Motown founder Berry Gordy and Grammy Award-winner Smokey Robinson will be honored at the 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year, the Recording Academy announced Thursday.

For the first time, the high honor will go to two music legends; the 32nd annual gala will take place in Los Angeles on February 3, two nights before the 65th annual Grammy Awards.

Gordy, the creator of Motown, alongside Robinson, his first writer and artist, have created an indelible legacy in popular music spanning more than six decades. The longtime friends will accept the prestigious award together.

"Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years," Robinson said.

How special is that!" Gordy said. "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."

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