,” she explains. The tour culminates in the world
famous “Studio A”. “Y’all can’t leave without singing a song in the same room as Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, the Jackson Five and the Supremes,” Peggy instructs us sternly, before leading us in a rousing rendition of My Girlby The Temptations. Around us black and white photos line the walls, depicting various mega-stars singing exactly where we are now standing. “Makes your spine tingle don’t it,” Peggy smiles. No visit to Detroit would be complete
without a visit to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, where old models of Fords dating back to the early 1900s line the floors. This was the
birthplace of the famous Model T, the first affordable car, which opened up the industry to the American middle class.
Setting out their stall History is one facet of the city, and shopping is another, although it still has some way to go to rival its US counterparts in this respect. We head to the Eastern Market – where locals flock every Saturday morning to buy groceries, artisan delicacies and garden plants. There are several bric-a-brac stores, and as I wander round, owners approach me to talk excitedly about their love of the city. “It’s a shame Rita’s nipped out,” my new friend Joey says. “That’s Rita Ross – Diana’s sister,” he adds casually. “She owns the stall next to me – all the Ross’ stayed close – Diana comes to visit sometimes.” He moves on to talk about another famous local, Kid Rock, who apparently spends a fair amount of time helping the city get back on its feet.
The passion that Detroit’s famous
offspring have for their home seems is infectious. “We’re getting more and more international people here – they’re coming for vacation,” Joey says excitedly. “We find it weird, but it’s so great for the city.” He’s right – Detroit is not for clients
that want a weekend of shopping and fine dining. It is a city that is raw and gritty. But it offers tourists a far more honest glimpse of its soul than any other American city I have visited. It’s a two-day stopover with a
difference. I might not have seen Eminem, but I have found an exciting new US destination. In the famous song Dancing in the Street, Martha and the Vandellas urged listeners not to forget the Motor City. I feel there is little danger of that happening. Book it: Return flights from Heathrow to Detroit lead in from £737pp in economy with Virgin Atlantic. ■
virginatlantic.com
Afforable luxury city breaks LISBON
5 Altis Avenida 3 nights from £396pp*
*based on 2 sharing on bed and breakfast, including return transfers.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS INCLUDED
FLY FROM YOUR LOCAL AIRPORT
Call 0800 008 7288 5030
www.classic-collection.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68