Was Detroit's Decline Premature Before Motown Moved to LA?
The commercial and cultural landscape of Detroit, Michigan, began to change significantly around the era when Motown Records relocated to Los Angeles. To understand whether Detroit was already in decline before this move, let's dive into the factors that affected the city and its industries.
Population Decline and the 1967 Detroit Riots
The decline in Detroit's population was on track by the time Motown Records made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles in 1972. A key catalyst for this shift was the 1967 Detroit riot, which caused significant damage to the city and left hundreds injured and dozens dead. The riot not only had a devastating impact on the physical infrastructure of Detroit but also on its financial stability and public morale. Some evidence suggests that the riots influenced the decision to move Motown to a new, safer, and more stable environment.
The State of the Auto Industry in 1972
John Scallen is right to mention that contrary to what many believe, the Detroit auto industry was quite robust in 1972. However, it began to face significant challenges soon after due to increased regulatory pressures and strong foreign competition. The rise of foreign automakers, particularly the Japanese invasion, was just starting to gain momentum. It would take a notable event, such as the 1973 oil embargo, to significantly impact the auto industry in Detroit, leading to an even greater decline in demand for gas-guzzling American cars.
The Motown Move and Its Implications
Motown’s decision to move from Detroit to Los Angeles was driven in large part by the desire to expand into the film industry. However, my opinion is that most of the greatest Motown recordings were produced while the company was based in Detroit, with only Michael Jackson’s post-relocation work standing apart. This decision, while it may have seemed necessary at the time, symbolized a larger shift within the city. For many, it was a distressing sign, especially for those like my family, who saw it as a sign that Detroit was not on solid ground anymore.
White Flight and Real Estate Practices
White flight, a phenomena where white residents move out of urban areas to more suburban or rural locations, significantly reshaped Detroit's demographic landscape. In many cases, real estate companies took advantage of the racial tension, using fear to their advantage to encourage white families to sell their homes. This unethical practice furthered the city's decline by driving down property values and increasing racial segregation.
The Auto Industry Dynamics and Detroit's Future
The auto industry in Detroit was undergoing a significant transformation in the early 1970s. The dynamics that once made Detroit the automotive powerhouse of America were shifting rapidly. As a result, the city faced immense challenges. At its peak, Detroit's auto industry provided 1 in 5 jobs in the United States. The year Motown moved, 1968, was symbolic of a city on the brink. John Lennon's words, "Give peace a chance," echoed as Detroit's peace was being disrupted by both internal strife and external pressures on the Detroit economy.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Detroit has faced tough times but it is gradually recovering, thanks to revitalization efforts and new opportunities. While the decline of the city continued for decades, it is now showing signs of significant improvement. The Motown move may have been a pivotal moment, but it does not mean that Detroit was already going bad.
In conclusion, while Detroit was not in as dire straits as it would be in the following decades, the seeds of change were sown long before Motown moved to Los Angeles. It is a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors that led to the city's gradual decline. However, it is important to remember that every city has the potential for recovery, and Detroit's story is a testament to that.