Berry Gordy

Date of Birth: November 28, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Berry Gordy Jr. is an American record executive, producer, songwriter, film producer, and television producer. He was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. Gordy is best known for founding the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which played a pivotal role in the racial integration of popular music by achieving a crossover success. Under his leadership, Motown became the highest-earning African American business for decades. Gordy was instrumental in launching the careers of countless legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. His innovative approach to producing music, marketing artists, and managing talent has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Berry Gordy

1. Berry Gordy originally pursued a career as a professional boxer before turning to music.

2. Gordy co-wrote several hits for Jackie Wilson, including “Reet Petite” and “Lonely Teardrops.”

3. Motown’s first headquarters was a house purchased by Gordy in Detroit, famously known as “Hitsville U.S.A.”

4. Berry Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

5. Gordy produced the 1985 film “The Last Dragon,” which became a cult classic.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Berry Gordy

1. “Money isn’t worth anything if it can’t buy happiness.”

2. “If you can conceive it, and believe it, you can achieve it.”

3. “Dreams don’t have deadlines. I’m thinking of doing bigger and better things and having more fun with it.”

4. “I learned a long time ago that you can’t tell someone what to feel. You can only help them discover what they already feel.”

5. “Motown was about music for all people—white and black, blue and green, cops and robbers. I was reluctant to have our music alienate anyone.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Berry Gordy’s highest net worth is estimated to be approximately $400 million.

Children

Berry Gordy has eight children: 1. Hazel Joy Gordy – Born in 1954, she was married to Jermaine Jackson. 2. Berry Gordy IV – Born in 1955, he is the father of Sky Blu from the musical duo LMFAO. 3. Terry James Gordy – Born in 1956. 4. Kerry Gordy – Born in 1959, he is a music executive and producer. 5. Sherry Gordy – Born in 1960. 6. Kennedy William Gordy (professionally known as Rockwell) – Born in 1964, he is known for his hit single “Somebody’s Watching Me.” 7. Rhonda Suzanne Gordy – Born in 1971, she is the daughter of Gordy and Diana Ross. 8. Stefan Kendal Gordy (professionally known as Redfoo) – Born in 1975, he is one-half of the musical duo LMFAO.