Meaning: The quote "Motown's policy was to build one act at a time or their favorites" by Brenda Holloway, a musician associated with the Motown record label, sheds light on the approach and strategy employed by Motown Records in developing and promoting musical acts during its heyday. Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of popular music, particularly in the realm of soul, R&B, and pop music. The label was renowned for its distinctive sound, polished production, and its ability to nurture and promote talented artists.

Brenda Holloway's quote encapsulates the ethos of Motown Records in its approach to artist development. Rather than spreading themselves thin by promoting multiple acts simultaneously, Motown focused on nurturing and promoting one act at a time, or their favorites. This singular focus allowed the label to dedicate substantial resources, time, and effort into developing and promoting each artist to their fullest potential. By concentrating their efforts, Motown was able to carefully craft the image and sound of each artist, ensuring that they were given the necessary attention and support to succeed.

The emphasis on building one act at a time or their favorites also speaks to the personalized and hands-on approach that Motown Records took with its artists. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, Motown recognized the unique talents and potential of each artist and tailored their promotional and developmental efforts accordingly. This approach fostered a sense of partnership and collaboration between the label and its artists, allowing for a more intimate and customized approach to artist development.

Motown's strategy of building one act at a time also underscores the label's commitment to quality over quantity. By prioritizing the development and success of each individual act, Motown ensured that the music and performances released under its banner were of the highest caliber. This commitment to excellence contributed to the label's reputation for producing timeless and influential music that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

Furthermore, the quote by Brenda Holloway offers insight into the inner workings of Motown Records and the dynamics between the label and its roster of artists. By highlighting the label's focus on their favorites, the quote suggests that Motown took an active interest in nurturing and promoting artists who resonated with the label's vision and values. This personalized approach likely fostered a strong sense of loyalty and mutual respect between the label and its artists, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for artistic growth and success.

In conclusion, Brenda Holloway's quote encapsulates the strategic approach taken by Motown Records in developing and promoting musical acts. By focusing on building one act at a time or their favorites, the label demonstrated a commitment to personalized artist development, quality over quantity, and a collaborative approach to fostering talent. This approach not only contributed to the label's immense success but also left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.