What Is "Pops We Love You"...The Album

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: "Pops We Love You"...The Album is a 1979 Motown Records compilation released as a tribute to Berry Gordy, Sr., father of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. Featuring nine tracks with legendary artists including Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson, the album's title track represents the only known recording featuring these four icons together. The album was reissued on CD in 2006 by Hip-O Select.

Key Facts

Released by Motown Records in 1979 as a tribute to Berry Gordy, Sr., the father of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr.
Contains 9 songs with a total running time of 35 minutes across the original vinyl release
Features performances from Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine Jackson, the Commodores, and Táta Vega
The title track is the only known recording featuring Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder performing together
First reissued on compact disc in 2006 by Hip-O Select, making it available to a new generation of music fans

Overview

"Pops We Love You"...The Album stands as a historic 1979 compilation release from Motown Records, created to honor and celebrate Berry Gordy, Sr., affectionately known as "Pops" throughout the music industry. Berry Gordy, Sr. was the father of Berry Gordy, Jr., the visionary founder of Motown Records, which revolutionized the music industry and became one of the most successful independent record labels in history.

This special tribute album brings together some of the most legendary and influential artists in Motown's roster, showcasing the label's dominance in soul, funk, and R&B music during the late 1970s. The album features nine carefully selected tracks spanning 35 minutes of music, with each artist contributing to a project designed to celebrate the legacy and influence of the Gordy family patriarch. The release represents a unique moment in music history, capturing the artistry and talent that defined Motown Records during its peak years.

How It Works

The album functions as a curated tribute compilation, with each track selected to highlight both individual artist excellence and the collective strength of the Motown roster. Here's how the album is structured and what makes it significant:

Multi-Artist Collaboration: The album features contributions from Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jermaine Jackson, the Commodores, and Táta Vega, creating a diverse musical experience that showcases different styles within the Motown sound.
Title Track Significance: The album's title track contains the only known recording featuring Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder performing together, making it a historically irreplaceable moment in music that fans and collectors consider priceless.
Tribute Concept: Unlike typical compilation albums that focus on commercial appeal or a specific genre, this album was specifically designed to honor Berry Gordy, Sr.'s influence on the Motown family and his role in the success of one of music's greatest labels.
Vintage Motown Sound: Released during the late 1970s, the album captures the sophisticated production and vocal arrangements that defined Motown's artistic identity, showcasing the label's commitment to quality and innovation in popular music.
Limited Availability: As a special tribute release, the original 1979 vinyl pressing had limited distribution, making it a sought-after collectible for vinyl enthusiasts and Motown historians throughout the decades.

Key Comparisons

Understanding how "Pops We Love You"...The Album compares to similar releases helps illustrate its unique place in music history:

Aspect	"Pops We Love You"	Typical Motown Compilations	Other Tribute Albums
Release Purpose	Honor Berry Gordy, Sr. specifically	Promote best hits or themed collections	Celebrate deceased or retiring artists
Artist Selection	Curated based on Gordy family connections	Selected for commercial appeal	Often includes original artist or associates
Unique Recordings	Features only recorded instance of four legends together	Typically reissued existing hits	Mix of existing and new material
Distribution	Limited release, high collectibility	Wide distribution, commercially focused	Varies by tribute scope and importance
Historical Impact	Document of Motown family legacy	Snapshot of label's catalog	Preserves artist relationships and era

Why It Matters

This album carries significant historical and cultural importance within the context of Motown Records and music history more broadly:

Historical Documentation: The album serves as a formal, recorded acknowledgment of Berry Gordy, Sr.'s importance to the Motown family, creating a permanent musical tribute that would endure for generations of music fans and historians.
Rare Collaboration: The title track's exclusive recording of Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder together represents an unrepeatable moment in music history that will never be replicated, making it invaluable to music collectors and enthusiasts.
Label Legacy: The album represents Motown's position as the premier African American-owned record label, celebrating not just artists but the family and leadership that built the empire, demonstrating the label's commitment to honoring its foundations.
Collector's Value: The 1979 vinyl pressing became a highly sought-after collectible item, with original copies commanding significant prices among record collectors due to its limited availability and historical significance.

The 2006 CD reissue by Hip-O Select made this historic album accessible to a new generation of music fans and collectors who might not have access to original vinyl copies, extending the album's reach and relevance well into the 21st century. Today, "Pops We Love You"...The Album remains a testament to Berry Gordy, Sr.'s legacy and the extraordinary talent that made Motown Records one of the most important and influential record labels in the history of popular music.