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Michael Jackson’s passing was the leading topic at ASCAP’s 22nd Annual Rhythm and Soul Awards in Beverly Hills. Berry Gordy Jr., who was there to support Motown legend Smokey Robinson, was shaken and deeply mourning the death of his protégé Michael Jackson who he signed to the legendary label along with his brothers in the group Jackson 5 a little over 40 years ago. He shares in his address to the audience:
“Thank you everyone who has been honoring and sharing the artistry and genius of Michael Jackson. I stand here to day still in a state of shock from the news of his death. At home last night, I was looking at some of my old pictures of him from early rehearsals to one’s with he and my son on the baseball field as we played our weekly Gordy-Jackson baseball games. For the world Michael’s legacy will always be in his artistry, but for me it will always be so much more. The memories of watching him grow from a nine-year-old kid with boundless determination and talent to become, perhaps, the greatest entertainer of all times. It is a bittersweet moment for all of us even as we celebrate Motown’s 50th year, we have to say goodbye to yet another vital member of our family.” –yvette caslin
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