BERRY GORDY (left) was honored to have a section of West Grand Blvd., where Hitsville USA is located, given a new name in recognition of his extraordinary achievements which continue to have global impact. Renaming the street was the idea of Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves (center), a former Mowtown artist.  Joining the ceremony was another Mowtown legend, Smokey Robinson. -- Andre Smith photo
In a moment of perhaps too much candor, Diana Ross recently said, according to a published report, there is no longer a “Motown family,” per se. Reason being that the artists have for the most part gone their separate ways and rarely get together.

By implication, she was also alluding to the large number of Motown artists who are no longer with us.

The Motown diva should have been in downtown Detroit — the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center to be precise — for the Motown Museum Annual Benefit Gala Celebration. Granted, it was pricey ($350 to $1000 per person), but the well-attended affair was elegant, fun, informative and the cost was fitting considering the significance of the occasion and the expense involved in putting together such an event.

It is assumed that there will be numerous events for those of more modest means as the celebration continues.

Hats off to Robin Terry, Motown Museum chairman and CEO, and all who worked with her, for another job well done. Under her leadership, the gala has evolved into a must-be-there event for many in the metro Detroit area and beyond.

Ross should also be made aware of the fact that there were plenty of “Motown folks” at the dinner and/or VIP reception, including master songwriter/producers Brian Holland, Mickey Stevenson, Eddie Holland and Robert Bateman; former Motown artists Martha Reeves, the Velvelettes and Lois Reeves (a Vandella as of 1967); and museum founder and former Motown vice president Esther Gordy Edwards, who received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Also, Maxine Powell, the lady who directed Motown’s “finishing school”; actor Billy Dee Williams, who starred in three Motown films; and Berry Gordy himself, who got a big surprise aat the gala when actress/dancer/film director Debbie Allen made a surprise appearance.

The special highlight of the evening, themed “One Motown, One Family, One Legacy,” was a reunion performance by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (Bobby Rogers, Claudette Robinson and Pete Moore). They, too, are celebrating a 50th anniversary. During the ceremony, the late Ronnie White was represented by his wife and daughter.

At one point , Robinson brought his granddaughter on stage. He informed the audience that he had been given the privilege of chosing her name — which is “Lyric.”

Also performing at the anniversary gala was Teena Marie, who had string of Motown hits in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

The fundraising gala was the official preview of a multi-faceted celebration of Motown’s 50th anniversary. The day before, there was a ceremony at Hitsville USA celebrating a stretch of West Grand Blvd. — two-and-a-half miles from the Lodge Freeway to Grand River — being renamed in honor of Berry Gordy. It was the idea of Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves, who presented a Detroit City Council proclamation to Gordy.

That night there was a jam session at Arturo’s Jazz Restaurant and Theatre.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was the special guest speaker, showering Motown and Berry Gordy with praise. He joked that he was born in 1970 and was therefore too young to get the full impact of Motown. But like the rest of world, he has a deep appreciation for the achievements of Motown and a love for the classic music. Then, as if to verify his “street cred,” the mayor described the smiling Gordy as “a bad brotha.”

Later on in the evening, the dance floor was packed. Among those seen “cutting a rug” was Berry Gordy.

“Tonight is about honoring lifetime achievements, lifelong friendships and a musical legacy that has brought each of us a lifetime of memories,” wrote Terry, who is the granddaugher of Esther Gordy Edwards.

All in all, a great weekend, and a major plus for the city.

Diana Ross, and a number of others, should make it their business to “come home” and be a part of some of the upcoming anniversary activities. They will realize that “the family” is intact, despite many losses, and that Motown is, indeed, “forever.”

(Editor’s Note: There will be more coverage in next week’s edition.)