Long recognized as the historic heart of the American automotive industry, Detroit took on the nickname "Motor City." The state's automotive industry provided the model for mass production that other industries later adopted.

Henry Ford started the 'Ford Motor Company' in Detroit in 1903. Five years later, he made the first “Model T” automobile. Within ten years, Detroit was being called The Motor City. It is still the center of the automobile industry in America.

Another popular nickname for Detroit is 'Motown'. Berry Gordy, Junior started the 'Motown Record Corporation' in Detroit in 1959.

African-American singers recording for the company were extremely popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Their records were so successful that Detroit was also called Hitsville, USA.

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