Gordy, 83, helped launch the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and many others. The success of his Detroit-based record label is credited as a major step in the racial integration of the music industry. The "Motown Sound" is a crossover genre, blending pop and soul.
The award, in its 15th year, will be presented at a black-tie gala on Nov. 19. Additional details are to be determined. Past recipients include James Earl Jones, Mia Farrow, Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey.
Anderson was a world-famous contralto whose singing career included many firsts for African-Americans in classical music.
Today on PhillyDailyNews.com: Check out this Spotify playlist of some of the classics Gordy wrote or produced.