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The term “icon” is overused, but there’s no denying it’s a fitting descriptor for Berry Gordy. The 87-year-old legend, who in 2013 received the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Award, tells Billboard the secret of the Motown magic and looks back on his early days mentoring Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.
Gordy, who deferred his induction from last year, will be inducted with the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame class — including Jay Z, Max Martin, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Robert Lamm and James Pankow of Chicago, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Also to be honored at the June 15 celebration are Ed Sheeran, Alan Menken, Caroline Bienstock and Pitbull.
For the complete story, visit Billboard.com/Columns/Pop.
