Motown founder Berry Gordy announces retirement during event celebrating label's 60th anniversary

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Courtesy of Motown MuseumMotown founder Berry Gordy Jr. was in his hometown of Detroit over the weekend to take part in the label’s 60th anniversary celebrations. During a special tribute on Sunday, the 89-year-old music mogul announced his retirement, Billboard reports.

Gordy was presented with the Motown Legacy Award at the Hitsville Honors ceremony, held at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, and gave a 35-minute acceptance speech that culminated with his announcement.

“As I stand here I’m back where I started. I have come full circle,” Berry said, “so it is only appropriate that…I should announce my retirement.”

He added that he’s finally following through with something he’d threatened to do for many years.

“It is time for me to spend my next 60 years reflecting on how fortunate I am, how much I appreciate and love all of you,” Gordy declared, “and how wonderful my life has been, and will continue to be.”

Earlier in his speech, Berry noted, “People always ask me ‘What does the legacy of Motown mean to you?’ The answer is simply love. The Motown legacy remains the music we made for all people that reminds us that we are all the same, that music has no color. It gives voice to honest feelings and helps us understand each other.”

The ceremony also included several other award presentations, including the Spirit of Motown Award, which singer and current Motown vice-president Ne-Yo received. In addition, the event featured performances by such Motown legends as The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas and The Velvelettes.

Stevie Wonder, who’s preparing for a kidney transplant, and Smokey Robinson, who is playing his latest Las Vegas residency, both contributed segments to a video tribute to Gordy. Diana Ross was represented by Rhonda Ross, her and Gordy’s daughter.

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