Detroit. The Motor City. Motown. By any name, the city ‘on the strait’ that Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded in 1701 has arisen to become one of the most influential, volatile, intriguing and inspiring locales on the planet. From the rise of the auto industry to the phenomenal success of Motown Records to the Grande Ballroom scene that fostered some of the most influential musicians in the history of rock ’n’ roll, it can’t be denied: An uncommon number of amazing people have called Detroit home.

Through compelling portraits and raw interview transcripts that allow them to tell their stories in their own words, Heart Soul Detroit presents 50 of the most influential, successful, fascinating and beloved Detroiters. From super-athletes like Nicklas Lidström, Barry Sanders, Al Kaline and Tommy Hearns to internationally admired musicians like Smokey Robinson, Jack White, Eminem and Martha Reeves to business visionaries such as Berry Gordy, Lee Iacocca and Bill Ford Jr., Heart Soul Detroit showcases the men and women who put The Motor City on the map. ★

Forewords by Lee Iacocca & Lily Tomlin | Afterword by Veronica Webb

Photographs by Jenny Risher | Edited by Matt Lee