[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 175 (Thursday, December 3, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION HONORING BERRY GORDY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2015

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution 
honoring the achievements of Berry Gordy, Jr. and his musical legacy, 
Motown Records. By establishing the Motown record label in 1959 in 
Detroit, MI, Mr. Gordy cultivated the careers of musical legends such 
as Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and 
many, many more. Not only did the music of Motown advance its way to 
the top of the charts and the front of the music scene with timeless 
hits such as ``Please Mr. Postman'' and ``Ain't No Mountain High 
Enough,'' but it also communicated across race barriers and touched 
people regardless of the color of their skin. In a racially divided and 
politically charged time, Motown Records, under the leadership of Mr. 
Gordy, was the first to integrate an all-white sales department and 
produce music beloved by all.
  Mr. Gordy's accomplishments are reflected in his numerous awards and 
recognitions including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of 
Fame, his autobiography ``To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the 
Memories of Motown,'' and the Broadway success of ``Motown The 
Musical.''
  Decades after its inception, Motown is remembered as one of the most 
significant creative outlets of the 20th century, and the music it 
fostered continues to entertain and inspire us all. Thanks to Mr. 
Gordy, Motown created a uniquely American sound and defined the 
American experience for generations. Through this resolution, we 
recognize and thank Mr. Gordy for creating a timeless musical sound, 
for being a force of positive social change, and for his countless 
contributions to American culture.

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