Paul McCartney, Berry Gordy play restored piano at Motown Museum benefit event in New York

DETROIT – An 1877 Steinway grand piano used by Motown greats during the label’s heyday and restored with an assist by Paul McCartney has made its return at a charitable event in New York.

The ex-Beatle told Motown Museum officials following a concert last summer in Detroit that he wanted to help with the restoration of the 9-foot piano after learning the historic instrument could no longer be played.

According to organizers of the private event held Tuesday night, McCartney and Motown founder Berry Gordy played the piano together.

They performed the label’s 1959 hit, “Money (That’s What I Want),” and McCartney later played the Beatles tunes “Lady Madonna” and “Hey Jude.”

McCartney says “people in the future will record on (the piano) and keep the legacy of Motown alive.”