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Anne Erickson

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Kennedy Center to Pay Tribute to Motown Founder Berry Gordy

Author Anne Erickson
July 21st, 2021 1:55 PM
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Berry Gordy speaks onstage during the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean "Diddy" Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Motown founder Berry Gordy has been tapped to be a Kennedy Center honoree. He’s one of five honorees to be recognized in December for his work arts and culture.

The 2021 class also includes opera singer Justino Díaz, “Saturday Night Live” founder Lorne Michaels, musician and actress Bette Midler and musician Joni Mitchell.

Gordy, 91, has already been honored by the Grammys, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and scored the National Medal of Arts for his work with Motown.

“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates luminaries whose art and creativity have enriched us beyond measure,” Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a release. “Visionary music producer and songwriter Berry Gordy brought the quintessential soulfulness of Detroit into every home in America , elevating the Motown sound to become a national treasure.”

“This year’s Honorees represent the unifying power of the Arts and surely remind us of that which binds us together as human beings. These artists are equal parts genius, inspiration, and entertainment,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement.

He added, “After the challenges and heartbreak of the last many months, and as we celebrate 50 years of the Kennedy Center, I dare add that we are prepared to throw ‘the party to end all parties’ in D.C. on December 5th, feting these extraordinary people and welcoming audiences back to our campus. We look forward to shaping an even more exciting Honors program and broadcast with CBS and the producers based on the success and newfound innovations of our 43rd Honors earlier this year.”

  • “Motown: The Truth Is A Hit” Special Exhibit Premiere

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    NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Charles Randolph-Wright, Berry Gordy and Brandon Victor Dixson attends "Motown: The Truth Is A Hit" Special Exhibit Premiere at Schomburg Museum on February 3, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images)

  • “Motown: The Truth Is A Hit” Special Exhibit Premiere

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    NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Berry Gordy and Charles Randolph-Wright speak at "Motown: The Truth Is A Hit" Special Exhibit Premiere at Schomburg Museum on February 3, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images)

  • Clarence Avant Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

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    HOLLYWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 07: Record Producer Berry Gordy (L) speaks onstage at a ceremony honoring Music Executive Clarence Avant (R) with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fameon October 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

  • The 16th Annual Wall Street Project Gala Fundraising Reception

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    NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 31: (L-R) The Reverend Jesse Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick and record producer and founder of Motown Records Berry Gordy attend The 16th Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit - Day 1 at The Roosevelt Hotel on January 31, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

  • 2017 American Music Awards – Press Room

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    LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Diana Ross (L) and Berry Gordy pose in the press room during the 2017 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

  • Ryan Gordy Foundation “60 Years Of Motown” Celebration

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    BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy attend the Ryan Gordy Foundation "60 Years of Motown" Celebration at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on November 11, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for the Ryan Gordy Foundation)

  • 18th Annual Debbie Allen Dance Academy Fall Soiree Fundraising Celebration

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    BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Berry Gordy and Debbie Allen attends 18th Annual Debbie Allen Dance Academy Fall Soiree Fundraising Celebration at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on November 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

  • Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs – Show

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    BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Berry Gordy speaks onstage during the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean "Diddy" Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.
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