MOTOWN'S 50TH DRAWS GORDY, STEVIE, ARETHA: Concert fundraiser honors label founder while raising money for museum.

       Founder Berry Gordy appeared on the red carpet earlier in the evening along with local and national celebrities and dignitaries, including Otis Williams of the Temptations, which was on the bill; Claudette Robinson of the Miracles; the Rev. Jesse Jackson; comedian Sinbad, the event's host; and Detroit Mayor and former Detroit Pistons all-star Dave Bing, reports the Associated Press.      

       "The pleasure is mine to be here," Gordy said during a pre-concert reception. "I'm thrilled I got the nurturing and all of the things Detroit had to offer me. Motown could not have made it in any other city."      

       Some 750 people attended the black-tie event at a minimum of $350 per ticket. The money will go toward the Motown Historical Museum, the venue housing the original home of Motown Records Corp., which Gordy started with an $800 loan.      

       Museum CEO Audley Smith said the facility wants to expand to hold thousands of artifacts and memorabilia that can't be displayed because of space, but he stressed the museum will maintain the integrity of the well-known Hitsville USA house on West Grand Boulevard.     

       The Motown 50 Golden Gala also included special tributes to Motown alumni who have died, including Michael Jackson.        

       President Barack Obama sent well wishes via videotape. He said Gordy's "music made history" and his record company "captured a truly American sound." Franklin sang a customized birthday ode to Gordy, who turns 80 on Nov. 28. Afterward, she ushered Gordy to the stage, saying "he absolutely revolutionized the music industry, single-handedly." He was presented a crystal plaque, a large cake and a mass serenade of "Happy Birthday."      

       Wonder told The Associated Press after the concert that being a part of Gordy's vision has been a blessing.

       "I'm just very, very happy (for) that dream Berry had — him meeting me, hearing me, seeing me, that he saw fit for me to be a part of that dream that became reality."