Berry Gordy, Paul McCartney Launch Motown Museum's Project: Harmony
Michael Bolton and Valerie Simpson perform “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough"
at a benefit event for the Motown Museum at Steinway Hall.
(© Shahar Azran/Motown Museum)
Motown founder Berry Gordy and legendary singer/songwriter Paul McCartney launched Project: Harmony -- which celebrates Motown's lasting legacy -- at a charitable event to benefit Motown Museum at Steinway Hall in New York City on Tuesday, September 18.
The centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of a nine-foot 1877 Steinway grand piano, following its restoration. The two musical icons then played a rendition of Motown's 1959 first hit record "Money (That's What I Want)" which was written by Gordy and subsequently covered by The Beatles. McCartney also played "My Valentine," "Lady Madonna" and "Hey Jude."
Among the attendees at this celebration were producers Kevin McCollum and Doug Morris, who are bringing Gordy's life story to Broadway in the upcoming Motown the Musical. Also present were music artists Michael Bolton, Kid Rock, and Valerie Simpson.
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Permalink Reply by meggy on
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This would be Awesome to see on TV as well:)! Michael is everywhere:)!
Thanks Gail for sharing!
Mary (Meg's mom)!
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Permalink Reply by sylvie boisvert on
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OMG Gail, this sounds like it was quite an event! I agree with Mary that this would be fantastic to see on TV! I couldn’t help but gasp when I heard about the musical... I wonder if our Michael wouldn’t have had a hand in this... He did mention a couple of years ago that he was writing a musical and wanted to move in that direction... Well, whether he did have something to do with it or not, it sure sounds like he would have loved to. I hope we get to see/hear his performance with Valerie Simpson on YouTube! I think I’ll check it out in the morning. Thanks so much for sharing this Gail! Take care. Hugs, sincerely, Sylvie from Canada
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Permalink Reply by sylvia doughty on
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Thanks Gail for that piece of news and I will harp back to that bit of paper that lay at MB's feet when he was in recording studio and I thought it looked like the word "together" was written at top and now we see the word "Harmony"....maybe I was walking the right track.....come on MB give us some hints about new CD; like title for instance !!!! LOL. Should we look too for a possible duet with Paul McCartney but I do hope the taster and teaser we have been given is MB and Valerie with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".....if that is on the CD.....heaven here we come !!!! :))))))))))) Maybe with this launch that was why MB was hoping for a September release for new CD and unfortunate, if that was his plan, that he hasn't been able to fulfil it but nevermind MB you will get there.....just keep working day and night and you know your dreams will come true as much as we all know that a Motown CD will be worth waiting for even if it is next September before it is released !!! :)
Sylvia. Your wee Scottish friend.
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Permalink Reply by Robin on
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I bet that was amazing. Would love to have heard this performance..>WOW Thanks for posting!
Robin in MD:)
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Have found this article which was published yesterday in the Broadway World about the event at the Motown Museum on 18th September and for Sylvie and Robin CA picture that goes along with is of Paul McCartney and Berry Gordy just after they had unveiled the Steinway grand piano and I have placed it at beginning of article just below this paragraph.....hope you all enjoy !! :)
"One of Motown’s prized musical instruments, a nine-foot 1877 Steinway grand piano, made its debut at a charitable event to benefit Motown Museum at Steinway Hall in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, where Motown founder Berry Gordy and Paul McCartney played it for the first time following its extensive restoration.
With 100 patrons of Motown Museum in attendance, guests had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Paul McCartney share with the audience why he was moved to support the restoration of this piano—one of the many instruments that helped create the legendary Motown Sound—following a visit to Motown Museum in July 2011, saying "We were wandering around Studio A inside Motown Museum, when I saw this piano I thought, I can’t come to Motown and not tinker on it. Once I realized it was unplayable, I called Steinway & Sons and they also realized…this piano was part of a major moment in history. And, now people in the future will record on it and keep the legacy of Motown alive."
He also shared his personal appreciation for Motown and its musical influence.
"Growing up in Liverpool as little kids we started to get a feel for American music," said McCartney. "And, suddenly it all changed—there was this sound we never heard before. So we bought the records like everyone else, we learned them." McCartney said jokingly.
He continued, "When I went to Detroit last year, for me the Museum was such a special place where this music was made. If you are in Detroit you must go and see it—its history—that’s what it is."
Motown founder Berry Gordy spoke about the lasting cultural influence and social impact of Motown, the upcoming, highly anticipated opening of Motown: The Musical on Broadway in spring 2013 and the vital role and bright future of Motown Museum—as the physical space where the celebrated Motown legacy and its artifacts are protected and preserved to inspire future generations. He also told a story about the day he heard The BeatLes Wanted to use three Motown songs on one of their albums.
"That was the day Motown truly went international thanks to The Beatles," said Gordy. "It is amazing to me how music continues to bring people together. Paul and I grew up thousands of miles apart and here we are united in music."
Gordy continued, "I am so proud to stand next to you tonight," he said to McCartney. "You are a dear friend who was the catalyst for this evening because of your love and appreciation of Motown."
Paul McCartney and Berry Gordy unveiled the piano together by removing a covering with the Steinway & Sons emblem, with Paul McCartney saying to Berry Gordy, "I think you should kick it off, it’s your piano."
Following the unveiling, the two musical icons together played an electrifying rendition of Motown’s 1959 first hit record "Money (That’s What I Want)" written by Berry Gordy that was subsequently covered by The Beatles. Berry Gordy started the song and then graciously asked Paul McCartney to take over. Paul McCartney then continued his performance by playing "My Valentine" followed by "Lady Madonna" and "Hey Jude."
The meaning behind Project: Harmony—to celebrate Motown’s lasting legacy following this piano’s restoration—inspired other artists to perform and show their support as part of this special evening. Following McCartney and Gordy’s performance, the energy of the evening continued with singer/songwriter Michael Bolton and Motown star Valerie Simpson performing a powerful rendition of "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Avid Detroit supporter Kid Rock was also in attendance.
"My childhood was greatly influenced by Motown," said Michael Bolton. "Listening to Paul McCartney talk about the influence of Motown tonight speaks to its magnificence and impact."
The evening concluded with a live auction, with bidding led by Leila Dunbar—a recognized auctioneer and featured appraiser on Antiques Roadshow on PBS. The auction featured collectible music items to benefit Motown Museum, including a one-of-a-kind, metallic white 2000 Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar signed by Paul McCartney and Berry Gordy, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson autographed "Shop Around" sheet music, two tickets to the opening night of Motown: The Musical, including access to a private post-reception following the event, two tickets to Paul McCartney’s "On The Run" North American VIP tour and a private party at Motown Museum for up to 200 people.
"This event served as another example of the continued worldwide appreciation of Motown, the depth of its enduring legacy and the powerful ability of this timeless music to transcend generations and move audiences today," said Robin R. Terry, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Motown Museum. "We won’t soon forget the excitement and energy present this evening surrounding this piano and its place in music history thanks to Paul McCartney and Steinway & Sons. Their generosity has inspired others, including our patrons and the other artists who joined us for this special evening. Project: Harmony was a fitting celebratory send off for this piano as it makes its way home to Detroit following this restoration, where inside Motown Museum it will continue to be treasured, preserved and protected as an enduring part of Detroit and Motown’s lasting legacy."
Ron Losby, President, Steinway & Sons—Americas said, "Steinway & Sons was honored to play our part in the restoration of this historic Steinway piano in the same New York factory where it was originally built in 1877. We are equally honored that the Motown Museum allowed us to host the public unveiling of this piano, Project: Harmony, at Steinway Hall. Motown and Steinway & Sons are inextricably linked in the annals of American music through the great Motown music that was performed and recorded on Steinway pianos. We feel that this piano is the embodiment of this partnership for the ages."
Now that the event is complete, the piano will make its final journey home to Detroit where it will be put back on exhibit in Studio A inside Motown Museum. Plans are still being finalized for the arrival of the instrument in Detroit in late fall, where the Museum plans to utilize the newly restored piano in future performance and educational events.
The story of Project: Harmony began when Paul McCartney visited the Motown Museum in July of 2011, when he was so moved by its musical aura that he later declared it to be the "Holy Grail." The next day after his concert in Detroit, he called the Museum to offer his support restoring this historic piano. Now its restoration is complete and all of its internal components are restored to professional recording quality. While the original strings, hammers and "action" were worn beyond repair, they were retained and will be returned to the Museum for exhibit. The piano’s case was left as is to preserve its authenticity and DNA, while the legs—which were not original—were replaced.
Built in 1877, the VictorIan Rosewood piano first made its way to Motown when the studio acquired Golden World Records in 1967. This facility was redubbed Motown Studio B and was used by the stable of Motown artists, musicians and songwriters to create more music by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Earl Van Dyke of the original Funk Brothers, Stevie Wonder and Edwin Starr, to name a few.
Patrons of this exclusive event showed their support for Motown Museum and the importance of this cultural gem with their own individual contributions of $10,000 following the lead of Paul McCartney and Steinway & Sons’ generosity.
Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The Museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences."
Sylvia. Your wee Scottish friend.
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Phew, what an article Sylvia! Thanks for bringing it over here sweetie, much appreciated, take care. Hugs, sincerely, Sylvie from Canada
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Permalink Reply by robin rehder on
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I loved the article too. Like all of them in the article, I truly can appreciate Motown music. Would have love to have touched the Steinway piano. To visualize Paul McCartney playing the piano & everyone singing&playing, wow! Go Michael & Valerie Simpson singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Love it. Would love to hear it. I should check out youtube. Thanks for the article once again girls. To me, there's nothing like an awesome sounding piano & so intuned. I used to paly the piano back in the day but pursuedother careers.Boltonnut from L. a. CA who loves life & Michael Bolton :) car
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Little picture of MB that I have managed to find at event and I hope you all enjoy for it is a pretty lovely photo.........
Sylvia. Your wee Scottish friend.
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Permalink Reply by 0pwxwvug15cbo on
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Enjoyed the article and photos and it would be nice to be everywhere to see all of the wonderful performances by such talented entertainers. Great photos, thanks for posting and sharing.
Kathy T.:-)
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Now, that would be awesome Michael&Paul McCartney doing a duet together. Wow! Boltonnut from L. A. CA who loves life & Michael Bolton :)
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