Berry Gordy to Be Honored by The Recording Academy(R) at the 2008 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons(R) Event.SANTA MONICA Santa Monica (săn`tə mŏn`ĭkə), city (1990 pop. 86,905), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1886. Tourism and retailing are important, and the city has motion-picture, biotechnology, and software industries. , Calif. -- Motown Records
Early years Berry Gordy, Jr. will be honored by The Recording Academy([R]) at its annual GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons([R]) event on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, immediately following the 50th Annual GRAMMY([R])Awards. This exclusive reception, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center The Los Angeles Convention Center (abbreviated LACC) is a convention center in downtown Los Angeles. The LACC hosts annual events such as the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, and was best known to video games fans as host to E3 until its cessation in 2006. , features a presentation of the President's Merit Award to Industry Icons in recognition of Gordy's significant contributions to the music industry and the impact his efforts have made on music and the business of music. Past recipients of the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons President's Merit Award include Ahmet Ertegun, Mo Ostin Mo Ostin (born March 27, 1927) is a record executive, who has worked for several companies, including Verve, Reprise, Warner Brothers, and DreamWorks. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 by Paul Simon, Neil Young, and Lorne Michaels. , Herb Alpert Herbert "Herb" Alpert (born March 31, 1935 in Los Angeles, California) is an American musician most associated with the group variously known as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass or as Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass or just TJB and Jerry Moss Jerry Moss (born May 8, 1935) is an American recording executive, best known for being the co-founder of A&M Records, along with trumpeter and bandleader Herb Alpert. After the A&M label was purchased by PolyGram, the two men went on to form Almo Sounds in 1994, a new record label . The invitation-only VIP event will be attended by prominent artists and industry leaders. "Berry Gordy embodies that rare combination of creative genius, entrepreneurial excellence and fearless proponent of social change," said President/CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow Neil R. Portnow (born 1948, New York City) is the current president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). Portnow was formerly the vice-president of the West Coast division of Jive Records. . "By bringing the heart and soul of Motown to the world, he opened the ears of music fans and opened doors for music makers who have become the most revered and beloved artists of all time. We are honored to pay tribute to an icon who has shaped popular music with his artistry, drive, and unparalleled ability to identify and develop young talent." As a young man, Gordy had a devoted love for music and aspired to be a songwriter. He found national success co-writing Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite," "To Be Loved," and "Lonely Teardrops." In 1959, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gordy took an $800 loan from his family and started a small record company in the Motor City of Detroit and called it Motown Records. As a songwriter and producer, with a keen sense of musical talent, he nurtured such artists as Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.) (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer-songwriter, musician and performer who gained international fame as an artist on the Motown label in the 1960s and 1970s. , the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. In 1991, he received the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy. Gordy's visionary talent does not end with cultivating music stars. When he brought Motown Records to Los Angeles in 1972, he parlayed his talents into television and film. Hit television shows such as "American Bandstand" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" featured Motown recording artists. His first film, Lady Sings The Blues starring Diana Ross, earned four Academy Award([R]) nominations. He made his directorial debut with his sophomore film, Mahogany. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 10, 2008, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) See cell broadcast. from 8 - 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards -- the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music -- The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. |
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