[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



IN TRIBUTE TO ESTER GORDY EDWARDS, FOUNDER/CEO MOTOWN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the Congressional Black 
Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to celebrate the 
cultural achievements and monumental contributions to music in both 
America and around the world as a result of the creative genius and 
work of Ester Gordy Edwards. On this special occasion, I am honored to 
present to the 106th Congress, a national treasure who has been one of 
the most important and influential historical figures of the 20th 
century in the development of music--Ester Gordy Edwards.
  As one of the chief executives and administrators during Motown's 
first decade, Ester Gordy Edwards, in collaboration with her legendary 
brother Barry Gordy, was instrumental in the success of Motown through 
her administrative and talent development skills. She was one of the 
key architects of marketing the Motown Sound overseas, and helped to 
bring rhythm and blues, in particular, rhythms and harmonies from 
gospel music, to millions of listeners in America and around the world.
  The ``Motown Sound'' has brought joy and delight to countless fans, 
and is a uniquely American art form that will endure the test of time. 
It is my heart felt belief that because of the work of Ester Gordy 
Edwards, the music and spirit of Motown will always be with us; because 
it is music from the heart, it is about love, peace and harmony, it is 
brilliant, sophisticated, dynamic, and soulful beyond description. 
Motown music transcends race, class, and culture. This is one of 
Motown's most profound and powerful historical legacies--promoting 
brotherhood, humanity, and love through music.
  During Motown's first decade, Mrs. Edwards was head of the Artists 
Personal Management Division of Motown. From her director's position, 
she guided the career and development of world-famous recording 
artists, including: Diana Ross, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The 
Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, 
Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, and many other outstanding artists and 
musicians. Simultaneously, Mrs. Edwards directed Motown's International 
Operations, setting up foreign licensees, and sub-publishers, 
worldwide. Mrs. Edwards' outstanding administration of these areas 
greatly enhanced Motown's phenomenal growth into the world's largest 
independent record manufacturer.
  In 1972, when Motown Record Corporation moved its headquarters from 
downtown Detroit to Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Edwards remained in 
Detroit as head of Motown's Public Affairs Division, and CEO of Detroit 
operations. Ongoing public visits and public demand resulted in the 
official founding of the Motown Historical Museum, Inc. in 1985.
  Ester Gordy Edwards is also Vice Chair of the African American 
Heritage Association (AAHA) which provided the African American Room in 
the Ethnic Heritage Center at Wayne State University. She is a former 
member of the National Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change and a former Trustee of the 
Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
  Mrs. Edwards is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha 
and Gamma Phi Delta sororities. She is listed in ``Who's Who in 
America'' and ``Who's Who in the World.'' One of her cherished honors 
is being selected in 1994 ``Distinguished Warrior'' by the Detroit 
Urban League, for her notable leadership in the community and lifetime 
devotion to improving conditions in society. Esther Gordy Edwards is 
the daughter of the late Bertha and Berry Gordy Sr., widow of the late 
Michigan State Representative George H. Edwards, and mother of one son, 
Robert B. Bullock by a previous marriage. She is stepmother to the 
Honorable Harry T. Edwards, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of 
Columbia; Verne Edwards DeBorge and Pamela Edwards Matthews.
  I am proud to honor my close friend Ester Gordy Edwards today, and am 
one of many admirers of her dedication to excellence and her desire to 
enrich and strengthen the African American community. Ester Gordy 
Edwards is a pioneer of African American music, and will forever be 
remembered as a distinguished woman who has served as a positive role 
model for African American youth. She gave hope to millions of African 
Americans by showing that hard work, dedication to your career, and the 
quest for excellence can translate into dreams fulfilled and lives 
enriched.

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