[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BERRY GORDY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize ``Berry 
Gordy Day'' in Oakland, California, honoring Mr. Berry Gordy Jr.'s many 
contributions to the music and film industry. Known as the founder of 
Motown Records, Mr. Gordy has paved the way for many artists and played 
an inspiring role in breaking racial barriers.
  Born on November 28, 1929, Mr. Berry Gordy Jr. was raised in Detroit, 
Michigan as the seventh of eight children. Before working in the 
entertainment industry, Mr. Gordy pursued a career in boxing and was 
later drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War.
  In 1959, Mr. Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records, making his 
record company the first African American owned music company in the 
United States. His record company was the epicenter of one of the most 
popular and influential musical movements of the 20th century, the 
Motown Sound, which combines African American gospel singing with rock 
and roll.
  The Motown Sound helped to desegregate America's music industry and 
the social climate of the nation. Mr. Gordy's vision introduced the 
world to the soul of the streets of Black America, which included 
recording artists such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, 
Michael Jackson, the Temptations, and many more.
  Motown Records later expanded to incorporate other sectors of the 
entertainment industry. Motown's Black Forum label gave voice to the 
Civil Rights and Black Power Movements through recording the speeches 
and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Amiri Baraka, Elaine Brown and 
many other influential leaders. In addition, Motown Records began 
producing films to share the stories of African American life and the 
deplorable inequality of racial segregation, including Lady Sings the 
Blues and The Bingo Long Traveling All Star.
  Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Gordy has been the recipient of 
numerous awards. In 1988, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall 
of Fame. Mr. Gordy has also been honored with a Star on Hollywood's 
Walk of Fame and received the Songwriter's Hall of Fame Pioneer Award 
in 2013.
  I grew up listening to the music of Motown, and my fondest memories 
of my teen years are learning to dance to the beat of Motown, day 
dreaming about love and life, and discussing the genius of African 
American artists and musicians. Berry Gordy captured my imagination 
and, to this day, Motown lifts my spirit and brings joy into my life.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, Mr. Berry Gordy, I salute you. As we join together on August 
18 to celebrate ``Berry Gordy Day'' in the East Bay, I thank you for a 
lifetime of service and congratulate you on your many achievements. I 
wish you all the best as your musical contributions and work continue 
to inspire future generations in our country and around the world.

                          ____________________