DETROIT – President Barack Obama shocked all in
attendance when his image appeared on the giant screen inside the Marriott Hotel to offer Berry Gordy his personal congratulations, taped from the Oval Office for Motown’s 50th Golden gala.
“Motown music made
history and captured a truly American sound,” President Obama said.
The incomparable Stevie Wonder and Kid Rock
ripped the stage in an unlikely yet poignant collaboration that produced
“Superstition,” “Living for the City” and the karaoke classic “Signed, Sealed,
Delivered, I’m Yours.”
The crowd gave a standing ovation to an empty
stage when the music and images of Michael Jackson, the record-setting
man-child who fronted the Jackson Five, scrolled across the video screen.
Those were just some of the memorable moments
as a collage of legends, celebrities and dignitaries — including Stevie Wonder,
Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock, comedian Sinbad, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Judge Greg Mathis, Judge Craig Strong and, of course,
the Temptations — paid homage to the enduring legacy of one of the most
successful record labels of all time (view the entire photo gallery at www.photos.rollingout.com). Kid Rock nearly teared up when he tried
to articulate what Motown means to him and how grateful he was to be invited to
perform onstage with Stevie Wonder.
“I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m blessed. To be
here and be a part of this is just another milestone,” said Kid Rock. “It’s
really tough to put into words. It’s really hard to say [what makes Motown so
great]. To me, it was the greatest American soundtrack in the history of the
world.”
Here are some of the best quotes and biggest
moments from that star-studded soirée:
- Aretha Franklin, belted out
several renditions of songs in a birthday tribute to Gordy, now 80. “You
taught the world on both sides of the ocean a new way to love and dream,”
said Aretha.
Mayor Dave Bing, a Hall of Famer
and former basketball player for the Detroit Pistons, presented Berry Gordy with the
keys to the city. “Could I have imagined this 50 years ago? Well, I had big
dreams. I didn’t imagine this specifically. I didn’t imagine it would be
as big as it is after 50 years. I’m just delighted and grateful to all the
unsung heroes who made it what it was,” Gordy, the Chairman, said. “It’s
great to be back and feel the love. Detroit is
really a magical place and Motown could not have happened anywhere except
the city of Detroit with
the way it happened.”
- Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke on Motown’s
contributions to the Civil Rights Movement: “They redefined music … much
of the lyrics in the music was social change-oriented, whether it was
“What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye or the music of Stevie Wonder. The
message in the music had a powerful impact on social change for the whole
world.
- Comedian Sinbad, who had
everyone in stitches as the host of the event, on his fave Motown act:
“The one I wanted to meet the most is The Temptations. Back then, it
was the love of music. Today, I think we have a love of becoming stars. So
I think we’ve skipped a step. - The Temptations, who performed many
of their most memorable hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” said today’s acts have a long way to go to
reach Motown status. “There aren’t too many that impress me in that light.
Because Motown was such a unique company. We were bred on hard work,
making good music, dedication and showmanship. I mean, I like Alicia Keys
and Beyoncé. It’s a combination of things that made Motown unique. People
from different backgrounds all came together — the singers, the producers,
the engineers — to make something special. But we never thought it would
become an icon 50 years later.” –terry shropshire
