Jan. 12, 1959 with an $800 family loan and an apartment turned recording studio, Berry Gordy created Motown Records.  Smokey Robinson at the age of 19 became Motown Records first star and by the early 1960s the label had signed other acts such as The Temptations, the Supremes and Marvin Gaye all of which led to the later additions of acts such as the Four Tops, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight and the Pips along with several others creating a new style of soul music.

Join me as I portray Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, and narrate “From Mississippi to Motown” which will explore the distinctive style of American soul music.  This show will feature many of Motown’s greatest songs and groups including hits by The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Diana Ross and The Supremes.  The show will also pay tribute to Mississippi greats such as David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, Mary Wilson, and G.C. Cameron.

From Mississippi to Motown will feature G. C. Cameron who has been the lead singer for two of the most popular Motown R&B groups in history.  He was with The Spinners (1967-1972 and 2000 -2003) and most recently with The Temptations (2003-2007).  He has now embarked on a new path, speaking to young people about the importance of education and then captivating them with his music.  G.C. will be performing some of his classic hits with the Spinners, Temptations and as a solo artist for this Motown show.

From Mississippi to Motown will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin, 64 Homochitto St. A cash bar and refreshments will be available at 6 p.m. in The Grape Escape Club Room. Admission is $25 ($10 for Student K-12, Adult with K-12 student, College and Active Military with current ID).

Other upcoming events include Rockin on the River featuring Brint Anderson tonight at Bowie’s Tavern, Revolution, Romanticism and Rachmaninoff with Jonathan Levin, piano tomorrow at Trinity Church, That Sensational Sondheim Friday at the Towers, Mississippi Concert Hall at First Presbyterian Church Thursday the 18th, The First Lady of Song: A Tribute to the Ella Fitzgerald Centennial at the Prentiss Club Friday the 19th, Camelot: A Timeless and Magical Musical by Lerner and Lowe Saturday the 20th, Highway to Heaven: Alvin Shelby anD the Natchez Community Gospel Choir at Beulah Baptist Church Thursday the 25th, The King of Rock and Roll: An Evening with Elvis Presley starring Victor Trevino Friday the 26th and The Barber of Seville Saturday the 27th.  For more information on our entire season, please visit www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com

For tickets to all events please visit www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com, or in person at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, Destination Natchez or Tourology, or telephone 888-718-4253, or at the door for all events.
Darryl Grennell is the mayor of Natchez.