The Gordy Dynasty Continues

Karla Gordy Bristol is the proud daughter of former Motown Records vice president, Iris Gordy, and the late Johnny Bristol, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and singer; and the great-niece of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Having been raised within a family environment of extensively rich musical wonderment which has had a profoundly positive effect on the lives of millions of people all around the world, it makes it tremendously special for World Equal to be welcomed by the warm wings of Karla's kindness. A very special interview between Teddy Hayes and Karla Gordy Bristol will take you into the heart of her Motown family and the magic of Motown’s musical past present and future plans.

great grandparents, Bertha and Berry “Pops” Gordy, Sr. My mother, Iris Gordy and my father, Johnny Bristol were already a part of the illustrious Motown family through their work contributions to Hitsville U.S.A. and Motown Records, so I was doubly blessed times two…from my Gordy and Motown families and both of my parents music careers, making me a Legacy Motown family member.

This is the village that raised me, and oh what an active, fun and excitement-filled village it was! I didn’t realize it growing up, as I viewed everything and everyone around me as a normal life, though I was a very quiet yet observant child. So, to your specific question, the development of my life has been greatly impacted, nourished and subliminally guided, as a direct result of my family's influences. All of this shaped me to be confident and committed and to believe I can do anything. It caused me to be detail-oriented, to have a plan, and a team and to execute successfully.

Teddy Hayes: You grew up as part of the Motown family which was a very successful-oriented family, how do you think that shaped you as a person with respect to your goals and outlook on life?

Karla Gordy Bristol Actually, there's the

Setting goals was a priority lesson for my family. It also instilled in me the belief that everyone has successful abilities, whether they realize it or not. Without planning to, I eventually became an employee at Motown Records, contributing to the company, for the final two years before my uncle Berry sold the company, which ironically placed me as a part of the Motown family on my own merits. And, best believe, I received many family lectures, words of advice, and witnessed extreme acts of kindness that remain with me today in how I handle my work.

I continue to love and appreciate my Gordy family, as well as the Motown family for loving and instilling priceless life gems into me, and the many who are still there for me today. All of those involved from the creation through to the sale of Motown in 1988, were executives, writers, producers, artists, musicians, staff, etc, who are true alumni lol so, I kept inviting them to concerts and events, which made them happy, so it made me feel good for them. Possibly that has something to do with why my life has been about making people happy.

Teddy Hayes: What things are you most asked when people find out that you are a member of an iconic Gordy family and are there any misconceptions?

Karla Gordy Bristol: After asking me how I'm related to Berry Gordy, people tend to go straight to asking me what it was like being around so many celebrities, especially Michael Jackson. For the record, my maternal grandfather, Fuller Berry Gordy is the elder brother of Berry Gordy. People ask me if it was exciting growing up and express how it must have been so amazing being around Motown artists all the time. But, a large majority don't ask questions, as much as they rave about their love of Motown and what it meant to them and their parents, they share stories of the impact of Motown in their life, share favorite songs and express so much joy, praise, love and admiration, and even appreciation for what Motown has meant. It's emotional for me to hear their comments. It makes me feel proud and very humble for what my family gave to people. Some of their misconceptions are believing that being related to Berry Gordy and growing up around Motown artists and other celebrities is a big deal to me, when it's not. That's the life I knew from birth and the people they're talking about are either my actual family or Motown family to me, so no, their view of it is not mine. Another misconception is, I'm often told that they expected me to be snobby or stuck up, yet pleasantly view me as down to earth and engaging. Again, I credit my loving family for instilling humanity and core values into me. It took a while for me to view the "fan perspective" from their lens. After years of not understanding why people "fans" would surround, crowd and scream for Motown artists, and sitting aside observing their behavior and actions, it was in high school, maybe 11th grade when I a moment of, "Ah, I get why my friends act so excited." Then, I took the view of, how can I share my normal self with my friends who find it, in high school terms...freakin' amazing.

Teddy Hayes: You have used your background to create the Motown show, tell us a bit about the nature of the show, and why you created it.

Karla Gordy Bristol: Creating and producing my Motown show has been my long-time developing project idea, which I'm so grateful to have premiered in Beverly Hills, California on October 1, 2022, which sold out in three weeks and had a waitlist of nearly 250 people. I initially envisioned my show would offer a direct relationship with the Motown family and an audience, providing a rare authentic experience and a history lesson from those who were there (Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, MI), Meanwhile celebrating my family legacy and Motown family. The real deal show is about, by and with actual Motown family members, sharing the early Motown experience. One that also highlights people who were a part of the Motown story, but may not be readily known, but who were impactful; unsung Motown family, their stories...I bring remarkable stories and music, a combination that is proven to be a unique, explosive and life-changing event experience for people to attend. It's my tangible Motown show, where guests have an opportunity to get the true history and ask questions directly to the Motown family in a more intimate venue of approximately 1,000 seats. I include special videos of Motown artists, producers, executives and writers, filmed and produced exclusively as a part of this show. I love and appreciate my Motown family dearly for their participation, in support of my show. That means a lot, especially because this show highlights their history. I understand and respect that there are Motown tribute shows out there. My lens for developing this show is unique and special. My drive and passion are heartfelt and I hold my Motown family in high regard and true love. After years of putting this off, I had to launch it this year, as my uncle Berry Gordy is 93 and most of are Motown family in their 70s and 80s. Life is to be celebrated and give flowers in person. I don't want fans to miss the opportunity to engage with them, and witness history in person, so yes, I had to create and launch this show and continue to take it to other venues, cities and counties, especially the U.K. who began showing Motown artists love early on and continue to do so.

Teddy Hayes: When you approached the Motown legends to be a part of your show, what were their responses to being onstage and in the public eye after so many years?

Karla Gordy Bristol: I'm grateful and blessed to have had my Motown family say "Yes" to me when I called! Some were available in person, while others who were on the road took time to be filmed in our video participation segment. I don't take that lightly, as hey don't have to. They love me and I love them. Some are much more actively on the road performing, than others, so the response to participating can be different. The response by those who may not perform as often was very happy to participate and grateful and it showed on stage as these professional enjoying doing what they do best on stage, and the audience was completely engaged and lively. They were pleased to celebrate Motown in this way.

The mood backstage was truly Motown family love. Coming off a Pandemic, most hadn't seen each other in over two years or more, so a lot of catching up and joy was had by our performers, speakers and hosts. Live on stage or via video participation, my 2022 premiere show included Smokey Robinson, Otis Williams (The Temptations), Duke Fakir (The Four Tops), Martha Reeves, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, The Former Ladies of The Supremes, and others. Additional appearances included music arranger Paul Riser, Sr. and The Temptations’ long-time manager, Shelly Berger, and celebrity hosts.

Teddy Hayes: You recently staged this show at a venue in Beverly Hills California to a sell-out crowd. Was this response a surprise or not, and why?

Karla Gordy Bristol: I've produced many events, shows and galas, but this was my first theatre venue show. I must express my thanks to my entire production team for their hard work. I knew I created a popular content show with unique elements, so I expected it to sell out. What I didn't expect was for it to sell out in about three weeks. What a blessing and true testament to this unique production, and of course the love of Motown. I don't think the venue expected a sell-out show, but they were highly pleased. It was their season kick-off show, so it brought a lot of attention to the theatre and its fall season. We were told by the venue that they had a waiting list of 220 people weeks before the show. By show day, that number had increased significantly. Many patrons were calling the venue demanding a second show. This was truly humbling. I did feel bad that we couldn't accommodate everyone, but clearly optimistic about what I created and looking forward to taking it to other venues. I wanted to launch the first show in my home city of Beverly Hills, and also support our local theatre.

Teddy Hayes: What kind of industry and business support were you able to get for your show?

Karla Gordy Bristol: Sponsors, supporters and/or patrons are of course key to any production. I've been grateful and blessed to have received support on my projects, which have all been successful and enjoyed and remembered by many. That's key to me, producing something that positively impacts people, and they talk about their experience well beyond the event or show. That

Teddy Hayes: What did you find was the most difficult part of producing the show?

Karla Gordy Bristol: Well, all projects need funding. It's always easier when funding is secured for pre-production. In 2022, this was my first show, and funding was in place a bit later than planned. Motown The Musical was a production by my uncle Berry Gordy that was highly acclaimed and a huge success in the United States on Broadway, on tour and in the U.K., as you've mentioned. I absolutely loved the show. I attended the New York, Detroit and Los Angeles opening nights. I really wanted to attend the U.K. opening, but couldn't get away. Our show is called Motown: Celebrating the Music, the Magic, the Love. Motown is a global phenomenon filled with magical music and stories. Motown is the one line of communication that connects people all around the world through music. People of all cultures dance and sing together and know what Motown is. They love it. That makes it magical, and lasting for years and years.

Teddy Hayes: What is your vision for developing and expanding the show in the future?

Karla Gordy Bristol: I have tweaked parts of the show for the next production. The venue, city and other factors cause me to continue to create a variety of special elements for the show. All are wonderful. The Motown story is like a large tree with thousands of branches, each having its own sub-story. From the many hit songs to the many stories within Motown and the Motown family, my show is

That's key to me, producing something that positively impacts people, and they talk about their experience well beyond the event or show. That brings me joy. I always want my supporters to be pleased too. My launch of the Motown show was supported by The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Sony Music Publishing, The Berry Gordy Foundation For Truth and Justice and the many people who purchased tickets.

Teddy Hayes: Because you have so many famous iconic names involved, is there the possibility that this stage show could be recorded and streamed so that millions of people around the world could get to see your show?

Karla Gordy Bristol: That possibility is definitely on the table for our future shows. We recorded our launch show for archive purposes.

Teddy Hayes: What do your great uncle Berry Gordy Jr, and your mother Iris Gordy, think about your show? Have they passed any words of wisdom onto you?

Karla Gordy Bristol: I love and respect both of their opinions. They're each tough critics. Mom learned it from him. He hired her to his Quality Control Department in the earlier years, so...no pressure, right? I was very happy that my Uncle Berry attended. During that time, he wasn't attending most events. He was clapping, smiling and standing at many points during the show. I'm grateful for his continued support of my many projects and initiatives, especially this one. He always shares feedback. He is the best teacher and doesn't hold back his thoughts. He has shared many wise words and complimentary comments with me. I can't share most, but he's told me to be the best at whatever I do, when respected people speak high praises of you, it says a lot about you, volunteering is important, be 15 minutes early, not on time and he's also said to me to be proud of myself to be truly happy. I'm always grateful for my uncle's input. His pleasure in my work is a blessing. I invited my mother to be my Associate Producer of the show and one of the panellists, where she shared remarkable stories. She added so much knowledge and creative elements and even helped with script rewrites. She was definitely a proud mom throughout the production period, and on show day, she was very happy for me. She congratulated me and shared how proud she was of all that I accomplished on the show. She's looking forward to my next show, as many on the program have also stated, and I'm looking forward to it too.

Teddy Hayes: In addition to being the creator of the Motown show, you are also a Commissioner of Arts and Culture for the city of Beverly Hills. Tell us a little about your role in this position, and how you came to this position.

Karla Gordy Bristol: A few years after Motown moved to Los Angeles, CA, my mother was relocated to work for Motown there, so we moved to Beverly Hills. Having grown up here, I became involved in the city in a variety of ways over many years, leading up to my unanimous city council appointment to the Arts and Culture Commission in July of 2021, after applying for an open position along with nearly 100 applicants. The city commissions are advisory commissions. My commission helps the city make decisions on Art installations, the Fine Arts Fund, Arts and Culture initiatives and much more. A full term is six years. With my career background as a dance and singing performer, choreographer, TV Host, entertainment and event producer, and my work at Motown and Legacy, I'm honored to be a city commissioner of Arts and Culture. We just put on our first cultural festival, Festival Beverly Hills.

Teddy Hayes: You have a relationship with the original studio where the hits of Motown were recorded in Detroit, how are you working with them with respect to your show?

Karla Gordy Bristol: The original Motown building is called Hitsville U.S.A. and still stands in Detroit, Michigan as Motown Museum. As my show highlights early Motown, this building was important to include, in addition to the fact that I fully support my family's legacy and Motown Museum, so this show was an opportunity to educate my audience on the meaning and impact of this small white and blue house to the Motown story. My cousin Robin Terry is CEO and is leading a multi-million dollar expansion project, carrying on the artefacts and history. I asked Robin to allow me to use the Hitsville house image as my logo, and she graciously agreed. We also filmed some of our show interviews at the museum of Martha Reeves, Paul Riser, Sr. and The Four Tops Duke Fakir, to further connect this house visually to my show. I'm grateful to these artists, my Motown family, and my cousin for saying "Yes", and being a part of my launch show. On another note, my Dad, Johnny Bristol produced many Motown hits there, and I believe he met my Mom, Iris Gordy, a former Motown executive and producer there.

Teddy Hayes: You also host a TV show for Beverly Hills Television where you interview many guests, tell us a bit about this show.

Karla Gordy Bristol: After many years doing red carpet interviews, emceeing at beauty pageants and events, then seeing me as a host of a live television show for over a year, in 2017, the City of Beverly Hills city council unanimously approved to have me as a host for their local Beverly Hills View television talk show. In my segments of this show, I bring guests who entertain, enlighten, educate and inform the audience, while sharing their life journey to success. I'm still a host and last interviewed Otis Williams of The Temptations. We even discussed his recent U.K. visit and his play, "Ain't Too Proud" which is in the U.K. now. I'll be filming more shows soon. My past interviews have included highly acclaimed individuals, Mayor of Beverly Hills Lili Bosse, Smokey Robinson, Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, Tata Vega, Freda Payne Nobel Prize Winner, Lou Ignarro, Authors, Dance Theater Directors, charitable organizations, artists and Prince protege Jill Jones. Many guests have a connection to Beverly Hills, while others are celebrities who our community would enjoy. It would be a pleasure to do presenter work projects in the U.K.

Ed Fielding edfielding.co.uk

Ed Fielding is a Pro Freelance Music Photographer who contributes to events work for the Harrogate Convention Centre and is the official photographer for Black Start Riders & Stiff Little Fingers.

Ed photographs concerts and events mainly for magazines, editorials, advertising and for artists/bands for CD artwork. Ed’s work has been featured in Rocksound Magazine, NME.com and he is a contributor to World Equal Magazine, formally known as Equal Fashion Magazine.

Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind