Gordy Honoured At Motown 50th Anniversary
By WENNSunday, November 22, 2009
MOTOWN founder BERRY GORDY was presented with a birthday cake and a key to the city of Detroit, Michigan at the iconic record label’s 50th anniversary party on Saturday (21Nov09).
Gordy was the guest of honour at the star-studded Motown 50 Golden Gala, which celebrated the company he started up in his hometown of Detroit with just an $800 (?500) loan.
The hit record producer, who now lives in California, was delighted with his homecoming, telling the crowd, “It’s great to come back and feel the love.”
Motown legends the Temptations kicked off the night’s performances with a number of their hits, while Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin sang Happy Birthday to Gordy, who turns 80 next Saturday (28Nov09)
The crowd was moved by video tributes for late Motown stars Michael Jackson and Four Tops singer Levi Stubbs, while the U.S. president Barack Obama sent his congratulations to Gordy via a filmed video clip.
Stevie Wonder later took the stage to play a set, including My Cherie Amour and Isn’t She Lovely, before ending the night by inviting Detroit native Kid Rock to rap along to Livin’ For the City, Superstition and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing later handed Gordy the key to the city.
Funds raised at the gala, which attracted about 750 guests, will benefit the Motown Historical Museum, which has been housed at the label’s
original Detroit site since the company moved its headquarters to Los Angeles.
