Post by HitsvilleSoul on Jan 22, 2006 21:11:29 GMT -5
:read:
Graystone Ballroom Bought
June 11, 1963
Free Press
The Graystone Ballroom, 4237 Woodward near Canfield, has returned to the city tax rolls with its purchase, for approximately $125,000, by the Rayber Corp.
The Rayber firm was set up specifically by Berry Gordy Jr., president of Hitsville U.S.A., Inc., to make the purchase from the University of Michigan.
Hitsville and its related companies, all headed by Gordy, have enjoyed considerable success in producing popular records, and in music publishing and talent management.
Gordy, 33, is a song writer, a graduate of Northeastern High, who went into business for himself 31/2 years ago. Developing local talent for his Motown record label, he has had several records exceed the half-million mark in sales and two have earned gold discs for selling beyond a million.
According to Gordy, trade magazines rated his Motown Corp. seventh nationally last year in the sales race for single records.
Gordy indicated that he expects to spend $25,000 on immediate improvements for the ballroom and undertake a five-year program of extensive improvements.
The five-story structure, which can accommodate a capacity of 2,500 dancers, was in former years a mecca for big bands and other nationally known entertainers. In recent years it has been used for boxing events, parties and teen dances.
Gordy said that temporarily he would continue the present policy, but planned changes which could result in its becoming a nightclub offering top-rank talent.
"We intend," he stated, "to rebuild the image that the Graystone once had. We hope to bring the operation up to the standard of the New Center area now being developed in conjunction with the center city development."
Gordy lives at 1342 Joliet Place in Lafayette Park and conducts his business at 2648 W. Grand Boulevard.
Graystone Ballroom Bought
June 11, 1963
Free Press
The Graystone Ballroom, 4237 Woodward near Canfield, has returned to the city tax rolls with its purchase, for approximately $125,000, by the Rayber Corp.
The Rayber firm was set up specifically by Berry Gordy Jr., president of Hitsville U.S.A., Inc., to make the purchase from the University of Michigan.
Hitsville and its related companies, all headed by Gordy, have enjoyed considerable success in producing popular records, and in music publishing and talent management.
Gordy, 33, is a song writer, a graduate of Northeastern High, who went into business for himself 31/2 years ago. Developing local talent for his Motown record label, he has had several records exceed the half-million mark in sales and two have earned gold discs for selling beyond a million.
According to Gordy, trade magazines rated his Motown Corp. seventh nationally last year in the sales race for single records.
Gordy indicated that he expects to spend $25,000 on immediate improvements for the ballroom and undertake a five-year program of extensive improvements.
The five-story structure, which can accommodate a capacity of 2,500 dancers, was in former years a mecca for big bands and other nationally known entertainers. In recent years it has been used for boxing events, parties and teen dances.
Gordy said that temporarily he would continue the present policy, but planned changes which could result in its becoming a nightclub offering top-rank talent.
"We intend," he stated, "to rebuild the image that the Graystone once had. We hope to bring the operation up to the standard of the New Center area now being developed in conjunction with the center city development."
Gordy lives at 1342 Joliet Place in Lafayette Park and conducts his business at 2648 W. Grand Boulevard.