When Gordy Sr. died that October, his son asked longtime Motown songwriters Marilyn McLeod and Pam Sawyer to compose a song in tribute to him and also began to produce a full-length album with other artists.

Ross and Gaye were sparked from the recording of the song that they agreed to add vocals to another McLeod/Sawyer composition, the lite funk-laden, socially conscious "I'll Keep My Light in My Window", marking their first studio duet since the Diana & Marvin sessions of 1972.

The reviewer wrote, "Outstanding vocal performances by these four premiere singers highlights this song written for Berry Gordy Sr.'s 90th birthday.

"[1] J. Randy Taraborrelli, writing in Diana Ross: A Biography, commented, "It would seem that a song such as 'Pops, We Love You,' featuring Motown's biggest superstars, couldn't miss.

But, while Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder all turned in strong performances, this tribute to Berry Gordy's father was just too much of a novelty to be taken seriously.