# The two R&B songs that eclipsed Motown in the 1960s, according to Rick Rubin

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-two-rb-songs-that-eclipsed-motown-in-the-1960s-according-to-rick-rubin/
- Published: 2026-11-15T21:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T22:28:02+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/two-songs-eclipsed-motown-1960s-according-to-rick-rubin/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Rick Rubin says James Brown’s grooves eclipsed Motown’s conventional R&B.
- “I Got You” and “Out of Sight” show Brown’s distinctive approach.
- Motown favoured pop-oriented hits and launched many major artists.

## Summary

Rick Rubin has argued that James Brown’s groove-led R&B stood apart from the polished, pop-oriented sound of Motown in the 1960s. His view highlights Brown’s influence on funk and later music, while showing how innovation could come from beyond one of the decade’s most successful labels.

Rubin cited Brown’s “I Got You” and “Out of Sight” as unconventional songs built around distinctive grooves rather than standard hit structures. Motown, founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit, helped launch artists including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells, and prioritised hit records. The article notes the comparison is not straightforward: the two acts pursued different sounds, though Brown’s music continues to be sampled.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.