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Motown gala 'means everything' to founder Gordy

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2009 file photo, Music producer Berry Gordy arrives to the premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It," in Los Angeles. Gordy founded what would become Motown Records a half-century ago with an $800 loan. Today, that would get you two tickets with a bit to spare to the Motown 50 Golden Gala. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

ENLARGE PHOTO

By JEFF KAROUB, The Associated Press 7:51 PM Saturday, November 21, 2009

DETROIT — Hundreds have gathered to salute Detroit-style royalty — the King of Motown, the Queen of Soul and the Kid of Rock.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, along with Aretha Franklin and Kid Rock — not to mention Motown's original kid, Stevie Wonder — are in downtown Detroit Saturday for the Motown 50 Golden Gala.

Gordy said "it means everything" to be at the gala, a fundraiser for the Motown Historical Museum. The museum had been the original home of Motown Records Corp.

Kid Rock says he is, "excited," ''happy" and "blessed" that he will perform later with Wonder on the Motown greats song "Living For The City."

Tickets start at $350 apiece for the gala, and entrance to the pre-gala VIP reception and "Afterglow" party costs $1,000.

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November 22, 2009 12:45 AM EST

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