The Motown Museum will come alive this Sunday with the rhythm and soul of Detroit’s rich musical legacy as it hosts its annual Founder’s Day Celebration. This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the 40th anniversary of the museum, a beloved institution preserving the legacy of Motown Records and its cultural impact on music and society. Guests can expect an afternoon of live performances, moving tributes, and community celebration.
Central to the day’s tribute is the memory of Esther Gordy Edwards, the visionary founder of the museum and sister to Motown Records creator Berry Gordy. Edwards, a former Motown executive herself, opened the museum in 1985 within Hitsville U.S.A.—the modest house on West Grand Boulevard where it all began. Her dream was to ensure that the Motown legacy would live on for future generations, and four decades later, her vision continues to thrive.
Highlighting the 40th anniversary festivities is a performance by Motown legends, the Four Tops. Known for timeless hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” the group’s presence promises to infuse the celebration with the soul-stirring sound that defined a generation. Their appearance is both a tribute to the legacy of Motown and a joyful reminder of its enduring influence.
The Founder’s Day Celebration isn’t just a concert—it’s a vibrant reminder of how Detroit helped change the soundscape of popular music worldwide. The event will feature emerging artists, youth performances, and storytelling moments that connect today’s visitors with the Motown legacy. It is a day for honoring history while inspiring the future.
With renovations and expansion efforts continuing to shape the museum’s next chapter, the 40th anniversary celebration is a milestone that underscores the power of music, memory, and the vision of one extraordinary woman. Esther Gordy Edwards’ legacy echoes through the voices of Motown—and through the museum she built to keep those voices heard.
