Entrepreneur and Musical Producer

Born November 28, 1929 in Detroit,Michigan to a middle class AfricanAmerican family

Was one of 8 childrenAttempted his first career as a

Featherweight Boxer.After returning from the Korean War he

pursued a career in music, and created arecord company called Motown Records.

Main goal was to integrate AfricanAmericans into mainstream radio.

Helped promote many now well-knownartists such as Michael Jackson, theTemptations, The Supremes, and the FourTops.

Located in Detroit, Michigan, then in 1972was relocated to Los Angeles.

Also helped promote R&B, a new style ofmusic in the ‘60’s combining AfricanAmerican gospel, and rock& roll.

Motown records produced over 110number one hits including “Please Mr.Postman,” “My Girl,” “Stop! In the Nameof Love,” and “For Once in My Life.”

Gordy was also a renown songwriter andsinger.

In order for his artists to be accepted inthe music world, he “groomed” his artiststo be professionals:

He hired choreographers, make-up artists,and designers to help them look “polishedand sophisticated”

This was a cultural decision, as he wantedto branch out to the white population tospread R&B.

Believed in quality performers andreputations

Berry Gordy helped revolutionizeAmerican music, and transformed R&Binto what we know and love today.

Helped African American songwritersbecome successful during Civil Rights Era.

Gordy has won numerous awards such asthe Martin Luther King Jr. LeadershipAward, the trustee Award and has beeninducted in to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall ofFame