Motown Records is a record label initially founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. The label was so integral to the commercialisation and development of a more polished, popular branch of soul music that the name itself is synonymous with that music style. During the 60s, Motown Records became associated with many iconic musicians, including Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, and The Jackson 5. These artists all experienced success and helped shape a more commercial, soul-infused pop sound. However, by the early 70s, there was declining interest in the more polished, classy pop-soul music that Motown was now synonymous with.