Berry Gordy: Nearly 50 Years Later, Still Being Recognized
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
As the countdown continues for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb.10, The BV Newswire has learned that Motown Records founder Berry Gordy will received a special honor from The Recording Academy at its annual GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons.
According to a spokesperson, the honor will be bestowed immediately following the live telecast of the Grammys during an exclusive reception, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
There, Gordy will be honored with the President's Merit Award to Industry Icons in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and the business of music. Past recipients of the award include Ahmet Ertegun, Mo Ostin, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss."Berry Gordy embodies that rare combination of creative genius, entrepreneurial excellence and fearless proponent of social change," said Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow. "By bringing the heart and soul of Motown to the world, he opened the ears of music fans and opened doors for music makers who have become the most revered and beloved artists of all time. We are honored to pay tribute to an icon who has shaped popular music with his artistry, drive, and unparalleled ability to identify and develop young talent."
In 1959, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gordy – a former pugilist and car salesman -- took an $800 loan from his family and started a small record company in the Motor City of Detroit and called it Motown Records.
With the success of legendary music acts Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and The Jackson 5, among others, Gordy made history.
When he brought Motown to Los Angeles in 1972, his vision expanded into television and film. His first film, 'Lady Sings The Blues' starring Motown'sresident diva Ross, earned four Academy Award nominations.
Gordy then made his directorial debut with his sophomore film, 'Mahogany.'
Last year, in a bold move the 77-year-old music industry veteran publicly took a stance and disassociated himself and his legacy from the movie adaptation of 'Dreamgirls,' which many believe was based on the story of Motown.
As the countdown continues for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb.10, The BV Newswire has learned that Motown Records founder Berry Gordy will received a special honor from The Recording Academy at its annual GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons.
According to a spokesperson, the honor will be bestowed immediately following the live telecast of the Grammys during an exclusive reception, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
There, Gordy will be honored with the President's Merit Award to Industry Icons in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and the business of music. Past recipients of the award include Ahmet Ertegun, Mo Ostin, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss."Berry Gordy embodies that rare combination of creative genius, entrepreneurial excellence and fearless proponent of social change," said Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow. "By bringing the heart and soul of Motown to the world, he opened the ears of music fans and opened doors for music makers who have become the most revered and beloved artists of all time. We are honored to pay tribute to an icon who has shaped popular music with his artistry, drive, and unparalleled ability to identify and develop young talent."
In 1959, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gordy – a former pugilist and car salesman -- took an $800 loan from his family and started a small record company in the Motor City of Detroit and called it Motown Records.
With the success of legendary music acts Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and The Jackson 5, among others, Gordy made history.
When he brought Motown to Los Angeles in 1972, his vision expanded into television and film. His first film, 'Lady Sings The Blues' starring Motown'sresident diva Ross, earned four Academy Award nominations.
Gordy then made his directorial debut with his sophomore film, 'Mahogany.'
Last year, in a bold move the 77-year-old music industry veteran publicly took a stance and disassociated himself and his legacy from the movie adaptation of 'Dreamgirls,' which many believe was based on the story of Motown.
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