Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson Named MusiCares 2023 Persons of the Year

The founder of Motown Records and the label’s first signee will be honored with a tribute concert in February

October 20, 2022

Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at an event

Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson have been named the 2023 MusiCares 2023 Persons of the Year. The organization announced the news today in a press release, which also revealed that Gordy and Robinson will be honored at a tribute concert on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Gordy is the founder of the legendary Motown Records; Robinson, whose hits include “the Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’,” was the first artist signed to the Detroit Label. The two men have remained friends for over 60 years.

“Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson,” Gordy said in press materials. “How special is that! I am grateful to be included in MusiCares’ remarkable history of music icons. The work they do is so critical to the well-being of our music community, and I look forward to a most exciting evening.”

Robinson added: “I have supported MusiCares for many years and know what great work they do for our creative community who need our help. Recently, when no one could tour, they were a lifeline to those in the touring industry for monetary help and mental health services. I am honored that they have chosen me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and celebrate with you all together.”

“MusiCares is thrilled to be honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at the 2023 Persons of the Year gala, which will be the first time we are honoring two legends together,” said MusiCares’ executive director, Laura Segura. “With Mr. Gordy as the creator of the Motown Sound, and Mr. Robinson as his first writer and artist, their music, along with the many others who joined Motown, reached out across a racially divided country to transform popular music, creating a musical legacy like no other.”

Proceeds from the honoree tribute concert will provide support for MusiCares—a music charity providing music professionals health and human services. Earlier this year, the organization honored Joni Mitchell.