Berry Gordy: Being with Michael Jackson and His Brothers Was Extraordinary
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records who supported Michael and his brothers during their childhood, reminisced about his memories with the Jacksons at Ebony magazine's 100th anniversary celebration held yesterday.
When the Jackson 5 signed with Motown, they relocated from the poor, cold city of Gary to the wealthy, sunny city of Los Angeles. Berry Gordy arranged for Michael and his brothers to stay in a home until their parents could move, but they caused such noise and mischief that they were thrown out — and Berry Gordy ended up housing them in his own home. That same day, Marlon jokingly thanked Gordy in a Yahoo interview for allowing them to stay in his home as children and "turn it into a wreck." But Berry Gordy said in his remarks: "Being with Michael and his brothers was extraordinary. I'm glad they were there."
At the event, Ebony presented Gordy with its lifetime achievement award. This award is given by Ebony to African Americans who have made positive contributions to the Black community in America. With his music company, Berry Gordy not only changed the face of music worldwide but also transformed American culture. Years ago, Ebony — a magazine for Black readers — was the first major publication to devote its cover to Motown and its artists. That cover featured a photo of the Supremes. Gordy highlighted the significance of this moment, and pulling that cover from his pocket, showed it to the audience. Receiving his award from Ebony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude and acknowledged that the role of Ebony — which has been chronicling Black history for decades — has been instrumental in the success of his career.
Also at the event, four of the Jackson brothers — Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine — performed classic songs on stage in the absence of the group's lead singer, Michael, while Berry Gordy joined in and danced with the crowd.
Source: eMJey.com / Yahoo News
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records who supported Michael and his brothers during their childhood, reminisced about his memories with the Jacksons at Ebony magazine's 100th anniversary celebration held yesterday.
When the Jackson 5 signed with Motown, they relocated from the poor, cold city of Gary to the wealthy, sunny city of Los Angeles. Berry Gordy arranged for Michael and his brothers to stay in a home until their parents could move, but they caused such noise and mischief that they were thrown out — and Berry Gordy ended up housing them in his own home. That same day, Marlon jokingly thanked Gordy in a Yahoo interview for allowing them to stay in his home as children and "turn it into a wreck." But Berry Gordy said in his remarks: "Being with Michael and his brothers was extraordinary. I'm glad they were there."
At the event, Ebony presented Gordy with its lifetime achievement award. This award is given by Ebony to African Americans who have made positive contributions to the Black community in America. With his music company, Berry Gordy not only changed the face of music worldwide but also transformed American culture. Years ago, Ebony — a magazine for Black readers — was the first major publication to devote its cover to Motown and its artists. That cover featured a photo of the Supremes. Gordy highlighted the significance of this moment, and pulling that cover from his pocket, showed it to the audience. Receiving his award from Ebony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude and acknowledged that the role of Ebony — which has been chronicling Black history for decades — has been instrumental in the success of his career.
Also at the event, four of the Jackson brothers — Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine — performed classic songs on stage in the absence of the group's lead singer, Michael, while Berry Gordy joined in and danced with the crowd.
Source: eMJey.com / Yahoo News