According to Billboard, Motown founder Berry Gordy got recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors over the past weekend.
The 92-year-old music legend was honored at the 44th annual ceremony at the Kennedy Center opera house alongside Joni Mitchell, Justino Diaz, Bette Midler, and Lorne Michaels. The award gave recognition to individuals who have been successful in their artistic lives.
David Letterman began the ceremony by noting that “the Presidential box [was] once again being occupied.” He then initiated a standing ovation from attendees for President Joe Biden, after he was the first commanding officer to attend the event in almost four years.
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Following the began the festivities as Stevie Wonder gave a small concert of Motown hits including “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” and a revamped version of “I Just Called To Say I Love You.” Brandi Carlile also performed a special rendition of “River,” taken from her recent Carnegie Hall performance.
Gordy spoke about receiving the prestigious honor and said, “Each of the artists was just so special. I don’t know what to say other than I’m flowing with love for these people who backed me up and many of whom fought, cried, lived, and died to make Motown what it is. It’s not only me; it’s all those people. And some unsung people you don’t hear about.”
Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon, Billy Porter, Ellie Goulding, and Brittany Howard were all in attendance.
Gordy founded Motown record label with only $800 in his pocket, which he was loaned from his family. The music mogul curated his company to be a cultural staple that birthed talented artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and many more.
