Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson Named 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year
The 32nd annual benefit gala will take place in Grammy week on February 3 next year.
Motown giants Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson are to be the honorees at the 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year. The 32nd annual benefit gala will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 3, 2023, two nights before the 65th annual Grammy Awards.
“MusiCares is thrilled to be honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at this year’s Persons of the Year gala, which will be the first time we are honoring two legends together,” says Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares. “With Mr. Gordy as the creator of the Motown Sound, and Mr. Robinson as his first writer and artist, their music, along with the many others who joined Motown, reached out across a racially-divided country to transform popular music, creating a musical legacy like no other.”
The highly prestigious event includes a reception and silent auction – offering an exclusive selection of unique items for bidding guests – followed by a dinner and tribute concert. This will feature renowned musicians and other artists paying tribute to Gordy and Robinson.
‘How honored I am’
Enthused Gordy: “Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson. How special is that! I am grateful to be included in MusiCares’ remarkable history of music icons. The work they do is so critical to the well-being of our music community, and I look forward to a most exciting evening.”
Added Robinson: “I have supported MusiCares for many years and know what great work they do for our creative community who need our help. Recently, when no one could tour, they were a lifeline to those in the touring industry for monetary help and mental health services. I am honored that they have chosen me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and celebrate with you all together.”
Since 1991, the glittering annual gala has raised funds for MusiCares programs and services that help the music community. These include issues of physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief. Recent Person of the Year honorees including this year’s recipient, Joni Mitchell, as well as Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and Aerosmith.
Tables for the event are available here, and more information about MusiCares Persons of the Year here.
