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Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Lions cut James Houston before Thanksgiving.

• AI art of the week

• A deep-dive into the life of Alice Coltrane

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not the mistake that matters, it’s how you interpret the lesson.”

—Michelle C. Ustaszeski

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What famous Detroit landmark is known as "Hitsville U.S.A."?

A) The Motown Museum

B) Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall

C) The Fillmore Detroit

D) Detroit Opera House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Detroit-born musician known as the "Queen of Soul" is C) Aretha Franklin.

News

💼Business

Detroit tells business owner water line problem is his problem.(link)

Midtown Detroit beer shop 8 Degrees Plato to close.(link)

🏒Sports

Detroit Tigers Will Have To Beat Out Milwaukee Brewers for Veteran Free Agent.(link)

Detroit Lions cut defensive end James Houston ahead of Thanksgiving game against Chicago Bears.(link)

🏦Finance

GM, Gilbert seek state funding for massive overhaul of RenCen, riverfront.(link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Detroit Pistons v Milwaukee Bucks (Emirates NBA Cup Group Play)
Little Caesars Arena Detroit,
Tuesday December 03 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Detroit Pistons Vs Milwaukee Bucks
Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit,
December 03 | 7:00 PM EST | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Magic Bag Presents: Red Leather with special guest PHARAOHS
The Magic Bag 22920 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, MI
Wednesday December 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

📚 Preschool Story Time
Knapp | Detroit Public Library 13330 Conant Detroit,
Wednesday, December 4 | 10:30 - 11:30am EST | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Post-apocalyptic Detroit reclaimed by nature.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Detroit Historical Events

1914 - Ford introduces the $5 workday, attracting workers and boosting the economy.

In 1914, Ford Motor Company made history by introducing the groundbreaking $5 workday, a move that revolutionized the American workforce and had a profound impact on the city of Detroit. This bold decision by Henry Ford to double the prevailing wage for an eight-hour workday was a game-changer, attracting a surge of workers to the company's factories. As a result, Detroit experienced a significant influx of laborers seeking employment opportunities, leading to a boost in the local economy and a rise in the standard of living for many residents.

The introduction of the $5 workday by Ford had far-reaching effects on Detroit's social and economic landscape. The higher wages offered by the company not only attracted skilled workers from across the country but also contributed to a reduction in employee turnover. This stability in the workforce allowed for increased productivity and efficiency in Ford's operations, further solidifying the company's position as an industrial powerhouse in Detroit. Additionally, the influx of disposable income into the local economy spurred growth in various industries, from retail and entertainment to real estate and infrastructure development.

Ford's $5 workday initiative left an indelible mark on Detroit, shaping the city's identity as a hub of innovation and prosperity. The move not only transformed the lives of Ford employees but also set a precedent for fair labor practices and equitable compensation in the American industrial landscape. The impact of this historic decision continues to resonate in Detroit's history, serving as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and its ability to drive positive change in communities.

Famous People From Detroit

Alice Coltrane (1937–2007): Jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer.

Alice Coltrane (1937–2007)

Alice Coltrane, born Alice Lucille McLeod on August 27, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, grew up in a musical household. Her mother, Anna McLeod, was a member of the choir at her church, and her half-brother, Ernest Farrow, became a jazz drummer. Her younger sister, Marilyn McLeod, became a songwriter at Motown.

Alice's Early Musical Journey

Alice Coltrane's upbringing in Detroit exposed her to a rich musical environment, with her family members being involved in various aspects of music. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer.

Marriage to Jazz Legend John Coltrane

Alice's marriage to John Coltrane, a jazz legend in his own right, played a significant role in shaping her artistic trajectory. The couple's shared spiritual journey translated into their music, infusing it with a profound sense of purpose and exploration.

Musical Evolution and Spiritual Exploration

From her early days as a pianist in Detroit to her later spiritual exploration through sound, Alice's music evolved, embracing a kaleidoscope of influences and experiences. Her cosmic sense of vision and passionate interest in spirituality left a formidable musical legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.

Legacy and Influence

Alice Coltrane's legacy as a pioneering female jazz musician is marked by her profound impact on the jazz genre and her role in shaping the spiritual and cosmic dimensions of jazz music. Her contributions as a composer, pianist, organist, and harpist have left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring future generations of musicians and listeners.

Key Achievements of Alice Coltrane:

• Pioneering female jazz musician with a cosmic sense of vision and a passionate interest in spirituality.

• Marriage to jazz legend John Coltrane, influencing her artistic trajectory and musical exploration.

• Evolved as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer, leaving a formidable musical legacy.

• Profound impact on the jazz genre, shaping the spiritual and cosmic dimensions of jazz music.

• Inspirational contributions as a composer, pianist, organist, and harpist, influencing future generations of musicians and listeners.

Alice Coltrane's life and career as a jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer were marked by her deep musical roots in Detroit, her marriage to jazz legend John Coltrane, and her profound influence on the jazz genre through her spiritual and cosmic vision. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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