[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17449] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN TRIBUTE TO ESTER GORDY EDWARDS, FOUNDER/CEO MOTOWN HISTORICAL MUSEUM ______ HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, September 7, 2000 Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to celebrate the cultural achievements and monumental contributions to music in both America and around the world as a result of the creative genius and work of Ester Gordy Edwards. On this special occasion, I am honored to present to the 106th Congress, a national treasure who has been one of the most important and influential historical figures of the 20th century in the development of music--Ester Gordy Edwards. As one of the chief executives and administrators during Motown's first decade, Ester Gordy Edwards, in collaboration with her legendary brother Barry Gordy, was instrumental in the success of Motown through her administrative and talent development skills. She was one of the key architects of marketing the Motown Sound overseas, and helped to bring rhythm and blues, in particular, rhythms and harmonies from gospel music, to millions of listeners in America and around the world. The ``Motown Sound'' has brought joy and delight to countless fans, and is a uniquely American art form that will endure the test of time. It is my heart felt belief that because of the work of Ester Gordy Edwards, the music and spirit of Motown will always be with us; because it is music from the heart, it is about love, peace and harmony, it is brilliant, sophisticated, dynamic, and soulful beyond description. Motown music transcends race, class, and culture. This is one of Motown's most profound and powerful historical legacies--promoting brotherhood, humanity, and love through music. During Motown's first decade, Mrs. Edwards was head of the Artists Personal Management Division of Motown. From her director's position, she guided the career and development of world-famous recording artists, including: Diana Ross, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, and many other outstanding artists and musicians. Simultaneously, Mrs. Edwards directed Motown's International Operations, setting up foreign licensees, and sub-publishers, worldwide. Mrs. Edwards' outstanding administration of these areas greatly enhanced Motown's phenomenal growth into the world's largest independent record manufacturer. In 1972, when Motown Record Corporation moved its headquarters from downtown Detroit to Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Edwards remained in Detroit as head of Motown's Public Affairs Division, and CEO of Detroit operations. Ongoing public visits and public demand resulted in the official founding of the Motown Historical Museum, Inc. in 1985. Ester Gordy Edwards is also Vice Chair of the African American Heritage Association (AAHA) which provided the African American Room in the Ethnic Heritage Center at Wayne State University. She is a former member of the National Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change and a former Trustee of the Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Mrs. Edwards is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Gamma Phi Delta sororities. She is listed in ``Who's Who in America'' and ``Who's Who in the World.'' One of her cherished honors is being selected in 1994 ``Distinguished Warrior'' by the Detroit Urban League, for her notable leadership in the community and lifetime devotion to improving conditions in society. Esther Gordy Edwards is the daughter of the late Bertha and Berry Gordy Sr., widow of the late Michigan State Representative George H. Edwards, and mother of one son, Robert B. Bullock by a previous marriage. She is stepmother to the Honorable Harry T. Edwards, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia; Verne Edwards DeBorge and Pamela Edwards Matthews. I am proud to honor my close friend Ester Gordy Edwards today, and am one of many admirers of her dedication to excellence and her desire to enrich and strengthen the African American community. Ester Gordy Edwards is a pioneer of African American music, and will forever be remembered as a distinguished woman who has served as a positive role model for African American youth. She gave hope to millions of African Americans by showing that hard work, dedication to your career, and the quest for excellence can translate into dreams fulfilled and lives enriched. ____________________