Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Berry Gordy

Role / Field:

Founder of Motown Records, transforming African-American music into a global pop phenomenon.

Born:

1929-11-28

Century / Era:

1929s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Berry Gordy III (born November 28, 1929), also known as Berry Gordy Jr., is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer, and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades. As a songwriter, Gordy composed or co-composed a number of hits including "Money (That's What I Want)", "Lonely Teardrops" and "That's Why" (Jackie Wilson), "Shop Around" (the Miracles), and "Do You Love Me" (the Contours), all of which topped the US R&B charts, as well as the international hit "Reet Petite" (Jackie Wilson). As part of The Corporation, he wrote many hit songs for the Jackson 5, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

As a record producer, he launched the Miracles and signed acts like the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder. He was known for carefully directing the public image, dress, manners, and choreography of his acts. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2016, and the Kennedy Center Honors...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Davis — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Alejandro Jodorowsky — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Avant-garde filmmaker known for surrealism, mysticism, and theatrical provocation.
• ʻAbdu'l-Bahá — Shared historical date (11-28 · Died) (1921): Successor to Baháʼu'lláh and guiding light of the Baháʼí Faith.
• Adria Petty — Shared historical date (11-28 · Born) (1974): American director, editor, and artist known for music video work with Beyoncé.
• Aletta Jacobs — Historical peer (Died in 1929) (1929): Pioneering Dutch physician and feminist, advocating for women's rights and reproductive health.
• André Previn — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): Versatile American musician, composer, and conductor mastering jazz, film, and classical forms.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• 1929 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1929
• November 28 (11-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 28

Frequently Asked Questions about Berry Gordy