Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson will be honored as Musicians Person of the Year | Biden News

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Oct 20 (Reuters) – Motown icons Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson will be honored as Musicaires 2023 Person of the Year ahead of the annual Grammy Awards by the music industry in Los Angeles, the organization announced on Thursday.

MusicCares, which is dedicated to supporting the music community, said the music world will celebrate the legacy of both songwriters at its 32nd annual Individuals Benefit Gala.

Berry Gordy, 92, and Smokey Robinson, 82, created the Motown record label in the 1960s and was the highest-grossing black American record label for decades, nicknamed Hitsville USA for dozens of chart toppers.

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Gordy, the label’s founder, was the creator of the legendary Motown sound, while Robinson was its first writer and one of its biggest stars. Their bond has inspired generations of popular music, Broadway shows and emerging artists.

“Wow! How honored I am to be named Musicaars Personality of the Year, along with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson. How special!” Gordy said this in a statement.

2017 American Music Awards – Arrivals – Los Angeles, California, US, 19/11/2017 – Smokey Robinson (L), Diana Ross and Berry Gordy. Reuters/Danny Moloshok/File photo

Both Gordy and Robinson have received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among many other honors, Gordy is a Vision Award winner and Robinson is a Grammy winner.

“I have supported MusiCares for many years and know the great work they do for our creative community who need our help,” Robinson said in a statement.

“Recently, when no one could tour, they were a lifeline for financial aid and mental health services for those in the touring industry. I’m honored that they chose me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and together with everyone. Celebrate,” he added.

Organizers have not said which artists will perform at the event, which serves as a fundraiser for Musicians programs that provide emergency care to members of the music community.

“MusiCares is thrilled to honor Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at the 2023 Annual Celebration, the first time we’re honoring two legends together,” MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura said in a statement.

Gordy and Robinson follow this year’s honoree, Joni Mitchell. Past recipients include Dolly Parton and Bruce Springsteen.

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Reporting by Daniel Broadway Editing by Bill Berkrot

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Policy.

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