Berry Gordy's 96th Birthday Bash: A Celebration of Motown Magic

Berry Gordy Jr. , the mastermind behind Motown, just turned 96. His birthday party was a star-studded event filled with music and love. The party took place at the Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles. It was a five-hour celebration with over 300 guests. Gordy looked sharp in a custom pin-striped suit with a matching tie. The room was full of famous faces. Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and the Temptations' Otis Williams were there. Martha Reeves, Valerie Simpson, and Claudette Robinson also attended. Wonder performed \'Happy Birthday\' and a personalized version of \'You Are the Sunshine of My Life\'. The guest list was impressive. It included U. S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Universal Music Enterprises President Bruce Resnikoff, and Motown Museum Chairwoman Robin Terry. Paul Riser, a musical arranger, was also there. Gordy was in great spirits, interacting with everyone and sharing stories. Robin Terry, Gordy's granddaughter, said, \'From the moment my uncle walked in, folks were cheering and showing him love. \' Paul Riser Jr. noted that Gordy seemed like he was celebrating his 56th birthday, not his 96th. He was full of energy and sharing memories with guests. Other attendees included Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, and U. S. Rep. Maxine Waters. Debbie Allen's dance academy performed. Longtime Motown friends like Suzanne de Passe, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Mickey Stevenson also attended. A special 96th birthday cake featured vintage images of Gordy, including one with a gold crown. Smokey Robinson performed \'Did You Know\', a tribute he first performed at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors. Valerie Simpson also gave a heartfelt tribute. Robin Terry summed up the night, saying, \'It never ceases to amaze me how vibrant he is, taking in the love and giving it back. \' It was truly a special night for everyone involved.