Show Some Respect!

Posted February 6, 2008, 3:56 pm in Music by Growing Bolder



Some of the biggest names in music will be in one place this weekend -- the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.  The nominees will find out whether they have won for categories including Best Song, Best Album and more.  But two big winners don't have to wait to hear the words "and the envelope, please!"

17-time Grammy winner Aretha Franklin has been named the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year.  The MusiCares Foundation selected her for her musical achievements, and her charitable work with children's and healthcare organizations, as well as churches and food banks in the Detroit area.

Franklin is known as the "Queen of Soul," although she's also found enormous success with jazz, rock and roll, blues, gospel, pop, and even opera.  She's had 18 R&B singles go to the top spot on the charts, including "Respect" in the 1960s.  Otis Redding had originally written and recorded the song, but her feminist version helped her debut album sell more than a million copies.  In the ten months after the single's release, Franklin released several top ten hits including "Baby I Love You," "Chain of Fools," and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman."

The Recording Academy is honoring Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.  In 1959, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family, and started his record company in Detroit.  Over the years, he discovered and cultivated artists including Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 6, Gladys Knight & the Pops, Smokey Robinson, and GB Radio Show guest Martha Reeves.  Reeves talked to Growing Bolder about her successful efforts to honor the man who turned her into a star, and how Gordy changed her life.

President of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow says "Berry Gordy embodies that rare combination of creative genius, entrepreneurial excellence and fearless proponent of social change."  He goes on to say, "By bringing the heart and soul and Motown to the world, he opened the ears of music fans and opened doors for music makers who have become the most revered and bellowed artists of all time.  We are honored to pay tribute to an icon who has shaped popular music with his artistry, drive, and unparalleled ability to identify and develop young talent."





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