Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers Special Collection: An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012) Overview of the Collection Repository: The HistoryMakers®1900 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60616 [email protected] www.thehistorymakers.com Creator: The HistoryMakers Title: The HistoryMakers - Special Collection: An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012), Dates: November 12, 2012 Bulk Dates: 2012 Physical Description: 36 Uncompressed MOV Video Files (18:12:47). Abstract: This collection contains the live taping and edited versions of (PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012). This collection contains detailed records of the fundraising for the event, records of the production of the live event, the editing process of the video footage, the airing of the program on different PBS stations, distribution of the program on DVD, research on the honorees and talent, press releases, graphics used during the shooting and photographs from the event. On November 17, 2012 this one-on-one interview was taped in front of a live audience at the Art Institute of Chicago with PBS-TV journalist, Gwen Ifill, serving as the host interviewer. With an interview that is both informative and entertaining, Gordy starts by describing his early interest in songwriting at the age of seven. He then performs his first composition, “Berry’s Boogie Woogie”. Backed by American Idol’s Ray Chew and his band, the program features live musical performances by Valerie Simpson (“I’ll Be There”) of the legendary Motown songwriting team of Ashford & Simpson. Other performers include Motown artist KEM with Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe with the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and the performances of Brandon Dixon and Valisia LeKae who play Berry Gordy and Diana Ross, respectively, in Motown The Musical with “To Be Loved” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Intermixed in the show are live appearances from National Newspaper Publishers Association president, Danny Bakewell, who describes Gordy’s groundbreaking accomplishments and Reverend Jesse Jackson who tells of Gordy’s importance to Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Suzanne de Passe, his longtime friend, business associate and mentee, tells of their work together and his role in putting women in leadership positions. Others provided their perspectives on “The Chairman” and his Motown Legacy. They include: Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, President Bill Clinton, Edgar Bronfman, Leon Huff, Kenny Gamble, Doug Morris and Marty Bandier. This program was videotaped as part of the annual celebrity interview and fundraiser for The HistoryMakers, a 501(c)(3) Illinois, not-for-profit corporation. Identification: S2012_007
Transcript
Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers Special Collection: AnEvening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012)
Overview of the Collection
Repository: The HistoryMakers®1900 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois [email protected] www.thehistorymakers.com
Creator: The HistoryMakersTitle: The HistoryMakers - Special Collection: An Evening With Berry Gordy
(Chicago 2012),Dates: November 12, 2012Bulk Dates: 2012Physical Description: 36 Uncompressed MOV Video Files (18:12:47).Abstract: This collection contains the live taping and edited versions of (PBS-TV
celebrity interview and fundraiser An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago2012). This collection contains detailed records of the fundraising for the event,records of the production of the live event, the editing process of the videofootage, the airing of the program on different PBS stations, distribution of theprogram on DVD, research on the honorees and talent, press releases, graphicsused during the shooting and photographs from the event. On November 17,2012 this one-on-one interview was taped in front of a live audience at the ArtInstitute of Chicago with PBS-TV journalist, Gwen Ifill, serving as the hostinterviewer. With an interview that is both informative and entertaining, Gordystarts by describing his early interest in songwriting at the age of seven. He thenperforms his first composition, “Berry’s Boogie Woogie”. Backed by AmericanIdol’s Ray Chew and his band, the program features live musical performancesby Valerie Simpson (“I’ll Be There”) of the legendary Motown songwritingteam of Ashford & Simpson. Other performers include Motown artist KEMwith Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and singer/songwriter Janelle Monáewith the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and the performances of BrandonDixon and Valisia LeKae who play Berry Gordy and Diana Ross, respectively,in Motown The Musical with “To Be Loved” and “You’re All I Need to GetBy.” Intermixed in the show are live appearances from National NewspaperPublishers Association president, Danny Bakewell, who describes Gordy’sgroundbreaking accomplishments and Reverend Jesse Jackson who tells ofGordy’s importance to Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil RightsMovement. Suzanne de Passe, his longtime friend, business associate andmentee, tells of their work together and his role in putting women in leadershippositions. Others provided their perspectives on “The Chairman” and hisMotown Legacy. They include: Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, SmokeyRobinson, President Bill Clinton, Edgar Bronfman, Leon Huff, Kenny Gamble,Doug Morris and Marty Bandier. This program was videotaped as part of theannual celebrity interview and fundraiser for The HistoryMakers, a 501(c)(3)Illinois, not-for-profit corporation.
Identification: S2012_007
Language: The interview and records are in English.
Biographical Note by The HistoryMakers®
The HistoryMakers
The HistoryMakers is a national 501(c)(3) non profit educational institution founded in 1999,committed to preserving, developing and providing easy access to an internationally recognized,archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories. The HistoryMakers is thesingle largest archival collection of its kind in the world designed to promote and celebrate thesuccesses and to document movements, events and organizations that are important to the AfricanAmerican community and to American society.
The HistoryMakers is the next methodic and wide-scale collection effort since the WPA SlaveNarratives Project from 1936 to 1938. The HistoryMakers goal is to complete 5,000 interviews of bothwell-known and unsung African American HistoryMakers. In recording messages of leadership,achievement and perseverance embodied in these life stories, The HistoryMakers has disseminates itsholdings through traditional and interactive media as well as public programs, special events, aninteractive website and a unique digital archive.
The purpose of this archive is to educate the world on the accomplishments of African Americans,show the breadth and depth of this important American history as told in the first person, highlight theaccomplishments of individual African Americans, showcase those who have played a role in AfricanAmerican-led movements and/or organizations and preserve these video oral histories for years andgenerations to come.
Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy founded and presided over the musical empire known as Motown. As a young blackman working in often inhospitable times, Gordy endeavored to reach across the racial divide withmusic that could touch all people, regardless of the color of their skin. Under his tutelage, Motownbecame a model of black capitalism, pride and self-expression and a repository for some of the greatesttalent ever assembled at one company. The list of artists who were discovered and thrived at Motownincludes the Supremes, Jr. Walker & the All-Stars, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Miracles,Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, and Martha and the Vandellas. But the artists alone werenot the whole story by any means. Motown’s staff songwriting and production teams (e.g., Holland-Dozier-Holland) and in-house musicians (including such unsung heroes as bandleader/keyboardistEarl Van Dyke and bassist James Jamerson) contributed immeasurably to the Motown sound. Theidea of a self-contained operation exuding soul from its every pore was all part of Gordy’s granddesign. The rags-to-riches story began in Detroit’s inner city where Gordy, born in 1929 as the son ofa plastering contractor, dreamed of making his mark on the world. Stints in the army and as a boxerand record-store manager preceded his entree into the creative and entrepreneurial side of the musicbusiness. In the mid-Fifties, Gordy began writing songs for local R&B acts and quickly acquired alocal reputation as a songwriter, producer and hustler. His first break came in 1957, when BrunswickRecords bought a song of his called “"Reet Petite"” for Jackie Wilson. In 1959, Gordy ventured intoindependent production with singer Marv Johnson, enjoying a few modest hits such as “"Come toMe."” In 1960, Gordy leased another hit single – “"Money,"” by Barrett Strong – to Anna Records, alabel owned by his sister. Then he decided to launch his own company: Tammie Records, which waschanged to Tamla and eventually joined by the Gordy, Soul and Motown imprints. All of these labels
were overseen from a Detroit house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard that Gordy dubbed “"HitsvilleU.S.A."” The first hit of any size for the fledgling company belonged to the Miracles, a vocal groupled by Smokey Robinson. “"Way Over There,"” released on Tamla in 1960, sold a respectable 60,000copies. It’s followup, “"Shop Around,"” reached Number Two on the pop charts and launchedMotown into the national market. Overseeing the whole operation from its founding in 1959 to its salein 1988 was Berry, who insured that Motown’s stable of singers, songwriters, producers andmusicians took the concept of simple, catchy pop songs to a whole new level of sophistication and,thanks to the music’s roots in gospel and blues, visceral intensity. At Motown, notions of “formula”were transformed into works of art in the hands of singers like Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, SmokeyRobinson, Levi Stubbs (of the Four Tops), David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks (of the Temptations),Diana Ross, Martha Reeves and Stevie Wonder.
Gwen Ifill
Gwen Ifill is moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and a senior correspondent for TheNewsHour with Jim Lehrer. She is also the best-selling author of The Breakthrough: Politics and Racein the Age of Obama. Ms. Ifill reports on a wide range of issues including both foreign affairs andU.S. politics and policies. She has covered six presidential campaigns and moderated two vicepresidential debates -- the 2004 debate between Republican Dick Cheney and Democrat JohnEdwards and the 2008 debate between Democratic Senator Joe Biden and Republican GovernorSarah Palin. Ifill joined both Washington Week and The NewsHour in 1999, interviewingnewsmakers and reporting on issues ranging from foreign affairs to politics. In doing so, Ifill becamethe first African American woman to host a prominent political talk show. Before moving to PBS, Ifillspent five years at NBC News as chief congressional and political correspondent and still appears onMeet the Press. Ifill has also had a successful career as a newspaper reporter. Prior to her 1994 moveto NBC, Ifill worked at The New York Times where she covered the White House and politics. Shealso covered national and local affairs for The Washington Post, Baltimore Evening Sun, and theBoston Herald American. “I always knew I wanted to be a journalist, and my first love wasnewspapers,” Ifill said. “But public broadcasting provides the best of both worlds—combining thedepth of newspapering with the immediate impact of broadcast television.” Ifill has received more thana dozen honorary doctorates and is the recipient of several broadcasting excellence awards includinghonors from the National Press Foundation, Ebony Magazine, the Radio Television News DirectorsAssociation, and American Women in Radio and Television. A native of New York City andgraduate of Simmons College in Boston, Ifill serves on the board of the Committee to ProtectJournalists, the Harvard University Institute of Politics, and the News Literacy Project. Ifill alsointerviewed Diahann Carroll, Quincy Jones, Eartha Kitt, and Smokey Robinson for TheHistoryMakers’ popular annual PBS-TV series An Evening With…
Scope and Content
This collection contains footage, administrative reocrds and photographs from The HistoryMakers -Special Collection: An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012) filmed on November 12, 2012, inChicago, Illinois, and was recorded on 36 Uncompressed MOV Video Files. This collection containsraw video footage of the event, edited versions of the interview footage, photographs from the event,detailed records of the fundraising for the event, records of the production of the live event, the editingprocess of the video footage, the airing of the program on different PBS stations as well as thedistribution of the program on DVD. On November 17, 2012 this one-on-one interview was taped infront of a live audience at the Art Institute of Chicago with PBS-TV journalist, Gwen Ifill, serving asthe host interviewer. With an interview that is both informative and entertaining, Gordy starts by
describing his early interest in songwriting at the age of seven. He then performs his first composition,“Berry’s Boogie Woogie”. Backed by American Idol’s Ray Chew and his band, the program featureslive musical performances by Valerie Simpson (“I’ll Be There”) of the legendary Motown songwritingteam of Ashford & Simpson. Other performers include Motown artist KEM with Marvin Gaye’s“What’s Going On” and singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe with the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back”and the performances of Brandon Dixon and Valisia LeKae who play Berry Gordy and Diana Ross,respectively, in Motown The Musical with “To Be Loved” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.”Intermixed in the show are live appearances from National Newspaper Publishers Associationpresident, Danny Bakewell, who describes Gordy’s groundbreaking accomplishments and ReverendJesse Jackson who tells of Gordy’s importance to Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and the CivilRights Movement. Suzanne de Passe, his longtime friend, business associate and mentee, tells of theirwork together and his role in putting women in leadership positions. Others provided theirperspectives on “The Chairman” and his Motown Legacy. They include: Quincy Jones, StevieWonder, Smokey Robinson, President Bill Clinton, Edgar Bronfman, Leon Huff, Kenny Gamble,Doug Morris and Marty Bandier. This program was videotaped as part of the annual celebrityinterview and fundraiser for The HistoryMakers, a 501(c)(3) Illinois, not-for-profit corporation.
Restrictions
Restrictions on Access
Restrictions may be applied on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of The HistoryMakers®.
Restrictions on Use
All use of materials and use credits must be pre-approved by The HistoryMakers®. Appropriatecredit must be given. Copyright is held by The HistoryMakers®.
Related Material
Additional information pertaining to this special collection is stored electronically both on TheHistoryMakers® server and in two databases maintained by The HistoryMakers®, though thisinformation is not included in this finding aid.
Controlled Access Terms
This interview collection is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
The HistoryMakers® African American Video Oral History Collection
Administrative Information
Custodial History
Event footage was recorded by The HistoryMakers®. All rights to the interview have beentransferred to The HistoryMakers® by the interview subject through a signed interview releaseform. Signed interview release forms have been deposited with Jenner & Block, LLP, Chicago.
Preferred Citation
The HistoryMakers - Special Collection: An Evening With Berry Gordy (Chicago 2012),November 12, 2012. The HistoryMakers® African American Video Oral History Collection,1900 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
Processing Information
This interview collection was processed and encoded on 6/10/2013 by The HistoryMakers®staff. The finding aid was created adhering to the following standards: DACS, AACR2, and theOral History Cataloging Manual (Matters 1995).
Other Finding Aid
A Microsoft Access contact database and a FileMaker Pro tracking database, both maintained by TheHistoryMakers®, keep additional data pertaining to this special collection..
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series I: Program Footage, November 12, 2012Raw Footage (21 Uncompressed MOV Video Files)
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #1, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;
Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduceGordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. The shots featured in the video are mainlyaudience shots.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #1 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from the The HistoryMakers’PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Folloring the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Bery Gordy, as he walks down the aisleto the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tells Gordy astory about how every song that came on her iPod wasMotown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him abut his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then askas about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and the
fight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frsutrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobriography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, uncondtional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor eachother and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.
Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testinomial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on teir lives. Following the testiomonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera one tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #1 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording and
releasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera one tapetwo.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #2, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduce
Gordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape contains footage from camera two.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #2 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05
This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tellsGordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks about
how Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera two tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #2 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-
TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera two tapetwo.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #3, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduceGordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape contains footage from camera three.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #3 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tells
Gordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as it
was. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera three tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #3 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells a
story about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera three tapetwo.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #4, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; and
former Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduceGordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape contains footage from camera four.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #4 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tellsGordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a piano
teacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and the
influence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera four tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #4 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, Kenneth
Gamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera four tapetwo.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #5, TRT: 0:18:27
This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduce
Gordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape contains footage from camera five.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #5 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tellsGordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers and
meeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera five tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #5 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening With
Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera five tapetwo.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Line Cut, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for The
HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book andasking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduceGordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape also includes the graphics and clipsproduced for the show.
Raw Footage: Program Line Cut Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tellsGordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.
Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned while
working on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stageand talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains tape one ofthe line cut and includes all of the clips used for the program.
Raw Footage: Program Line Cut Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:09This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks about
the impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and gettingthrough a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains tape two of the line cut andincludes all of the clips used for the program.
Raw Footage: Pre-Show Camera #6, TRT: 0:18:27This tape contains raw footage from the pre-show for TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The tape begins with Jeff Pearlannouncing to the audience not to take videos or photos duringthe taping. The band starts to play and Pearl introduces variousguests on stage including, in order of appearance MotownRecords CEO, Allen Rawls; Chairman of the MotownMuseum, Robin Terry; songwriter, Janie Bradford; MotownSenior Executive, Miller London; singer, Louvain Demps;Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson; Miracles singer, JoanRogers; Vandellas singer,Rosalind "Roz" Ashford-Holmes;Velvelettes singer, Cal Street; Velvelettes singer, BerthaMcNeal; Velvelettes singer, Norma Fairhurst; Velvelettessinger, Mildred Arbor; singer, Scherrie Payne; singer, FredaPayne; President of Hidden Beach Recordings, SteveMcKeever; songwriter and producer, Raynard Miner; andformer Chairman of the Board of Motown, Clarence Avant.Clarence Avant speaks at the podium after being introducedand talks about the gift envelopes in the program book and
asking audience members to make a contribution to TheHistoryMakers. Avant then introduces The HistoryMakersExecutive Director, Julieanna Richardson, who talks about thework in honoring Berry Gordy and thanks everyone who hashelped along the way. A video plays after Richardson speaksthanking all of the sponsors and contributors to the event.Following the video, David Cohen from Comcast NBCUniversal speaks about his company’s support and sponsorshipof the event. Richardson then returns to the stage to introduceGordy’s children and speak about The HistoryMakers’initiatives including IMLS, MilitaryMakers, andScienceMakers. This tape contains footage from camera six.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #6 Tape #1, TRT: 1:00:05This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Atthe beginning of the tape, Gwen Ifill is announced on stage andtalks to the audience about Gordy's legacy and then the "50Years of Love" clip plays. In the clip, music plays and a bandsings a list of all of the influential artists who got their start atMotown while the band makes references to each artist's mostfamous recording. Following the video, Ifill welcomes Motownfounder and producer, Berry Gordy, as he walks down theaisle to the stage. After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tellsGordy a story about how every song that came on her iPodwas Motown and that Gordy's music is so prevalent in society.Gordy says no one ever approaches him about his music but hethankful for all of the Motown fans that have supported himand his music. Ifill then asks about where he came from andwhat his childhood was like. Gordy tells a story about growingup as the seventh of seven kids and finding out from his sisterthat he wasn't as special as he thinks he is because he wasn'teven supposed to be born. Gordy's father and mother tookturns naming children and a girl was always born when it wassupposed to be his father's turn to choose. Ifill then discusseswith Gordy about Gordy's life and career prior to pursuing acareer in music. Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and thefight when Joe Lewis knocked out German boxer, MaxSchmeling. This was important to Gordy because Lewis wasblack and his win made not only Americans happy, but AfricanAmerican happy. He enjoyed how happy people were thatLewis one, so he wanted to pursue passions that would makepeople happy. Gordy then talks about how he started out inmusic as a way of making people happy. He had a pianoteacher that became frustrated with Gordy because Gordywould always play random melodies that he had in his head.Gordy then plays his first song entitled "Berry's BoogieWoogie" on piano. Following the performance, Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how he
came to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time andasking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Ifill talks to Gordy about how hisassembly line approach to music has helped him succeed inother areas. A video testimonial then plays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" Doug Morris, talkingabout his friendship with Gordy and their work on bringing thestory of Motown and Gordy's life to Broadway. Following thetestimonial, Gordy talks about his love of bringing peopletogether and how he was bringing Motown to Broadway.Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon, who play Diana Ross andBerry Gordy in the musical, then perform a scene from themusical and sing “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Followingthe performance, a video testimonial play featuring musicproducer, Quincy Jones; former Warner Music Group CEO,Edgar Bronfman, Jr.; and singer, Ne-Yo, Each of the people inthe testimonials talk about Motown's global impact and theinfluence on their lives. Following the testimonials, Gordy talksabout the ideas and production strategy Motown utilized to putout continuous hit songs. He also talks about the people whowere there to support him including his father who told him tokeep things simple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stage
and talks about the impact Gordy has had on her life sincestarting her career at Motown. This tape contains footage fromcamera six tape one.
Raw Footage: Program Camera #6 Tape #2, TRT: 0:33:20This tape contains raw footage from The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thistape starts at the end of Suzanne De Passe’s tribute to BerryGordy. De Passe then introduces Janelle Monáe who performs“I Want You Back.” Following Monáe’s performance, Ifillthen talks about Gordy's difficulties with directing andproducing the film's "Lady Sings The Blues" and"Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about the financial problemshe faced while making the films. Gordy tells a story about thestudio executives refusing to finance films starring AfricanAmericans for more than $2 million, so he had to pay to finishthem himself. Danny Bakewell then comes out on stage andpays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks about Gordy's globalimpact on business, social activism, and culture. FollowingBakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays of PresidentWilliam Jefferson Clinton talking about the impact the music ofMotown had on his life growing up. President Clinton tells astory about playing with the Four Tops and Martha Reeves andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. AfterClinton’s video testimonial, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. talks aboutthe impact Gordy had on the civil rights when he met Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and financially supporting him tocontinue his work during the Civil Rights Movement in the1960s. Following Rev. Jackson's tribute, KEM then returns tothe stage and performs the Marvin Gaye song “What’s GoingOn.” After KEM’s performance, Ifill and Gordy talk about hisfriendship with singer Marvin Gaye. Gordy tells a story aboutGaye meeting with him and talking about making music thatwas socially aware and would awaken the minds of men. Healso discusses the record "What's Going On" and how uniqueit was in Motown and the risks they took in recording andreleasing the record which became Motown's biggest sellingalbum. Gordy then talks about his efforts in furthering thesocial activist efforts of artists and musicians through his BlackForum label. Video testimonials follow and include tributes bymusic executive, Leon Huff; music executive, KennethGamble; record executive L.A. Reid; and music publisherMartin Bandier. After the video testimonials, Gordy talks aboutall the different ways he found success and how other peoplecan be successful through a variety of means. He continues bysaying that everyone has something they are good at and thathe was good at saying his alphabet backwards. Gordy tells astory about him getting pulled over by police and getting
through a sobriety test by saying his alphabet backwards. Theshow ends with everyone returning to the stage for a grouprendition of "ABC." The audience leaves after theperformance. This tape contains footage from camera six tapetwo.
Master Footage (3 Uncompressed MOV Video Files)Master: Program, TRT: 0:58:20
This tape contains the program master of The HistoryMakers’PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012.After greeting Gordy on stage, Ifill tells Gordy a story abouthow every song that came on her iPod was Motown and thatGordy's music is so prevalent in society. Gordy says no oneever approaches him about his music but he thankful for all ofthe Motown fans that have supported him and his music. Ifillthen asks about where he came from and what his childhoodwas like. Gordy tells a story about growing up as the seventhof seven kids and finding out from his sister that he wasn't asspecial as he thinks he is because he wasn't even supposed tobe born. Gordy's father and mother took turns naming childrenand a girl was always born when it was supposed to be hisfather's turn to choose. Ifill then discusses with Gordy aboutGordy's life and career prior to pursuing a career in music.Gordy talks about becoming a boxer and the fight when JoeLewis knocked out German boxer, Max Schmeling. This wasimportant to Gordy because Lewis was black and his win madenot only Americans happy, but African American happy. Heenjoyed how happy people were that Lewis one, so he wantedto pursue passions that would make people happy. Gordy thentalks about how he started out in music as a way of makingpeople happy. He had a piano teacher that became frustratedwith Gordy because Gordy would always play randommelodies that he had in his head. Gordy then plays his firstsong entitled "Berry's Boogie Woogie" on piano. Ifill asksGordy about his autobiography "To Be Loved" and how hecame to write that song for singer, Jackie Wilson. Gordy quithis job at the factory to pursue songwriting and then his wifeleft him, so he went to go live with his sister. The song cameabout when he realized what true, unconditional love wasbecause his sister took him in out of love. Brandon Dixon thencomes out on stage and performs the song, "To Be Loved."Following the performance, Ifill segues into Miracles singerSmokey Robinson' video testimonial. Robinson talks abouthow Gordy deserves to be honored by The HistoryMakers andmeeting Gordy for the first time when the Miracles wereauditioning for Jackie Wilson. After Robinson's testimonial,Gordy talks about hearing the Miracles for the first time and
asking Robinson if he had any more songs that he had written.Gordy appreciated Robinson's great attitude during thesongwriting process and his skills as a poet and songwriter.After talking about his friendship and admiration for SmokeyRobinson, Valerie Simpson comes out on stage and talks aboutthe influence Gordy had on herself and her husband, NickAshford. Simpson then performs "I'll Be There" on piano. Sheis then joined by Motown singer, KEM. Following Simpson'sand KEM's performance, Ifill asks Gordy if he has anticipatedhow influential his music would be 50 years later. Gordy talksabout the environment and atmosphere of the early days ofMotown. He said that while there were some trials andtribulations, everyone there had a deep love for the music andfor each other and that is what made the music as great as itwas. Gordy also talks about the quality control processMotown applied to all of their songs. He learned whileworking on an auto assembly line that things were built onepiece at a time. Gordy applied the philosophy to music withbringing in talented people and putting them through a processthat turned them into stars. Several video testimonials thenplaying featuring key entertainment and music professionalpaying tribute to Gordy including music producer, QuincyJones; singer, Stevie Wonder; and former Warner Music GroupCEO, Edgar Bronfman, Jr.. They all talk about the influenceGordy and Motown have had on music and global society.Following the testimonials, Gordy talks about the ideas andproduction strategy Motown utilized to put out continuous hitsongs. He also talks about the people who were there tosupport him including his father who told him to keep thingssimple. Suzanne De Passe then comes out on stage and talksabout the impact Gordy has had on her life since starting hercareer at Motown. Following her tribute, De Passe thenintroduces Janelle Monáe who performs “I Want You Back.”Following Monáe’s performance, Ifill then talks about Gordy'sdifficulties with directing and producing the film's "Lady SingsThe Blues" and "Mahogany." Gordy tells a story about thefinancial problems he faced while making the films. Gordy tellsa story about the studio executives refusing to finance filmsstarring African Americans for more than $2 million, so he hadto pay to finish them himself. Danny Bakewell then comes outon stage and pays tribute to Gordy. Bakewell talks aboutGordy's global impact on business, social activism, and culture.Following Bakewell’s tribute, a video testimonial plays ofPresident William Jefferson Clinton talking about the impactthe music of Motown had on his life growing up. PresidentClinton tells a story about playing with the Four Tops andMartha Reeves and the Vandellas while serving as governor ofArkansas. After Clinton’s video testimonial, Rev. JesseJackson, Sr. talks about the impact Gordy had on the civilrights when he met Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. andfinancially supporting him to continue his work during the
Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Following Rev. Jackson'stribute, KEM then returns to the stage and performs the MarvinGaye song “What’s Going On.” After KEM’s performance,Ifill and Gordy talk about his friendship with singer MarvinGaye. Gordy tells a story about Gaye meeting with him andtalking about making music that was socially aware and wouldawaken the minds of men. He also discusses the record"What's Going On" and how unique it was in Motown and therisks they took in recording and releasing the record whichbecame Motown's biggest selling album. Gordy then talksabout his efforts in furthering the social activist efforts of artistsand musicians through his Black Forum label. A videotestimonial follows featuring Philadelphia International Recordsexecutives Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble. They talk aboutGordy being a pioneer for music and paving the way for othersto follow. Ifill then talks to Gordy about his efforts in bringingthe music of Motown to Broadway. A video testimonial thenplays featuring Co-Producer of "Motown: The Musical" DougMorris, talking about his friendship with Gordy and their workon bringing the story of Motown and Gordy's life toBroadway. Following the testimonial, Gordy talks about hislove of bringing people together and how he was bringingMotown to Broadway. Valisia LeKae and Brandon Dixon,who play Diana Ross and Berry Gordy in the musical, thenperform a scene from the musical and sing “You’re All I NeedTo Get By.” After LeKae’s and Dixon’s performance, Gordytalks about all the different ways he found success and howother people can be successful through a variety of means. Hecontinues by saying that everyone has something they are goodat and that he was good at saying his alphabet backwards.Gordy tells a story about him getting pulled over by police andgetting through a sobriety test by saying his alphabetbackwards. The show ends with everyone returning to thestage for a group rendition of "ABC." Credits play during thegroup performance as well as information about how to orderthe program. This program aired nationally on PBS stations.
Master: Program Promos, TRT: 0:01:20This tape contains the promos for the The HistoryMakers’PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser, “An Evening WithBerry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Instituteof Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. Thetape consists of the 30-second and 20-second program promosthat appeared on PBS and PBS.org. The promos featuresoundbites of Motorn founder Berry Gordy and clips ofperformances from the program. There is 30 seconds of blackbetween promos.
Behind The Scenes Footage (1 Uncompressed MOV Video Files)Behind The Scenes: Event and Program, TRT: 2:21:43
This tape contains behind the scenes footage from the The
HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. In the footage, cast and crew arepreparing for the taping including stage set-up and rehearsal.There is also footage of crew setting up the registration lobbyand the post-event reception. The end of the tape containsfootage of guests arriving for the event and taking their seatsinside the auditorium.
Show Elements (2 Uncompressed MOV Video Files)Show Elements: Clips, Graphics, and Testimonials, TRT: 0:46:35
This tape contains clips and graphic elements used during theproduction the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. All of the clipsand graphics elements used for the production are on this tape.There are stage graphics featuring Clarence Avant, DavidCohen, and Gwen Ifill. The Motown promotional clip "50Years of Motown" is also on this tape along with TheHistoryMakers' promotional video that features clips andphotos from all of the 2012 events. Various other stagegraphics appear on the tape as well. The video testimonialsfeatured on this tape were done by President Bill Clinton,music producer Quincy Jones, music executive Leon Huff,music executive Kenneth Gamble, music executive DougMorris, and music publisher Martin Bandier.
Show Elements: Clips, TRT: 0:09:40This tape contains clips used during the prodocution of the TheHistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrity interview and fundraiser,“An Evening With Berry Gordy,” recorded in Chicago, Illinoisat the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium onNovember 17, 2012. The clip-roll ins on this tape includeMotown founder Berry Gordy during various stages of his lifeand were playing during tributes and performances.
Stock Footage (10 Uncompressed MOV Video Files)Stock Footage: Doug Morris Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:01:08
This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video,music executive Doug Morris pays tribute to Motown founderBerry Gordy. Morris talks about the impact Gordy has had on
the music industry and also discusses his personal relationshipwith Gordy while producing the Broadway musical, "Motown:The Musical."
Stock Footage: Gamble & Huff and Edgar Bronfman, Jr. Video Testimonials,TRT: 0:09:23
This tape contains video testimonials used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. The tape featurestwo video testimonials. In the first testimonial, EdgarBronfman, Jr. pays tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy forhis entreprenurial spirit in creating a record and publishingcompany that has a lasting impact. In the second testimonial,Philadelphia International Records founder Kenneth Gambleand Leon Huff talk about Gordy's influence on their careersand paving the way for soul music in becoming a nationalphenomenom.
Stock Footage: Al B. Reid Video Testimonial Tape #1, TRT: 0:01:05This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video, AlB. Reid talks about Motown founder Berry Gordy's impact onhis life in encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He alsopraises Gordy for his work and being a personal friend. This istape one of two.
Stock Footage: Al B. Reid Video Testimonial Tape #2, TRT: 0:04:06This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video, AlB. Reid talks about Motown founder Berry Gordy's impact onhis life in encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He alsopraises Gordy for his work and being a personal friend. This istape two of two.
Stock Footage: Martin Bandier Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:01:06This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video,
music publisher Martin Bandier praises Motown founder BerryGordy and his career. He talks about his personal relationshipwith Gordy and his music's global impact.
Stock Footage: Ne-Yo Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:01:05This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video,singer Ne-Yo talks about his experiences with Motownfounder Berry Gordy and the impact of Gordy's influence onmusic has had on his life.
Stock Footage: President Bill Clinton Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:02:14This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In this video,President Bill Clinton praises Motown founder Berry Gordy'sinfluence on music and society. Clinton shares personal storiesincluding one of him playing with Jr. Walker and Martha andthe Vandellas while serving as governor of Arkansas. CLintonalso ackowledges Motown's status as an American icon.
Stock Footage: Quincy Jones Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:01:25This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video,music producer Quincy Jones pays tribute to Motoen founderBerry Gordy and his influence on music and culture. Jonesalways pays respect to Gordy for being a close friend for somany years.
Stock Footage: Smokey Robinson Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:01:55This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In the video,singer Smokey Robinson pays tribute to Motown founderBerry Gordy. Robinson talks about the influence Gordy hashad on his life. Robinson also shares a story about themmeeting when the Miracles were auditioning for Jackie Wilsonwhile Gordy was delivering songs to Wilson.
Stock Footage: Stevie Wonder Video Testimonial, TRT: 0:28:49This tape contains a video testimonial used during theprodocution of the The HistoryMakers’ PBS-TV celebrityinterview and fundraiser, “An Evening With Berry Gordy,”recorded in Chicago, Illinois at the Art Institute of Chicago’sRubloff Auditorium on November 17, 2012. In this video,singer Stevie Wonder talks about his experiences with Motownfounder Berry Gordy. Wonder talks about the first time heheard Motown music, first meeting Berry Gordy, and what itwas like to work with Gordy while still being a young child.Wonder also praises Gordy for his influence on music.
