2. Born November 28, 1929 in Detroit,
Michigan to a middle class African
American family
Was one of 8 children
Attempted his first career as a
Featherweight Boxer.
After returning from the Korean War he
pursued a career in music, and created a
record company called Motown Records.
3. Main goal was to integrate African
Americans into mainstream radio.
Helped promote many now well-known
artists such as Michael Jackson, the
Temptations, The Supremes, and the Four
Tops.
Located in Detroit, Michigan, then in 1972
was relocated to Los Angeles.
Also helped promote R&B, a new style of
music in the ‘60’s combining African
American gospel, and rock& roll.
4. Motown records produced over 110
number one hits including “Please Mr.
Postman,” “My Girl,” “Stop! In the Name
of Love,” and “For Once in My Life.”
Gordy was also a renown songwriter and
singer.
5. In order for his artists to be accepted in
the music world, he “groomed” his artists
to be professionals:
He hired choreographers, make-up artists,
and designers to help them look “polished
and sophisticated”
This was a cultural decision, as he wanted
to branch out to the white population to
spread R&B.
Believed in quality performers and
reputations
6. Berry Gordy helped revolutionize
American music, and transformed R&B
into what we know and love today.
Helped African American songwriters
become successful during Civil Rights Era.
Gordy has won numerous awards such as
the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership
Award, the trustee Award and has been
inducted in to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of
Fame
