Motown founder Berry Gordy recipient of Marian Anderson Award

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PHILAPELPHIA – A star-studded gala took place last night in Philadelphia to honor Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.

The legendary record producer and songwriter is recipient of the 2013 Marian Anderson Award, which pays homage to critically acclaimed artists who have made a significant impact.

Tuesday night’s gala dinner and award presentation at the Kimmel Center was hosted by comedian-actor Chris Tucker. It featured performances by Boyz II Men and Kool and the Gang, as well as Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, who stars as Gordy in “Motown The Musical.”

R&B icon Smokey Robinson presented a tribute, along with “Philly Sound” songwriting and producing pioneers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Gordy, a high-school dropout who had a short professional boxing career, started Motown Records in Detroit in 1959. The record company is credited for opening doors for African-American performing artists, launching the careers of everyone from Michael Jackson to Stevie Wonder to Diana Ross & the Supremes.

“This year we will be honoring an individual who created a new genre of American music that is beloved around the world, by young and old, black and white,” said Award chair Pamela Browner White.

“Just as Marian Anderson did for classical music, Berry Gordy created an extraordinary common ground for all music lovers. Through his work with so many great artists, our society was brought closer together and we continue to sing the classic songs of the genre he created.”

Created in 1998, the award is named for after singer Marian Anderson. Past honorees include Bill Cosby, Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover and Quincy Jones.

Since its inception, the program has provided more than $500,000 in free public programs, residencies, commissions, and grants to young artists.