Nothing surprises me about Berry Gordy.
I grew up not far from where Motown was founded, maybe 300 miles from Detroit and I've always liked - I used to like the way they made records. I still do, I just haven't had a chance to hear as much. They used to entertain me.
Motown will always be a heavy-duty part of my life because those are my roots.
I lived on the north side of Detroit. Right down the street from me there was a young man by the name of Smokey Robinson. I was very proud to live down the street from him because he was our only celebrity in town. He was singing with the Miracles.
Once you're a Motown artist, you're always a Motown artist.
Many of my friends were there at Motown. The studio was only a few blocks from where my dad's home was, where we lived.
I really only knew the name Berry Gordy growing up, but I didn't know what he looked like or anything about him.
Berry Gordy has always been this hazy legendary figure that I've known about in my childhood that was responsible for everything that I found important in the world.
My favorites are Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, but those are a little off in terms of getting Detroit right on the head. But of course, you know, "Dancing In The Streets." You can't forget the Motor City. And we can't forget the Motor City.
There were many stars in Motown's firmament - among them, Stevie, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and Diana Ross - but I happen to have loved the Four Tops most of all.
Motown, Motown, that's my era. Those are my people.
Motown was the mecca. It was every writer's dream to work there.
