Sticky Note Conversations

In this week's episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with Kerry Gordy, the executive producer of the Netflix documentary 'Sunday Best, The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan.' They discuss the significance of Ed Sullivan's efforts to showcase Black talent during a tumultuous time in American history, and how it paved the way for future Black entertainers. Kerry Gordy shares insights into his involvement in the project, his father's legacy, and the impact of Ed Sullivan on the visibility and acceptance of Black performers. The conversation also touches on the challenges and triumphs of producing culturally significant content and the ongoing importance of preserving and sharing this history. Don't miss this deep dive into the past and present of Black entertainment and advocacy.
  • (00:00) - Introduction to Sticky Note Conversations
  • (00:53) - Special Guest: Kerry Gordy
  • (01:45) - The Making of 'Sunday Best' Documentary
  • (06:00) - Ed Sullivan's Impact on Black Artists
  • (10:15) - The Power of Representation
  • (13:42) - Kerry Gordy's Personal Insights
  • (15:14) - The Legacy of Black Artists in Media
  • (16:41) - The Importance of Knowing Our History
  • (28:33) - Kerry Gordy's Role in the Music Industry
  • (39:59) - Protecting Creative Rights
  • (48:03) - Publishing Rights Evolution
  • (48:39) - Tragic Story of Jesse Belvin
  • (49:51) - Barry Gordy and Ed Sullivan's Impact
  • (51:06) - Interview with Mary Wilson
  • (53:34) - Motown's Class and Legacy
  • (55:42) - Challenges of a Marvin Gaye Biopic
  • (01:01:44) - Documentary and Film Projects
  • (01:07:28) - Producing the Play '44'
  • (01:14:18) - Carrie Gordy's Legacy and Vision
  • (01:23:34) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Creators and Guests

Producer
Erika Washington
SE
Editor
Simone Endress
WB
Composer
Wil Black

What is Sticky Note Conversations?

To keep my thoughts in order and my to-do lists remotely manageable I create arrays of sticky notes on my desk and wall. New idea? Stick note! Someone I want to meet with? Sticky Note! Need to remember to pay a parking ticket? Write it on a sticky note. Over the course of the last year, I have wanted to create a podcast that allowed me to dive deep into conversations with interesting people.. I wanted to have real conversations that were more than sound bites or regurgitated talking points about fluffy topics. My hope is that each episode feels like old friends catching up. Revealing great information but also humanity, struggle, victory, joy, grief, and possibly, a flicker of transcendence.

I hope you will enjoy these as much as I do creating them.
Join me here every Saturday as I pull a new sticky note off my desk.