Motown Legends Named 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year

Berry Gordy (left) and Smokey Robinson are the 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year.

When it first arrived on the scene the “Motown Sound” redefined popular music and transformed a small record company in Detroit into one of the titans of the industry.

Over sixty years later the legacy of Motown Records — the label that popularized the distinctive blend of R&B and precision pop — continues to grow.

So, it only makes sense that the two men most synonymous with its success will be honored together next year during Grammy Week as the 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year.

Motown founder Berry Gordy and the label’s original signee, Smokey Robinson, will share the spotlight at the annual benefit. It marks the first time in the event's 32-year history that two recipients have shared the honor.

“Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson,” said Gordy in a statement. “How special is that! I am grateful to be included in MusiCares' remarkable history of music icons. The work they do is so critical to the well-being of our music community, and I look forward to a most exciting evening."

Robinson added, "I have supported MusiCares for many years and know what great work they do for our creative community who need our help. Recently, when no one could tour, they were a lifeline to those in the touring industry for monetary help and mental health services. I am honored that they have chosen me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and celebrate with you all together."

The MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala raises funds for MusiCares programs and services that assist the music community including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies and disaster relief.

It will be held on Feb. 3, 2023, at the Los Angeles Convention Center two nights before the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. A range of popular musicians and other artists will pay homage to the two men with a tribute concert.

BET+ Announces Return of 'College Hill: Celebrity Edition'

Photo courtesy Alabama State University

Some of hip-hop culture's biggest names are pulling a Rodney Dangerfield, and going back to school.

Like the legendary comedian did in his hit movie of the same name, these stars are headed to college to pursue their higher education dreams after forsaking them for their careers earlier in life.

Celebrities Amber Rose, Joseline Hernandez, Tiffany "New York" Pollard, Parker McKenna Posey, Iman Shumpert, Kwaylon "BlameItOnKway" Rogers, and O'Ryan Browner join returning star Ray J for the second of BET+'s "College Hill: Celebrity Edition."

For the show, the entertainment luminaries will live together at Alabama State University, a historically Black college founded in 1867. There they are expected to complete a "rigorous, tailor-made academic certificate program to cross the graduation stage," according to a joint statement released Tuesday (Oct. 18) by BET+ and the school.

ASU President Quinton Ross shared the institution's excitement to welcome the show to campus.

"I want to thank Tracey Edmonds, Sean Rankine, Mark Seliga, and BET+ for selecting ASU as the location for the popular reality show that gives a global stage to the academic excellence, rich history and unique culture of the nation's HBCUs," he said.

Tiffany Lea Williams, Executive Vice President of BET Unscripted Programming, added, "We couldn't be prouder to film on the campus of HBCU, Alabama State University (ASU), which is steeped in a rich legacy of producing academic excellence within the Black community. We have a new class of celebrities ready to hit the books and embrace campus life."

The new season will premiere on BET+ in 2023.

Joyce Sims, R&B Singer Who Topped the US and UK Charts in the 1980s, Dies at 63

The family of R&B star Joyce Sims, who rose to prominence in the U.S. and U.K. in the 1980s with hits like “All and All” and “Come into My Life,” has confirmed her death at the age of 63.

“My heart is broken. I will always remember the happy times we’ve shared, the love and support you have given me will not go in vain,” Annette Ramsey, one of Sim’s siblings shared on Facebook. “I Love you Big Sis RIP.”

No cause of death was given for the singer-songwriter, whose demise on Friday (Oct. 14) was first reported by U.K.-based events organizer CJ Carlos on the same social media site.

"Having spoken to her immediate family tonight (Oct. 15), it's with a heavy heart that I post this news,” he posted. “Joyce Sims has passed away. Joyce was an amazing singer-songwriter who had so many hits in the 80s.”

Carlos added, "As most of you know she was going to be one of our USA artist's in Portugal next May. My heart goes out to her partner Errol and their children and close family."

Joyce Sims, Kurtis Mantronik, Shannon and Lisa Lisa, were the soundtrack to those glorious summers of the late 80's.

Gone to soon RIP Joyce Sims.

"All And All" (Mantronik Mega Mix) 1986pic.twitter.com/e7tTM5x1kU

— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) October 16, 2022

The New York native was best known for her hit “Come into My Life.” Released in 1987, the single peaked at No. 10 on the U. S. Billboard R&B chart and at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.

Along with her first hit, 1986’s "(You Are My) All and All,” which reached No. 6 on the U.S. dance chart and No. 16 on the U.K. singles chart, “Come into My Life” helped propel her eponymously named debut album to success in both countries.

Her follow-up albums did not reach the same heights, but she continued to perform and put out new material steadily. She had multiple minor hits with tracks like “Lifetime Love”, “Walk Away” and “Looking for a Love.”

Sims, whose last album was 2014’s “Love Song,” was touring the U.K. as recently as this summer and had plans to release a new one this year. Her music has also been sampled by several other popular artists, including Snoop Dogg and Angie Stone.

Fans and contemporaries rushed to social media to mourn her passing.

R.I.P. To the Icon JOYCE SIMS
🙏🏾❤️🌹🌹🕊

— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 16, 2022

DJ Premier tweeted, “R.I.P. To the Icon JOYCE SIMS.”

“Rest in peace Joyce Sims,” English singer Kenny Thomas wrote on Twitter. “Another soul legend taken too soon. Thank you for the music.”

Rest in peace Joyce Sims. Another soul legend taken too soon. Thank you for the music 🙏❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/md4ob35AkP

— Kenny Thomas (@kennythomas_uk) October 16, 2022